Everything that you should know about the In-Circuit Testing

 

The printed circuit are the ones that come with the complex assembly of numerous components and solder connections. Every component has to rightly function. Even the slightest glitch can make the device non-functional. Hence, testing each of such components is almost nearly impossible. But again, testing is the most important part of the process. Here is how the in-circuit testing comes to play. So, let us move ahead with the discussion of one of the most cost-effective testing process-

What are the common defects that can be found in in-circuit testing?

The common types of glitches that can be diagnosed in the in-circuit tests are- component marking, lead spacing, land sizes, component spacing, soldering, values of resistors, a mistake in the capacitance values, open circuits where there is a requirement of the flow of electricity, etc.

What are the elements of the in-circuit tester?

Various types of in-circuit tester available in the market have different components and procedures of testing. And employing the right tester is an important step for a manufacturing company to understand the glitches in a PCB and bring out glitch-free products to the market. But irrespective of the type of tester you choose, the following components can be easily found in the in-circuit testers- controller, software, fixture, interface, powered analog tests, analog scanner, etc.

Pros of in-circuit testing:

Some of the major advantages of using superlative quality in-circuit testing like Ingun testprobes are-

The in-circuit test probes are the easiest program that can be used to detect defects in the components.

•    Quite fewer chances of operator errors are there
•    Not a time taking the program to be conducted
•    It is a reliable testing program and can cover manufacturing defects
•   The results of the test are easy for interpretation
•   No maintenance cost

Cons of in-circuit testing:

All the technologies will always have some drawbacks and the in-circuit testing is no different. Check out the pointers below to know all about the disadvantages of the PCB assembly.

•           The test fixtures of in-circuit test probes can appear to be costly
•           The in-circuit testing might fail to diagnose defaults like high density
•           Inconsistent results can also be achieved in case if the test pins are not connected properly with the test pads.

Final Words:

The PCB testing helps in checking well with the quality of each component in an in-circuit board. Not only the user can complete the testing of every component in time but the type of performance of every component can also be noted. This is a solution that has been used by the market for years. It helps in dealing with the dynamic testing of the product. All the companies offering PCB or prototypes to the market require this tool for effective testing of the components in a very less time. 

What is the usefulness of Test Sockets?

The socket, on the other hand, is one endpoint of a two-way communication link between two programs running on the network. A test socket is an ideal point to test your home’s internal phone wiring for faults. It is the point of the internal phone wiring in your house and the phone line outside. The socket can also be customized and made to fit the pc board or user requirement. They provide the vital link to transform measurement signals as true and as undistorted as possible.

The test probes can be used to test connector cable system and in control engineering units or as a charging contact. As the name suggests test probes have to be of the highest quality to be of the greatest use. The quality assurance is a must when we get to deal with test probes. A QA test probe is what one wants when dealing with test probes. Test sockets are generally used to give output. It is two-way communication links between two programs on the network. There has been an increase in fine-pitch and high-functional semiconductor and other electronic devices, Test sockets need to adapt to these changes. QA test probes are used for high performance, durability, and reliability. The most basic function of a test socket is to provide the mechanical stability that helps form a strong mechanical and electrical connection between the leads of the device under test and the test socket contacts. The online site like Equip-test provides the test sockets.

What are the Flying probes?

Flying probes are playing a big part in the electrical and electronic testing world. These are mostly used for testing medium to low volume production, prototypes, and inboards with accessibility issues. The testing related to flying probe implements the usage of electro-mechanical controlled probes that are used for an easy access to components on printed circuit assemblies. These are generally in experiments and testing related to short circuits, open circuits, analog signature analysis and analog components. The first generation of flying probes provide single sided with the test probe on the top side only. Second generation flying probe provides double-sided with angled probes both on the ends. The third generation flying probes are provided with four or more flying on the top and bottom side.

The few applications of these types of probes are

·         4- Wired Kelvin measurements and tests

·         PCBAs for NPI, prototype and low volume testing

·         Low-value component testing

·         Backplane testing

·         EOL fixtures testing

·         Power on and power off testing

·         Battery testing

·         Copper plating measurement

·         Open/short detection

·         Reverse engineering and more.

 The online site Equip-test.com provides the Flying probes.

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.