Socket Pylon Blocks and its usability

 

The sockets are generally used for client and server connection and interaction. These allow communication between two different processes on the same or separate machines. To be more specific, it is a process of talking to other computers using standard Unix file descriptors. The file descriptor is an integer associated with the open file. It could be a network connection or a text file or a terminal or any other thing. The socket has a definite flow of events such as in a connection-based client-server model, the socket on the server side waits for the request from the client. To make it happen, the server finds an address that the client can use to get the server.

What do you mean by Sockets?

The socket is an endpoint of a 2-way communication link between two processes running in a network. This endpoint has a name and address in the network.  The socket has a port number that helps the TCP layer to identify the application where the data is to be sent. The endpoint has an IP address and one port number. The TCP connection is uniquely identified by its two endpoints. Now you can have more than one connection between the host and server. 

Pylon blocks

Pylon blocks or Interface Blocks are used as an internal interface. The integrated spring contact probe guarantees good signal transmission with low transfer resistance. The internal blocks transmit signals reliably between the test device and test system whether it’s internal, external, or customer-specific interfaces. Here at Equip test, offers Signal, High-current, Optical, Pneumatic, Mixed, RF, and USB Pylon blocks.  The features include:

·         Compact and robust design

·         Trusted signal transmission

·         High contact/transmission quality

·         Uniform low-level contact resistance

·         Quick, simple, & precise installation

The network configuration generally does not allow connection between a secure internal network and a relatively less secured external network. But you can use sockets to communicate with the server program that operates outside the firewall.  

Importance of in-circuit Test at Equip-Test

 

It is a necessary act for electronic manufacturers to take precautions and ensure nothing goes wrong with finished products. Specifically while creating devices for industries like aerospace, medical, and defense. Indeed, even devices made for other industries require cautious assembly if manufacturers wish to avoid costly rebuilds, repairs, and recalls.

All parts and components, electronics manufacturers should constantly test all through production to ensure perfect operation. Using a wide range of tests at different parts of the process Equip-Test helps guarantee the quality and reliability of all finished products.

The regularly utilized test, in-circuit test (ICT), guarantees contract manufactures and OEMs reliably meet defined parameters at the production process. ICT furnishes significant data about issues with the board.

 

How it Works at Equip-Test

Equip-Test is a leading name in the test systems world, with years of experience in the testing world; we are focusing on tomorrow’s test challenges with our innovative technology solutions. ICT depends on a unique test apparatus, usually referred to as a "bed of nails" since it contains different contact pins. The contact pins with circuit nodes on the printed circuit board (PCB) measure components to check their performance. Contract manufacturers measure vivid parameters at ICT such as capacitance, resistance, and the analog components' operation. In-circuit-test is additionally once in a while used to gauge the usefulness of computerized circuits. In any case, full testing of circuit usefulness isn't normally visible because of the complexity of the circuit.

 

In-circuit test equipment consists of several elements:

 

·         In-circuit tester:   The sensors and drivers are included within this system to set up and perform the estimations. There might be 1000 or more of these driver sensor points. These are regularly taken to a huge connector strategically placed on the framework

·       Fixture:   Considering the assortment of sheets this will be planned explicitly for a specific board and goes about as an interface between the board and the in-circuit analyser. It takes the associations for the driver sensor focuses and courses them straightforwardly to the important focuses on the board utilizing a "bed of nails".

·   Software:   Software is composed for each board type that can be tested. It trains the test framework on what tests to perform, between what focuses and details of the pass / fail criteria.

 

 

When performed accurately at Equip-Test, in-circuit test can get around 98% of flaws with the board. Test results given by ICT are not difficult to interpret at Equip-Test. This makes it workable for manufacturers of all ranges of abilities to find issues rapidly. Programming an in-circuit tester is simple. Electronics manufacturers can utilize information provided in the PCB layout to produce the vast majority of the program.

High-Quality Signal Contact for Reliable Signal Transmission

 

Interface pylon blocks are the oldest mass interconnect applications which still in demand. Till now in the larger section of the world is using it.  Interface blocks can be used for signal contact dependably between the test device and in internal, external, and customer-centric test system interfaces. High current, radio frequency, fiber optic, pneumatic, mixed, HSD, Signal, and special blocks are available from Equip-Test in various versions.

