Flying Probe Test
Before departing circuit boards, all manufacturing houses perform different tests to check the reliability of their products. These tests help companies to figure out the fault and measure the performance of their products. Flying probe test system is the most prominent testing way to test PCBs. Let’s take a brief overview of this incredible testing technique:
This testing technique is the up-gradation of the bed of nails fixture test. All flying probe tester is to utilize probes that replace the entire bed of nails method. There are four headers that lie along the X and Y axis and move at a very high speed.
You can use this method to check the resistance, opens, and shorts of the circuit boards. Flying probe testing is very helpful to check capacitance, inductance and much more.
Advantages & Disadvantages of PCB Flying Probe Test
There is some most remarkable reason that makes this system very helpful as compared to others. This testing technique features the advantages given below:
• It cost relatively low as compared to other methods.
• PCB Flying probe test has a short test development cycle.
• This test environment has high conversion flexibility.
• Engineers can have feedback even in the prototyping period.
The programming for this testing system is very simple and the setting is very easy. So a simple technician is enough to operate this. This testing technique takes much lesser time while comparing it to the ICT method. For quick PCB assembly, manufacturers start assembling PCB right after the arrival of CAD files.
Here are some most significant disadvantages of this system:
• Likewise, many other tests, PCB board flying probe test doesn’t power up the circuit. So it doesn’t give you a real-world look.
• Although the cost of this testing method is low, it can be huge for large orders.
• This testing technique is not much suitable for a large order like the ICT method. For large order, you should go with ICT.
Flying probe test programming is easy and quick as compared to traditional ICT. ICT stands for In-Circuit Test. The working mechanism of this test is very easy.
First of all, testing staff transforms computer-aided design into an applicable file. Engineers provide this CAD file for the implementation of programming for this test.
Then, a test program with the help of new files runs the newly generated files and generates corresponding formats. After all, the staff will create different files that cater to all requirements and UUT test demands.
After the end of test programming, this test is around the corner. First, you need to determine the test item such as opens. Then, pick up the computer-aided data after confirming the UUT. So after fixing the UUT on the platform, all you need to inspect the assembly issues of the PCB.
Before you start official testing, you should do debugging first to find bugs. The debugging takes much lesser time as compared to conventional ICT testing.
The flying testing method is more efficient as compared to the bed of nails test in the PCB assembly test. It is very helpful in cost reduction so it boosts the product flow in the market at a faster speed. Due to cost reduction, there is no need to call for the fixture at all.
For the application of the bed of nails test, you need to call fixture. In addition to this, flying probe testing services are capable of low volume testing a the lowest cost. This testing method takes much less time as compared to the bed of nails test. So this testing service is capable to test various PCBs in the shortest time interval.
Electronic devices are getting complex day by day. So different firms need to move with the trend. This trend requires complex circuit boards. So, companies use to adopt various different ways of testing to test these boards.
This environment is one of the most useful ways to test circuit boards. The most remarkable feature of this system is that it doesn’t require test fixturing. With the limited access of board, this system is capable to test circuit boards virtually. In addition, this system offers a short interval of time to complete the entire test program.
This testing technique is very useful for low volume PCBs. If a company builds 1 to 2000 boards per year, this testing service is the optimal option for the firms. Otherwise, ICT is an ideal option for high volume PCBs.
The dimension of time in PCB can vary that depends on the size of the board. In most cases, the run time for this testing method is somewhere between 5 to 15 minutes per board. However, it can exceed this time depending on the size of the board.
Some large boards can even take 30 plus minutes for test completion. However, it happens in rare cases. The most interesting point is that small boards need testing times in seconds! However, this testing method is slightly slow while comparing it with in-circuit testing.
Everything is affordable nowadays except time. The PDM unit is similar to a test. it helps in measuring the difference between different phases. In addition, it performs this task by sending a high frequency signal between the signal and reference line. This technique is valuable for cutting down the isolation tests inside the net.
Despite this testing service disadvantages, it is still one of the prominent testing methods. Furthermore, due to its cost-affectivity and efficiency, most firms still adopt it. MOKO Technology is one of the eminent names in these testing services. The experienced workers of MOKO Technology have a strong grip over this testing mechanism. If you have enough budget to utilize this testing technique, contact MOKO Technology to get a quote immediately. Discuss your needs and volume to get started with MOKO Technology!
