Hitachi SRP-4 Probe

Hitachi SRP-4 Probe Overview

Hitachi SRP-4 Probe is a highly specialized, OEM SRP-4 probe accessory designed for the Oxford / Hitachi compatible SRP-4 CMI563 and CMI700 series Coating Thickness Gauge instruments. The probe’s primary function is to address the critical need for precise, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of Surface Copper Thickness on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), making it essential for PCB Quality Control (QC) in Electronics Manufacturing.

Hitachi CMI563 SRP-4 probe is a professional Surface Cu Srp-4 Probe tailored for Hitachi (Oxford) CMI563 and CMI700 Cu Thickness Tester. Leveraging eddy current and microresistance dual principles, it delivers ±1% accuracy for PCB surface copper thickness measurement. Compatible with chemical, electroplated copper, and substrate layers, its replaceable SRP-4 Tips and built-in lighting ensure long-term reliability. Paired with CMI700 Probe and calibration standard plate, it’s essential for PCB quality control.

Technical Principle: Dual Technology for High Resolution Thickness

The SRP-4 Thickness Probe integrates two measurement principles to ensure accuracy across a wide range of thicknesses, a key advantage over single-principle probes.

• Micro-Resistance (Four-Point Probe): This is the core technology. The Four-Point Probe structure (two constant current pins, two voltmeter pins) measures the resistance of the copper layer. Since resistance is inversely proportional to thickness, the instrument can calculate the PCB Copper Thickness with high precision. This method is particularly accurate for very thin chemical copper (0.25μm to 12.7μm). This principle ensures the reading is Substrate Independent—meaning the insulation board or backside copper layer does not interfere with the measurement.

• Eddy Current: This technology is used concurrently, typically for measuring thicker Electrodeposited Copper layers (up to 152μm) and providing stability in the dual-principle analysis.

The dual principle results in an impressive accuracy of ±1% ( ±0.1μm) when used with a Calibration Standard Plate.

Design and Product Features

The Hitachi CMI500 SRP-4 Probe (compatible with CMI700/CMI563) is engineered for efficiency and low maintenance costs in Printed Circuit Board Testing.

• Patented Replaceable Tips: The Oxford-patented SRP-4 Tips allow users to perform a Hitachi SRP-4 Probe replacement of only the worn contact tips, cutting maintenance costs by 50% compared to non-replaceable probes. This addresses the common search for SRP-4 Probe price solutions.

• Smart Positioning: A built-in LED lighting system and anti-slip protective cover facilitate precise placement on small PCB pads and copper traces, significantly reducing positioning errors during Copper Trace Thickness measurement, especially in high-density interconnect (HDI) testing.

• Wide Test Range: The probe handles all critical surface copper layers, from the thinnest Electroless Copper to the thickest Electrodeposited Copper, meeting diverse manufacturing standards (e.g., IPC-6012).

Usage Protocol and Maintenance

Proper utilization, as outlined in the SRP-4 Probe operation manual, maximizes the SRP-4 probe lifetime and accuracy.

1. Preparation and Calibration: Connect the Hitachi SRP-4 Probe to the tester. The system requires initial Copper Thickness Calibration using the certified Calibration Standard Plate.

2. Positioning: Clean the test area with a Nylon brush. Activate the LED light and place the four tips firmly and evenly onto the surface copper layer.

3. Measurement: Initiate the measurement on the tester; the result is generated in 1–2 seconds.

4. Maintenance: After use, the tips should be cleaned with a PVA Sponge Roller. SRP-4 Probe repair is typically limited to replacing the SRP-4 Tips when wear exceeds 0.5 mm.

Application Scenarios and Value

The SRP-4 measurement probe is an indispensable tool for manufacturers seeking to ensure compliance and reduce defects.

• Automotive PCB Manufacturing: Ensures thick copper plating meets high-reliability standards, often integrated into a complete QC workflow with the ETP Probe for PTH hole copper thickness testing.

• HDI Board Production: Essential for accurately controlling the thickness of ultra-thin Electroless Copper used in micro-vias and HDI structures.

• Cost Efficiency: The durable design and replaceable tips significantly reduce annual maintenance costs, making the Hitachi SRP Probe a cost-effective solution for long-term use. Manufacturers looking for the best deal often seek an SRP-4 wholesale supplier or OEM SRP-4 probe distributor.

Production Process