The common features you will find in signal contact through Pylon Interface blocks are:

·         Robust, Compact design

·         Reliable signal transmission

·         Better quality contact and transmission

·         Low level of contact resistance

·         Internal, external, and customer-centric interface connections

·         Simple, quick, and precise installation

 

Signal contact occurs between two interface blocks connected opposite each other and designed for a working distance of 15.1 ±0.5 mm between their mounting surfaces. Mostly one block of an interface is covered with spring-loaded test probes whereas the other has rigid contact terminals. In combination, this achieves a high level of contact quality and trustworthy signal transmission while ensuring a low level of contact resistance. The inner blocks have similar outer dimensions.

Equip-Test offers low-wear plug connections to realize quickly without any tools as an alternative to conventional wire-wrap connections. You can find a wide range of pre-flat ribbon cables, pre-wired with socket strips, multipoint connector, pre-wired litz wire cables along with 40, 102,170 Pol low resistance Pylon, 40 Pol signal contact Pylon, 85, 102,136, 170 pol signal pylon.

Reliable interfacing takes a major step by replacing the Pylon test probe design for a pin and socket design in Mass Interconnect Interface modules. The step is taken for moving away from the Pylon spring-loaded probe technology. Therefore designers use pin and socket solutions for future-proof Mass Interconnect services. It has been used in the Pylon design for high power and high-frequency applications for better signalcontact integrity.

Today, Equip-Test is the recognized global leader in mass interconnects technology solutions for the functional test industry. Buy online different types of compatible test instruments and platforms for better performance. Equip-Test is a series of modular fixture products that allows quick connection between the unit under test and a custom test system.

Spring contact probes and their utilizations

 

The Spring Contact Probe name comes from the device that connects the Device Under Test (DUT) with the electronics of the test machine, also called Contact Probe, Test Probe, Spring Probe, or Pogo Pin.

They are two different ways of utilization at Equip-Test, such as:

1.   Spring Contact Probes are prominent precision elements for the connection between the DUT and the test machine, in order to collect data during the in-circuit test (ICT). Spring Contact Probes are fundamental accuracy components for the connection between the DUT and the test machine, to gather information during the in-circuit test (ICT).

In this stage the primary need is to test a printed circuit board (PCB) by really taking a look at the changing boundaries of the parts of the electrical circuit, like the opposition/impedance, the presence of the actual part, and whether or not there are short circuits;

 

2.     Spring Contact Probes are additionally used to perform functional tests (FCT), during which the real operation of the DUT is confirmed under conditions practically equivalent to the real working conditions.

At this stage, one of the qualities that can be checked is the usefulness of the power supply line of the DUT itself.

To get the test probe process achievement, there are various types of Spring Contact Probes you can find at Equip-Test, which differ in the totality of installation, length, grid, network size, head shape, spring load, along with different types of connection.

Spring contact probes test is also referred to as:

·         Test Pins

·         Pogo Pins

·         Contact Pins

·         Fixture pins

·         Spring Pins

·         Bed of nails

All the above are utilized in generic terms to portray a component whose spring-stacked tip will give a reliable electrical contact to an objective whose distance away likely could be uncertain. The conventional use for them is to connect with printed circuit sheets (PCBs) or electrical parts, to test usefulness and to quantify the worth of the parts. They are generally utilized in vacuum test apparatuses related to program test hardware (ATE). They are likewise utilized inside a utilitarian test station as a feature of a bigger creation line.

The test is included a metal tube that assembled with a spring and contact unclogger, provided as a one-piece thing. They are generally gold plated as gold is an astounding electrical conduit and is resistant to corrosion. The electrical cable is generally associated with a receptacle into which the test probe is embedded. The utilization of a receptacle permits the test to be eliminated for cleaning or substitution without separating the electrical cable.

Spring Contact Probes at Equip-Test are utilized to connect to different test focuses on printed circuit sheets (PCBs), parts, and wiring fields. At the point when utilized in unique test modules, the tests can be utilized to test connector-cable systems. The test probes can likewise be utilized in charge designing units or as a charging contact.

