Flying Probe Testing

What is flying probe test

This is a non-intrusive testing technique to verify the electrical connectivity of the PCB. Flying probe test involves the use of small probes that establish connections with the copper traces and pads on the PCB. While this method does not require specialized fixtures or test procedures designed for each individual board, it may not be the most efficient option for high volume PCB assembly due to its slower nature. Here are its features:

1.Flexibility: It is particularly suitable for testing boards with fine-pitch components and complex structures. Its flexible programming and configuration capabilities allow it to adapt to a wide range of PCB designs.

2.Speed: The flying probe test derives its name from the high-speed movement of the probes on the board surface. This results in a fast inspection process that does not require specialized fixtures or programs. However, it is not suitable for large-scale batch projects, as each board must be tested individually. This makes it ideal for PCBA Prototyping.

3.Test Range Limitations: Primarily designed to detect the connectivity of PCBs and perform simple electrical tests. It is not suitable for testing high-speed digital signals, RF signals, and power distribution tests, among other applications.

4.Non-destructive: The flying probe test is a non-contact test method that scans the board surface without the need for physical contact between the probe and the board. This makes it particularly useful for expensive applications such as industrial control PCB and medical PCB, where physical damage to the board would be costly.

5.Early-stage Investment: Requires significant investment in the early stages involves investing in manpower and material resources to complete the preparatory work required for the test. However, this initial investment ensures the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, which can ultimately save time and costs in the long run.

Troubleshoot

Flying probe testing is a highly reliable and accurate method of testing PCBs, which can detect a range of issues including open circuits (where there is no electrical connection between two points), short circuits (where there is an unintended electrical connection), and capacitance and inductance problems.

However, if any errors do occur during the test, our company takes the following steps to solve the problem:

Fault Identification: Review the test location to identify the exact location of the fault.

Check Physical Connections: Verify that all components and traces are physically connected and that there are no points of damage or other issues that could be causing the problem.

Test Components and Traces: Use advanced tools, such as a multimeter or oscilloscope, to test components and traces to check for faults and ensure that they are functioning correctly.

Validate Netlist Files and Test Programs: Checks the netlist files and test programs to ensure that they are correct and that there are no errors or inconsistencies that could be causing the problem.