FAQ

An in-circuit tester is a device used to test the reliability of connections between electronic components and the board, as well as to check for component errors. To ensure that all electronic devices function correctly, the printed circuit boards (PCB) within these devices must operate properly. Printed circuit boards can function when electronic components are correctly mounted on the board and power is supplied. The process of testing a printed circuit board with mounted electronic components is called in-circuit test (ICT). The characteristics of individual electronic components (such as resistors and capacitors) mounted on the board, as well as diode characteristics, are tested using minute electrical signals. This allows for a comparative test of the quality without imposing unnecessary stress on the board itself. ICT　is also known as a Manufacturing Defect Analyzer (MDA).

Main test details:
Solder short/open
Pattern disconnection
Missing components
Wrong number of components
Reverse insertion of polarized components
IC and connector lead floats
Operational checks of digital transistors, photocouplers and Zener diodes
Other simple function tests

There are two types of probing methods for the in-circuit test (electrical test of printed circuit boards): 'jig' and 'flying probe'.

Jig method
A test jig or fixture embedded with contact probes contacts the boards, making simultaneous contact with all the probes at specified test points on the board. In this state, each electronic component is tested by switching the measurement lines via relay. For each board to be tested, a program combining the individual tests and a dedicated jig must be created, presenting challenges in terms of cost, speed, and storage space.

Flying probe method
Developed by Takaya in 1987, this method involves multiple arms holding contact probes that move to any points on the board for probing. Although the probe movement time makes the test time longer compared to the jig type, it does not require dedicated jigs, allowing for quick changeovers by switching the test program, leading to reduced total task time and cost. It is also suitable for testing high-mix and low-volume board production scenarios. The coordinates of the test points can be changed arbitrarily, making it easy to respond to partial design changes to the board. It is also used in processes such as prototype board testing and defective product analysis.

The advantages of performing in-circuit testing using a flying probe tester are as follows:

1. 1.Each test board's position is verified with a camera, and alignment correction is performed, enabling highly accurate probe contact and higher precision testing.
   There is no need to manually adjust the board's set position.
2. 2.In the event of a measurement error due to probe contact misalignment, automatic retrials can be performed by adjusting the contact position, reducing the need for manual testing and rechecking by the operator.
3. 3.Probe stroke length and contact speed can be individually set according to the measurement location.
   For delicate work, the probe decelerates just before contact to minimize impact, and for solder surfaces with flux film, a hard contact is performed, ensuring stable testing under all conditions.
4. 4.The standard-equipped AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) function with a color camera test for mounting defects such as missing bypass capacitors, which cannot be detected by in-circuit testing alone.
5. 5.Without the need to create pin board jigs, running costs are significantly reduced, and the time to start testing is greatly shortened.
   Additionally, there is no need for jig storage space or maintenance.
   By maximizing these advantages, more precise and faster board testing are possible, contributing to reduced testing costs for our customers.

For more detailed information, please contact our sales representatives.
Companies considering replacing bed of nail testers are encouraged to inquire.

Takaya's Flying Probe" Tester, which was the first in the world to be developed, uses robot arms to make probe (testing needle) contact with the testing points, eliminating the need for jig creation costs. General bed of nail tester require the creation and storage of pin board type jigs, which incur costs and running costs, but replacing them with a flying probe tester eliminates these entirely.

Takaya's flying probe testers come with proprietary software developed by our company, enabling easy creation of testing programs even without specialized knowledge. This software, reflecting feedback from the actual implementation sites within our EMS division, is designed to be truly "user-friendly." For more details, please contact our sales representatives.