What IS About PCB FLYING PROBE TESTING
The process for manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs) includes a critical testing phase. Each board must undergo testing to ensure manufacturers detect every electrical or circuitry problem before leaving the center. When a PCB passes this testing, it further ensures that it performs reliably. The most common types of testing methods include in-circuit testing (ICT) and flying probe testing (FPT).
FPT is a type of PCB test that is a highly accurate and advantageous option that is gaining even more popularity with the influx of small-sized electronics. Learn more about flying probe testing and its benefits.
WHAT IS FLYING PROBE TESTING?
Flying probe testing is a type of electronic test used to inspect printed circuit boards (PCBs) for defects or faults. It involves the use of automated probes that move around the surface of the PCB, making contact with various points and testing for continuity, shorts, and other electrical properties. Unlike traditional bed-of-nails testing, which requires a custom fixture for each PCB design, flying probe testing can be done on any PCB without the need for a dedicated fixture. This makes it a more flexible and cost-effective method for testing PCBs.
They follow the instructions from a program that outlines the specific board that is being tested. These machines use highly precise needles to ensure the PCB is functioning properly and in order. These systems do not require any test fixturing or custom tooling. The probes have very few restrictions regarding board access and are able to test boards with countless nets. This makes flying probe testing a cost-effective choice for boards in their earliest stages of development. FPT is also ideal for low- to mid-volume production.
Many consider flying probe testing to be the most tried and true method for testing printed circuit boards. It conducts non-powered testing for the following:
- Capacitance
- Diode checks
- Inductance
- Opens
- Resistance
- Shorts
This testing method has been around for over 20 years, longer than other methods such as in-circuit testing.
What Is In-Circuit Testing?
In-circuit testing (ICT) is a type of electronic test used to detect faults or defects in printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). It involves the use of a specialized test fixture that is designed to make contact with specific points on the PCBAs. The fixture contains probes that are connected to a test system, which sends signals through the circuitry to measure various electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance, and voltage.
ICT is typically performed after the PCBAs have been assembled, but before they are enclosed in their final product. It is a highly automated process that can quickly identify faults such as missing components, incorrect component values, and misaligned components. ICT can also be used to verify the functionality of the circuitry by simulating various input signals and checking the corresponding output signals.
Overall, ICT is an effective method for ensuring the quality and reliability of PCBAs, and it is widely used in the electronics manufacturing industry.
HOW FLYING PROBE TESTING WORKS
Flying probe testing is a type of electronic test used to inspect printed circuit boards (PCBs) for defects or faults. The process involves the use of automated probes that move around the surface of the PCB, making contact with various points and testing for continuity, shorts, and other electrical properties.
The flying probe tester consists of two or more test heads that are mounted on a gantry system. These test heads contain multiple probes that can be moved in different directions and rotated to make contact with various points on the PCB. The probes are typically made of metal, and they are designed to be spring-loaded so that they can adapt to different heights and shapes of the PCB components.
During the testing process, the flying probe tester uses a computer-controlled software program to guide the probes around the PCB. The software sends signals to the probes to make contact with specific points on the PCB and then measures the electrical properties at those points. The results of each test are compared to predetermined specifications to determine if the PCB is functioning correctly.
Flying probe testing is a non-destructive testing method that does not require any physical contact with the PCB, which makes it ideal for testing delicate or complex PCBs. It is also a flexible and cost-effective method for testing PCBs, as it does not require a dedicated fixture for each PCB design.
9 BENEFITS OF FLYING PROBE TESTING
- Versatility: Flying probe testing can be used on a wide range of PCB designs, including those with complex components and layouts.
- Flexibility: There is no need for a dedicated fixture for each PCB design, which makes flying probe testing a more flexible and cost-effective method than traditional bed-of-nails testing.
- Non-destructive: Flying probe testing is a non-destructive testing method that does not require any physical contact with the PCB, which makes it ideal for testing delicate or complex PCBs.
- High Accuracy: Flying probe testers can achieve high accuracy and precision in measuring various electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance, and voltage.
- Fast Testing: Flying probe testing is a highly automated process that can quickly identify faults such as missing components, incorrect component values, and misaligned components.
- Customizable: The software used in flying probe testing can be customized to meet specific testing requirements and specifications.
- Reduced Lead Time: With the ability to test PCBs quickly and accurately, flying probe testing can help reduce lead time for PCB production.
- Improved Quality: By identifying faults early in the production process, flying probe testing can help improve the quality and reliability of PCBs.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other testing methods, flying probe testing can be more cost-effective due to its versatility and flexibility.