What are the application and advantages of Spring-loaded test probes?

To make contact to various test points on printed circuit boards (PCBs), components and wiring fields, you can use the spring contact probes. When employed in special test modules, the probes can be used to test connector cable systems. These are also used inside a functional test station as part of a larger production line.  

A spring contact test probe is made up of a tubular barrel, a spring and a plunger. This ensures the best contact with the test surface. They can also be mounted into receptacles where an electrical connection is made. This also allows test probes to be easily removed for repair or replacement.

Various applications for which spring loaded test probes are used –

Threaded Probes –These probes are meant for the threaded purpose. Good for a threaded fit as well as used for the test of wire harnessing.

High Current Probes – These probes are used for high current applications and designed for very small probe resistance.

Switch Probes – These are the special probes with integrated switch element, mainly used for presence.

Push Back Probes – During the pushback of connectors, the light seat of the connector elements are verified.

Radio Frequency Probes – Special Coaxial contact probes are used to transmit the high-frequency signals. The inner conductor of the coaxial probe is used for the transmission of the signal and an outer conductor for shielding.

The test probe is made of a metal tube, ready assembled with a spring and contact plunger, supplied as a one-piece item. They are usually gold plated as gold is an excellent electrical conductor and is resistant to corrosion. Through this mounting system, the spring contacts can quickly exchange without the wiring has to be replaced. Probes are a durable component, which can perform several hundred thousand contact cycles with stable contact resistance.  You can use the spring contacts in testing of printed circuit boards.

The major advantages of a spring loaded test probes are:

·         Longevity

·         Constant Contact Resistance

·         Interchangeable

·         Easy installation in the test adapter by using receptacles

·         High Pointing Accuracy

·         High Current and high frequencies possible.