Printed Circuit Boards Manufacturers & PCB testing Processes


Testing phases are notorious for increasing development and production costs, as well as lengthening the time it takes for a product to reach its intended market. When it comes to the electronics industry and the development of electronics components, testing is crucial for determining performance and reliability. The testing and prototyping phases can help refine designs to the point where they deliver increased performance over their initial iteration.


Printed circuit board manufacturers are acutely aware of the importance of both testing and prototyping, and are increasingly leveraging data analytics to optimize these processes. This data-driven strategy enables PCB service providers to enhance quality standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness. How do they do this exactly? Read on to find out!

 

Prototype PCB fabrication & PCB design services

PCB designers never forget that even the smallest mistake within the layout of a printed circuit board can cascade into a much more significant issue, which has the potential to render an electronic product useless. A single routing issue, open connection, or incorrect component selection could cost thousands of dollars when you factor in wasted design and production time, product delays, and reputational damage.


Armed with this knowledge, printed circuit board manufacturers have developed sophisticated testing protocols that continually scan for potential issues from the PCB design services stage through to prototype PCB fabrication, and up to the packaging of the final product.


PCB testing has evolved dramatically over the past decade, thanks to the integration of automated systems capable of autonomously detecting defects measured in mere microns. The transformation from manual inspection and handling to fully automated systems reflects a multi-layered approach that begins with material inspection and handling. 


The Flying Probe PCB Testing Method

Bare Board Testing

PCB manufacturers employ several advanced electrical testing methods to stringently verify that every trace, via, and connection on the bare board is functioning as intended. ‘Flying probe’ testing is an advanced electrical testing method used to verify the electrical connectivity and functionality of circuit boards without requiring custom test fixtures. This method of testing is particularly suited to PCB prototyping and small-batch PCB production, as it does not require custom fixtures. It can therefore be rapidly adapted to accommodate various board designs.   


The process employs multiple motorized probes that can move freely in three-axis directions over the surface of a PCB. These probes are controlled by a computer, allowing them to be precisely positioned at any point on the board. The probes then make temporary electrical contact to perform electrical measurements.

Key Features

  • Fixture-Free Testing: No expensive custom fixtures required for each PCB. Probes move to the necessary test points based on pre-programmed coordinates.

  • High Precision: Modern flying probe systems can achieve incredibly precise positioning with an accuracy of ±0.025 mm (±0.001 inch), allowing them to test even the smallest components and the most densely packed circuit board layouts.

  • Flexible Programming: Test programs can be quickly modified and updated without requiring changes to the hardware. That reduces production costs and time for small-scale PCB production and prototyping.

What does the Flying Probe Testing method detect?

  • Opens: Missing electrical connections where there should be continuity

  • Shorts: Unwanted electrical connections between different circuits

  • Resistance: Verification of resistor values and trace resistance

  • Capacitance: Testing of capacitor values and parasitic capacitance

  • Diode Testing: Forward and reverse bias characteristics

  • Basic Component Values: Verification of passive components

When Should PCB Designers and Manufacturers Employ Flying Probe Testing?

  • Prototype Development: Ideally suited to testing early-stage PCB designs 

  • Small to Medium Scale Production: Cost-effective choice for limited runs where the cost of fixtures is prohibitive.  

  • Complex Boards: Ideal for high-density interconnect boards, they have lots of small details

  • Mixed Technology PCBs: Suitable for boards that combine different technologies andorr components

  • Quick-Turn Services: Where time-to-market is crucial and fixture development has the potential to cause production delays

Bay Area Circuits

PCB designers should consider working with Bay Area Circuits in the Fremont Innovation District. With 45+ years of proven expertise in end-to-end PCB design services and a state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot facility that is capable of delivering a full suite of in-house fabrication services, Bay Area Circuits is unsurpassed.
Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Cost Benefits of Quick Turn PCB Assembly

Today, more and more businesses are using quick-turn PCB assembly services. This is mainly because of the following cost benefits. Manufacturing printed circuit boards(PCBs) is a vital process that contributes to developing new products. One way that manufacturers can stay ahead of their competitors is by reducing costs and improving efficiency. That’s why quick-turn PCB assembly services are crucial. Read on to learn the cost benefits of quick-turn PCB assembly . Lowers labor costs Certain processes in traditional PCB manufacturing require a lot of labor or take a long time, which can increase costs. With quick-turn PCB assembly services, most processes are automated, which means labor costs are greatly reduced. Better quality control Humans are unable to match the level of consistency and accuracy that automated systems used by quick-turn PCB assembly services offer. These systems eliminate the errors that are typically caused by human beings, so there won’t be any delays or rewor...
Read more

What Should You Look for When Choosing a PCB Manufacturing Company?

With numerous players in the market, finding the ideal PCB manufacturing company can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you find the right partner for your PCB project. Choosing the right PCB manufacturing company is crucial in the PCB production process. Your selection will significantly impact the end product's overall costs, turnaround time, and quality. However, with numerous PCB manufacturing services, finding the ideal one for your project can take time and effort. You should consider some factors when selecting a reliable PCB manufacturing service. Quality Assurance The first thing you should look for is the quality of the circuit boards that the company produces. Excellent PCB assembly services typically have quality control measures such as thorough testing procedures and inspections. Check if the company has relevant industry specifications such as ISO 9001 and ITAR. These certifications indicate that the company follows industry standards and regulations during ...
Read more

Why Choose Bay Area Circuits for Quick Turn PCB Fabrication

Image
 Experience With decades of experience in the field, Bay Area Circuits has honed its expertise in rapid prototyping and quick turn manufacturing. Their seasoned team of professionals is committed to delivering superior results with every project. Quality Assurance Bay Area Circuits maintains rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure that every PCB meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. From material selection to final inspection, quality is never compromised. Speed of Service Bay Area Circuits understands the importance of speed in today's competitive landscape. Their streamlined manufacturing processes and state-of-the-art facilities enable them to deliver PCBs with industry-leading turnaround times. Customer Satisfaction At Bay Area Circuits, customer satisfaction is paramount. Their dedicated support team is available to assist clients at every stage of the fabrication process, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Conclusion In conclusio...
Read more