Flying probe
Encyclopedia
Flying probe test systems are often used for only testing basic production, prototypes, and boards that present accessibility problems. Flying probe testing uses electro-mechanically controlled probes to access components on printed circuit assemblies
(PCAs). Commonly used for test of analog components, analog signature analysis
, and short/open circuits. They can be classified as in-circuit test
(ICT) systems or as Manufacturing Defects Analyzers (MDAs). They provide an alternative to the bed-of-nails technique for contacting the components on printed circuit board
s. The precision movement can probe points on PLCCs, SOICs, PGAs, SSOPs, QFPs and others, without any expensive fixturing or programming required.
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It is also referred to as printed wiring board or etched wiring...
(PCAs). Commonly used for test of analog components, analog signature analysis
Analog signature analysis
Analog signature analysis is electronic component and circuit board troubleshooting technique which applies a current-limited AC sinewave across two points of an electronic component or circuit....
, and short/open circuits. They can be classified as in-circuit test
In-circuit test
In-circuit test is an example of white box testing where an electrical probe tests a populated printed circuit board , checking for shorts, opens, resistance, capacitance, and other basic quantities which will show whether the assembly was correctly fabricated...
(ICT) systems or as Manufacturing Defects Analyzers (MDAs). They provide an alternative to the bed-of-nails technique for contacting the components on printed circuit board
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It is also referred to as printed wiring board or etched wiring...
s. The precision movement can probe points on PLCCs, SOICs, PGAs, SSOPs, QFPs and others, without any expensive fixturing or programming required.
Uses
- 4-wire Kelvin measurements
- Analog component testing
- Analog signature analysisAnalog signature analysisAnalog signature analysis is electronic component and circuit board troubleshooting technique which applies a current-limited AC sinewave across two points of an electronic component or circuit....
- ATE diagnostics
- Boundary scanBoundary scanBoundary scan is a method for testing interconnects on printed circuit boards or sub-blocks inside an integrated circuit. Boundary scan is also widely used as a debugging method to watch integrated circuit pin states, measure voltage, or analyze sub-blocks inside an integrated circuit.The Joint...
testing - Open/short detection
- Power-off testingPower-off testingPower-off testing is often necessary to test the printed circuit assembly board due to uncertainty as to the nature of the failure. When the PCA can be further damaged by applying power it is necessary to use power off test techniques to safely examine it. Power off testing includes analog...
Benefits
- Lower cost than Bed Of Nails, because no fixturing required
- Fast time to first test, because of fast development cycle