HOUSTON — April 25, 2007 — BPM Microsystems, a leading supplier of device programming systems worldwide, announces that it has been awarded an Innovation Award in the Programming category for the latest addition to its Helix automated device programmer. The award was presented by EM Asia Magazine to Keith Burnham, director of global sales, during a Wednesday, April 25, 2007 ceremony that took place at the Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition International Hotel during NEPCON China/EMT China.

Automating the device programming cycle has always been the preference in electronics manufacturing, but until now, the cost of this equipment was difficult to economically justify. With the introduction of the Helix programming system, device programming customers can get the quality of automated device handling at a lower price point than traditionally available.

As a desktop automated system, the Helix comes standard with a precision-designed tray input and output handling system with a reject location. The new system is designed to have the same dph and is based on the Helix-TU-10 design. The tray version uses the same core programming technology, as well as the same socket modules as the standard BPM Microsystems automated line. The pressure plates are exchangeable between the two units.

Integrated in the handler are two BPM Micro Enhanced 7th Generation programming sites with FX4™ socket module capability. FX4™ socket module technology allows for programming up to four devices simultaneously per site. The Helix system is designed to handle a wide range of packages including but not limited to MSOP, SOIC, PLCC, SSOP and TSSOP.

The operational sequence of the machine picks the part from tray input, transfers the part to the programming socket, programs the part, and returns the part to tray output. Integrated motors open and close programming sites in synchronization with the placement and retrieval of parts. The precision tooling head requires no vision system for handling fine-pitched parts, therefore allowing an overall throughput of 800 devices per hour. One computer and software interface controls both BPWin software and handler control operations for a fully integrated programming and handling solution.

The Innovation Awards program is sponsored by EM Asia Magazine and honors the top 21 brands of various manufacturing-related products, materials and equipment. The purpose of this program is to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in the Asian electronics industry. The awards will bring the industry together in a celebration of the companies that are achieving the highest standards and driving technology forward.