PCB Test, PCBA Test : Test jig, Test Fixture, ICT, FCT, FPT, BBT, ATE
Any electronic product even if properly designed and built with utmost care is prone to bugs and issues. It is very crucial to test the PCB, PCBA and product thoroughly in early stages of design to save millions of dollars later. The testing can be done at the PCB design level wherein after using various design analysis techniques like EMI, Signal Integrity and Power Integrity,the design issues can be minimized. Testing needs to be done on bare PCB once it is manufactured as well after components population i.e. when PCB assembly has been done. Testing ensures that there are no shorts, open or bad solder joints. We also need to make sure current capacity, performance, component value and Impedance are within the proper and expected tolerance levels.
PCB Bare Board Test (BBT)
PCB BBT (Bare board test) are the tests which are done on unpopulated boards where netlist defined circuit connection is verified properly on the fabricated board. In the Bare board test A small voltage is applied and is verified at the appropriate points, a “short”, “open” are identified in these types of tests. Industrial CT scanning can show details of soldered path and connections by generating a 3D rendering of the board along with 2D image slices.
In-Circuit Test ( ICT )
In-Circuit Test, ICT is a form of automatic Test Equipment ( ATE ) which is a very effective form to test printed circuit boards. It can find short circuits, open circuits, and component values, and it can check the operation of ICs.
JTAG boundary scan Test
JTAG boundary scan uses the dedicated test logic built into Integrated circuits (ICs), to check if each device is correctly soldered and is properly inserted onto the PCB. The devices which include this logic are FPGAs, CPLDs, microprocessors, DSPs, bus logic, SERDES, telecom encoders, PHYs, ASICs, and Bridges (PCI/PCIe).
Flying probe test (FPT)
Flying probe testing (FPT) uses “flying” test probes that move from one test point to the next in accordance with the instructions provided by the individual software program designed for the board under test. if utilised on an assembled PCB, Flying probe testing might alternatively be referred to as a fixtureless in-circuit test ( ICT ).
Functional circuit test ( FCT)
When the function of the circuit is tested, it is known as the functional circuit test (FCT). Functional circuit testers typically interface to the PCB or device under test via its test-probe points or edge connectors.FCT testing is the simulation of the final environment in which the PCB is meant to function.Functional testers can be chassis or rack based or test equipment that uses GPIB.
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE)
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) is the apparatus that makes tests automated and helps to identify issues even at System-On-Chips and Integrated circuits levels. We use PCBA test jigs, PCBA test fixtures and Automatic Test Equipment to test the Printed circuit boards (PCB) and PCB Assemblies (PCBA).
PCB Test Jigs and Test Fixtures
Specialized and custom designed PCB Test jigs and PCB test fixtures are used to test PCB and PCBA.
Test Points are identified and probed to identify the input to be given and the output to be measured.
A test jig can be identified as a device or machinery that holds a piece of machine work which nowadays comprises much electronic intelligence and guides the tools operating on it.
It should not be confused with Test fixtures which are used to keep the object firmly in place.
in PCB testing both the terms test jigs and test fixtures are interchangeably used as is meant as an electro-mechanical solution to test the printed circuit boards or PCBs.
Custom made PCBA Test jigs and PCBA test fixtures are made as per the application of the board to test its test points.
Test Engineering
Argus has specialized knowledge on various aspects of PCB tests, PCBA tests and product tests which can be in assistance of OEM and suggest the best test method and test equipment to improve and test the product reliability , defects and issues early in the product life cycle and can thus save both the product development crucial factors cost and time.
- In-Circuit Test Development
- DFT implementation and Probe accessibility audits
- Fixture fabrication data to support the vendor of your choice
- Complete documentation and test program conforming to your requirements
- Panellized board testing
- Board testing utilizing dual access, bi-level fixturing
- Boundary-scan test support
- Rapid test program development.
Contact AESPL for Electronic Product Test Solutions such as Test Jig, Test Fixture, Functional Tester, Automated Test Equipment, In-circuit Tester, End of line Tester ( EOL testing).
Argus Systems (AESPL) is an Electronic System Design and manufacturing (ESDM) company with Its Operations in India, the USA, and UK providing Electronic Product testing Solutions such as Functional Tester, Automated Test Equipment ( ATE ) , PCB Test jig, PCB Assembly Test Fixtures, PCBA In-circuit Tester, End of Line Tester ( EOL tester).