Spring Contact Probes are comprised of a cylindrical barrel, a spring, and a plunger. Plunger tip styles can be given in an assortment of tip styles and distinctive spring pressures. This guarantees the best contact with the test surface.

Kelvin Probes and Work Function Difference

Kelvin probe techniques are used to measure the work functions of materials. These techniques are applied successfully in surface science under UHV conditions. For example, if you want to study the adsorption of molecular or reconstruction processes of single-crystal surfaces, that will cause a change in surface or dipole potential. Recently, Kelvin probes have been applied to corrosion science and found to be highly successful. This probe is named after Lord Kelvin.

What is Kelvin Probe?

The Kelvin Probes are a non-contact and non-destructive calculative device used to investigate the properties of the materials. Here, the probe is based on the vibrating capacitor and calculates the work function difference. In the case of non-metals, it is surface potential and in between a conducting specimen & vibrating tip. The work function is a sensitive indicator of surface condition and is affected by the following:

·         Absorbed layers

·         Surface Reconstruction

·         Surface Charging

·         Oxide Layer Imperfections

·         Surface & bulk contamination

What is Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM)?

KPFM or Kelvin probe force microscopy is known as surface potential microscopy and it is also a non-contact type of atomic force microscopy (AFM). These techniques are mainly used for measuring corrosion and coatings. The work function of the surfaces is measured either in atomic or molecular scales. The work function is related to the following surface phenomena:

·         Catalytic Activity

·         Reconstruction of surfaces

·         Doping and band-bending of semi-conductors

·         Charge tapping & Corrosion

The work function map generated by KPFM provides information about the composition and electronic local structures on the surface of a solid. Equip Test provides Kelvin Test Probes with following features:

1.       4 wire measurement

2.       Industrial solution

3.       Easy integration

As the Kelvin probes (KP) techniques find the Contact Potential Difference (CPD) between two surfaces that are in close proximity. In the 1st case, there will be two metals, but there is no electrical connection between them. In the second case, as the two metal pieces are connected by an electrical wire, here the electrons with a smaller work function will travel to the metal with a larger work function. As a result that, the metal with a smaller work function is to be charged with positive whereas others would be charged negatively. This will create electric potential between the two metals as their electronic state is changed relative to each other.

IPTE- IN - LINE FIXTURE

 

IPTE-Integrated Production and Test Engineering is one of the leading suppliers of automated production equipment in the world for the electronics and mechanical industry. In-Circuit or functional test and programming processes are automated with Easy-Test-Handler (ETH) of IPTE. The ETH is used for single-circuit boards, multiple boards, or the carriers for circuit boards. Test fixtures get set up for three different ways:

·         In-line: This test fixture produces test fixtures in the same process as that of the rest of the test. An in-line setup is the simplest test fixture to be manufactured. It goes to duplication if multiple tests need the same initial data.

·         Delegate: This setup puts the test fixture in a separate standalone helper method that can be accessed by multiple test methods.

·         Implicit: This setup puts the test fixture in the setup method that is used for setting up multiple test methods.

The IPTE Easy-Test-Handler (ETH) is a cost-effective test solution with a solid footprint. It is integrated into a fully automated compatible test environment-SMEMA and is prepared for Industry 4.0 solutions. Easy-Test-Handler (ETH) offers adequate space for 19-inch test equipment (10 HE). An integrated LC touch display will provide accessibility to all settings and parameters.

 

The IPTE Factory Automation manufactures standard machinery & turnkey automation systems for the production, testing, and treatment of printed circuit boards and final assembling. This equipment is used for the industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and other types of the electronics industry. But the principal focus is on the automotive industry. The cars that are produced in Europe contain the parts built with IPTE equipment.

Equip Test provides following INLINE SPEA 3030 FOR IPTE HANDLER:

·         ILFS-2A-SPEA3030-BOT44x72-D

·         ILFS-SPEA-3030

·         ILFS-2A-SPEA-3030

And INLINE SPEA 3030 - 190 FOR IPTE HANDLER-ILFS-2A-SPEA-3030-190

The IPTE Test-Handlers is mostly used around the world. Because of its performance IPTE Test-Handlers, it is regarded as a high handling speed of the test head and it takes less than 4 seconds for PCB exchange.

