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Quality Assurance Strategies

Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) Testing

Are visual, automatic optical (AOI), and x-ray inspection enough? That’s a cost, risk, and benefit analysis every OEM should perform.

For the highest-level quality assurance with lowest risk for defect escapes, consider both Flying Probe and Functional testing. 

 

PCBA testing is an important step in assuring assemblies electrically function and perform to specification. Since 1993, Analog Technologies, Corp. (ATC) has been working with customers to develop quality assurance strategies and providing high quality electronics manufacturing services.  We have the capability, credentials, and are committed to help you make the right decision for your product.

Overview of In-Circuit Testing (ICT) versus Functional Testing (FT)

Test Scope


Methodology


Equipment

Timing


Cost


Defect Types Found

Troubleshooting Faults


Data Outputs

In-Circuit Testing (ICT)

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Verifies component presence, value, orientation, interconnections, and aspects of component functionality.

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Uses probes to test nodes for electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, continuity).

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Requires a bed-of-nails fixture or flying probe system. 

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Can be performed early to late in the production process.

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Initial setup can be expensive due to custom fixtures or program development. Production test may be less expensive.

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Component level failures, missing, orientation, incorrect, shorts, opens, and soldering defects.

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Provides precise fault localization, aiding quick repairs.

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Customizable reports by serial number, traceable to component level and/or net. Including coverage reports.

Functional Testing (FT)

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Ensures the device operates according to its design specifications.

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Simulates operating conditions using test equipment to verify functionality.

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Requires specific test setups, such as power supplies, signal generators, and measurement tools.

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Usually performed after assembly is completed, often as a final test.

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Setup is typically less expensive but tests may take longer and be more complex.


 

Design issues, firmware bugs, or operational faults.

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Indicates functional failures but may not pinpoint specific faults.
 

Customizable reports by serial number, traceable to measurement of specified functional output.

Do you need Flying Probe or Functional testing?

Did you have your PCBAs assembled somewhere else, and now need testing performed?

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Test services offered at Analog Technologies, Corp. include:

  • In-Circuit Testing (ICT) via Flying Probe

  • Functional Testing (FT)

  • Environmental Stress Testing / Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)

    • Functional Testing, but performed either after or during exposure to a specified temperature and humidity range at a set number of cycles

Why Choose Us?

Long-term customer relationships

Broad base of engineering and manufacturing expertise

Collaborative, flexible and solutions oriented

Located minutes from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport

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