Cable Harness Test Systems and Test Fixtures

 

The cable harness is also known as a wire harness, cable assembly, or wiring assembly. They are best described as a string of wires or cables used for operating currents or transmitting informational signals. These wires are bound together with electrical tape or clamps. Cable harnesses are designed for geometric & electrical requirements. As there is a growing demand for the error-free production of cable harnesses, there is also an increasing need for cable harness test systems and modules.  Once this test process was a slow and manual point-to-point operation, now it has been transferred to a sophisticated, efficient, and computerized aided process.

Test Fixturing

The test fixturing has been taken over by cable harness industry. These testing systems have two benefits:

·         Ease of use for the operator

·         Lesser maintenance

Harness manufacturers generally use mating connectors for testing. There are two forms of cable harness test-

·         First build the harness offline and bring it to wire harness test station. 

·         The other type is to test simultaneously while building.

When a cable harness is produced, it would be subjected to various tests to check its quality and functionality. The test board is used to measure the cable harness’s electrical capabilities. It can be achieved via the input data of a circuit where more than one cable harnesses are programmed into the test board. The harness is measured according to its ability to function in a simulated circuit.

Hipot Testing and 4 Wire Kelvin Testing

Delrin and polyurethane provide excellent dielectric qualities for the manufacturing of Hipot & Kelvin test fixtures.  These tests are operated at high voltage and need special attention as it provides insulation between the spring probes. It prevents arcing and fake failures. It is necessary to keep the fixtures free of debris as this debris can be the cause of false failures. The basic continuity test fixture is easily modified to perform a 4 wire Kelvin test.

 

 

Functional Testing

Spring probe test fixtures are mostly used for automotive and other applications because of their durability & serviceability. This is particularly effective when thousands of tests are done. These test fixtures are typically designed for hand-held and incorporate robust strain reliefs. Equip test offers a range of test probe systems and modules.

Agilent 3070 In-Circuit Test (ICT) System

 

The Agilent 3070 In-Circuit Test (ICT) System is a flexible test worldwide. Its 4 key attributes include- Agile test technology, Constant technology breakthroughs, Profit-enhancing business services, and its adoption makes it a perfect fit for electronics manufacturing. It provides exceptional flexibility, freedom, and agility required to thrive in a chaotic world.

What is ICT 3070?

Agilent / Keysight ICT 3070 are Industry's Most Advanced and Flexible In-Circuit Test System. It is highly complex and high speed Printed Circuit Board Assemblies.

What does ICT test?

The In-circuit test (ICT) is a white box testing. It is a process where an electrical probe tests the following:

1.       A populated printed circuit board (PCB)

2.       Checking for shorts

3.       Opens

4.       Resistance

5.       Capacitance and other basic similar quantities will show if the assembly is correctly fabricated or not.

In-system programming is a critical feature in programmable logic devices (PLDs) that integrates PLD programming into board-level testing. The benefits it provides include:

·         Reduced inventory of pre-programmed devices

·         Low cost

·         Fewer devices damaged during handling

·         Increased flexibility in engineering changes

The software and device support integrate in-system programmability (ISP) in the existing test flow for the Agilent 3070 system.

In-circuit testing will cause mechanical failures like capacitor flex cracking and pad cratering. It happens on a bed of nails tester if there is the presence of excessive board flexure or high probe forces. It is always challenging to optimize for ideal support locations & probe forces instead of spending resources on designing and building an ICT fixture

What is Agilent 3070?

You can say it Acculogic Services or In-Circuit Test Programming Services or Keysight (Agilent) 3070 Test Program Development Services. It offers turn-key test program development & fixture fabrication services to the Keysight (Agilent) 3070 family of In-Circuit Testers.

 

Equip test provides turnkey test program development and fixture fabrication for the Keysight Agilent 3070 In-Circuit Testers. As the company has a team of highly experienced and trained test engineers, it provides In-Circuit test programs with the highest fault coverage & fast cycle time. Here, we offer the following range of Agilent 3070 In-Circuit Testers:

·         KEYSIGHT - AGILENT - HP 3070-VFS-E90-2ST-HP3070-VC09

·         KEYSIGHT - AGILENT - HP 3070-VFS-E90-HP3070

·         KEYSIGHT - AGILENT - HP 3070 DOUBLE - BANK-VFS-E92-HP 3070

·         KEYSIGHT - AGILENT - HP 3070-VFT-E91-HP3070

Mass Interconnect

 

Mass Interconnect: Multitude of Test & Measurement signals

Mass interconnect is a mechanical interconnect specifically designed for facilitating the connection between a number of signals whether they’re coming from or going to the DUT fixture. MassInterconnect systems are used to measure and test engineering for testing of the printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assembled units. It acts as an interface between the device/unit to be tested (DUT) and the test equipment.

What is Mass Interconnect?

Mass interconnect is the connector interface between test instruments such as PXI, LXI, VXI, SCXI, GPIB, & PCI and the devices or units under test (DUT). These are mostly used in defense, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and other applications. The tester side featuring the system interface (receiver) is connected to an interchangeable test adapter (ITA) on the side that will be tested. This arrangement allows the entire system to stay together. These systems are available in different sizes and specifications to be compatible with the wide-ranging testing requirement.

• Instrumentation: PXI, LXI, VXI, SCXI, GPIB, & PCI Electronic equipment generate or analyze I/O.
• Receiver: A rugged interconnected mechanism that houses connector modules, cable assemblies, patchcords, and PCB adapters for connecting to the test instrumentation.
• Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA): Connects to the receiver and it houses modules, cable assemblies, PCB adapters, and patchcords to connect to the UUT.
• D/UUT: Device under test or unit under test. It means the device that is under test.

Equip-Test offers following RADIO - FREQUENCY FIXTURE KITS

• ND-MFS-D3-RF

1. Solid and trusted construction from pure aluminum block
2. Qualified starting from 400MHz-6GHz covering all common RF bands
3. Complete removable bottom plate allowing easy and effective wiring
4. Wide cabling access plate that is removable and easy to customize

• ND-RF-EXCH-D3

1. Measure shielding attenuation minimum 80 dB
2. Qualified starting from 400MHz-6GHz covering all common RF bands

• ND-MFS-D4-RF

1. Measure shielding attenuation minimum 75 dB
2. Qualified starting from 400MHz-6GHz covering all common RF bands
3. ESD Safe and Easy Maintenance

• ND-RF-EXCH-D4

1. Measure shielding attenuation minimum 75 dB
2. Qualified starting from 400MHz-6GHz covering all common RF bands

Signal contact

Pylon Modules Applications for Stable Signal Contact Integrity

Pylon blocks are used as an internal interface. The integrated spring contact probes offer an effective signal transmission with low transfer resistances. This is only selected available signal blocks and further variants on request. Pylon is divided into several modules and each module has a distinct function. It makes the interface more user-friendly and assigns permissions much easier. Pylon interfaces are one of the oldest technologies whose demand is still intact for Mass Interconnect interfaces. Earlier the reliable interface solution used to include ICT test systems based on the standardized block. The block contains 170 Pylon test probes and a counter contact block inside each test fixture. Further Pylon Interfaces developed with complex and compact digital boards to meet the growing demands. It includes complex applications:

• Coaxial
• High power
• Signal contact
• Pneumatic
• Fiber optic applications

ITA Fixture Side

The interchangeable test adapter (ITA) is the main part of the Device under Test side of the mass interconnects the mechanical frame or encompassing the enclosure that contains the ITA modules. The contact that forms with the receiver transfers the system inputs and outputs to the Device under Test. For example, if you consider the receiver is the socket, the ITA is the plug. Here, we provide mixed pylon block with following specifications:

• Signal Contact: IC071 WR09
• Pneumatic Contact: PIC3150
• High-Current Contact: IC138 SR03

RCV System Side

The receiver is one of the core components of the test system side of the mass interconnect. It is a technique that helps in connecting multiple instruments simultaneously to the Device under Test. The receiver system includes the frame, receiver modules, mounting hardware, and the connections between receiver modules and instrumentation. Here, we provide mixed pylon blocks of following specifications:

• Signal Contact: IT1000 1ER03 S
• High-Current Contact: HCT1600 HK03 LX
• Socket / Receptacle: RCP066 WR06
• Socket / Receptacle: RCT118 SR05

Equip-test provides mass interconnect interface solutions. Pylon modules along with others include optimal alignment and a minimal guarantee on pin and socket design. All these are meant to set a long life cycle without degrading any signal contact integrity. 

Simple Cable Harness Tester

      Simple Cable Harness Tester and its Testing Capabilities

The cable harness is also known as a wire harness or wiring assembly or cable assembly or wiring loom. It is a group of wires or strings of wires or cables that transmit data signals or operating currents. These wires or cables are bound together by electrical tapes or clamps to put it as a whole. The cable harness is mostly used in vehicles, cars, and the construction industry. The cable harness provides many advantages as compared to separated or loose cables or wires. As these cables run many Kms, the cable harness delivers relatively better safety and turns more secured in combined form.  It makes installation easier and has less chance of leakage.

What is simple cable harness tester?

The simple cable harness tester has a range of features ATE (Automatic Test Equipment). It has been designed for testing cables, electrical wiring harnesses, or backplanes.

 As the primary job of the cable assembly is of connecting electronically two devices and a simple test like electrical continuity is performed to demonstrate that the custom cables are operational. There are several tests performed to determine the electrical properties of the cable assembly for meeting all design requirements. The common tests include:

• Electrical continuity test
• High potential/high voltage test 

When Are The Tests Performed?

The Cable Harness Tester (CHT) provides a number of testing capabilities. The test capabilities include:

• DC Insulation Resistance (IR)
• DC & AC Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV)
• 2-Wire & 4-Wire Continuity

Why choose our Simple Cable Harness Tester?

Equip-Test is a top-rated supplier of simple cableharness testers offering a range of cable harness testers. These products are easy-to-operate, durable, low maintenance, and have robust construction. To deliver a flawless range of testers, these testers are passed through various quality parameters under the supervision of expert quality controllers. The company dispatches the products timely to the clients’ places. Our cable harness testers offer state-of-the-art cable harness testing. These testers are fast and have a high level of accuracy. The testers are so designed to deliver high flexibility and adaptability so that they will seamlessly work in wide-ranging testing needs.

                   BATTERY CONTACT | EQUIP TEST

 

Importance of Battery Contact

 

Battery contact is a metal part that connects the battery to an electronic component or device. There are two components involved, a battery spring and a contact. It is made of various metals and has a specific shape and size that is determined by the type of battery. A typical battery has two connectors for both positive and negative terminals. To have a power supply in electronic components both terminals need to be in contact with a battery. This component is developed to be the most important component of any electronic circuit.

 

Depending on the battery type, these contacts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The circuit couldn’t connect to a battery if there was no contact present. 

 

Construction of a battery contact depends upon various criteria such as: 

·         Type of material used to make a battery

·         The shape needs to be proportionate to the battery

·         How much power or load would provide to that electronics component

·         Must be capable to hold the battery as well as resist towards the load

·         The position of contact then should go for the manufacturing process

 

Choosing the right metal for the contact is irrespective of battery type. They are made with specific metals like Nickel-plated, Steels, Beryllium Copper, Gold, platinum, phosphor bronze, brass, Tin plating, Copper plating, Zinc plating. 

 

Types of contact:

·         Surface-mounted

·         Cylindrical and spring

·         PC battery

·         Enclosure

 

Surface Mounted batterycontact is used in the small-scale circuits preferred to design PCB circuits. Cylindrical and spring are the best and cheapest among others due to their designed battery space. Precautions must be taken when cleaning these electrical components, as failure to do so can result in burns from corrosion.

 

The design of a battery’s contact is determined by two factors: fixed or flexible structured, or a combination of both. This concept is usually taken from the prototype stage to the manufacturing stage by the company that manufactures batterycontact. They accomplish this by employing sophisticated techniques such as hydraulic presses, power presses, four-slide, and multi-slide equipment. Once a concept has been approved, they create an engineering prototype; the project can begin right away.