PCBA testing machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a PCBA test machine, which comprises a test rack, a test assembly, an electrical assembly, a computer assembly and a power supply assembly, a transmission mechanism is arranged in the middle of the test rack in a penetrating manner, and the test assembly is arranged below the transmission mechanism and is provided with a probe. The probe is used for being inserted into a test point of the PCBA so as to input a first test signal or output a second test signal; the electrical assembly is connected with the test assembly and is used for driving a probe of the test assembly to be inserted into a test point of the PCBA or pulled out of the test point according to a control instruction of the computer assembly; the computer assembly is used for generating the first test signal and receiving the second test signal to complete on-line test and function test of the PCBA. The power supply assembly supplies power to the test assembly, the electrical assembly and the computer assembly. The PCBA testing machine integrates ICT testing and FCT testing, the testing efficiency is improved, the turnover loss is reduced, and the cost of the testing machine is also saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of PCBA testing equipment technology, and more specifically, to a PCBA testing machine. Background Technology

[0002] From the automotive and telecommunications industries to various information-related sectors, production testing is a necessary and costly process. Testing departments often favor flexibly configurable, compact, and fully functional test equipment because it not only covers current tasks but also addresses the challenges of technological advancements, reducing unnecessary and substantial investments for companies. Automotive electronic circuit boards require both ICT (In-Circuit Test) and FCT (Functional Circuit Testing) tests to achieve 100% test coverage and improve product reliability.

[0003] With continuous technological advancements, traditional FCT (Fixed-Cut Test) methods may fail to keep pace with new design and manufacturing requirements, especially when higher levels of test coverage and accuracy are needed. To overcome these limitations, they are often combined with other testing methods, such as ICT (In-Process Testing), to ensure comprehensive verification of board quality and performance. This integrated testing strategy provides higher test coverage and quality control.

[0004] The main drawback of existing technologies is that ICT and FCT are tested separately, with significant differences in testing methods, objectives, and application scenarios, each with its own limitations.

[0005] For example, a limitation of ICT (Inductively Coupled Testing) is that when testing capacitors, such as when a small capacitor is connected in parallel with a large capacitor, the small capacitor cannot be measured. When two capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel, the capacitance is C1 + C2. Generally, if the capacitance of C2 is more than 10 times that of C1, then C1 cannot be measured. Typically, ICT tests allow an error range of ±20% between the actual and standard values ​​for capacitors. When C1 = 1F and C2 = 10F, the total capacitive reactance C = C1 + C2 = 11F. During measurement, the lower limit is 8.8F and the upper limit is 13.2F, meaning that a capacitive reactance between 8.8F and 13.2F is acceptable for the test. If C1 is missing during testing, C = 10F. Within the allowable error range, the test will still pass, and the problem of missing C1 will not be detected. In other words, in ICT testing, a small capacitor connected in parallel with a large capacitor cannot be measured.

[0006] The limitations of FCT are that it primarily focuses on functional issues and does not cover the detection of manufacturing defects. FCT testing has incomplete coverage and cannot detect certain manufacturing defects, such as soldering problems.

[0007] In addition, separate testing of ICT and FCT requires testing on two separate sets of equipment. The PCBA under test is transferred between the two sets of equipment, which requires more testing time, higher storage costs, and increases the risk of PCBA damage. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a PCBA testing machine that integrates ICT and FCT, improves PCBA testing efficiency, and saves testing costs.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] This utility model provides a PCBA testing machine for performing online and functional testing of PCBAs. It includes a test frame and a transmission mechanism, testing components, electrical components, a computer component, and a power supply component, all mounted on the test frame. The transmission mechanism is located in the middle of the test frame and includes a transmission belt for supporting and transporting the PCBA under test. The testing component is located below the transmission mechanism and has probes that match the test points of the PCBA on the transmission belt. The probes are used to insert into the test points of the PCBA to input a first test signal or output a second test signal generated by the PCBA based on the first test signal. The electrical component is located below the testing component and connected to the computer component. It is used to drive the probes of the testing component to insert into or remove from the test points of the PCBA according to the control commands of the computer component. The computer component generates the first test signal and receives the second test signal to complete the online and functional testing of the PCBA. The power supply component supplies power to the testing component, electrical components, and computer component.

[0011] Furthermore, the PCBA testing machine also includes a press assembly connected to the electrical components. The press assembly is located above the transmission mechanism and directly above the testing components. The press assembly can be controlled to descend and press the PCBA onto the transmission mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the press assembly includes a mounting plate with multiple mounting holes for detachably mounting pressure bars for flattening the PCBA; the corner of the press assembly is provided with a positioning pin for inserting into a pre-set positioning hole on the test assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the testing component further includes a color sensor and a brightness sensor, which are fixed to the transmission mechanism and electrically connected to the computer component to detect the color difference and brightness of the LEDs on the PCBA under test.

[0014] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a docking section and a test section, each equipped with a pair of guide rails. The docking section is used to dock with an upper or lower board machine, and the test section is located inside a testing machine. The transmission belt is located between the pair of guide rails. The testing machine further includes a spacing adjustment mechanism, which includes an automatic spacing adjustment mechanism and a manual spacing adjustment mechanism. The manual spacing adjustment mechanism is connected to the guide rails of the docking section to adjust the spacing between the guide rails of the docking section, and the automatic spacing adjustment mechanism is connected to the test section to adjust the spacing between the guide rails of the test section.

[0015] In one embodiment, the automatic spacing adjustment mechanism includes a motor fixed to one of the guide rails, a first screw connecting the pair of guide rails and the output shaft of the motor, and a first nut sleeved on the first screw and fixed to the other guide rail; the manual spacing adjustment mechanism includes a second screw connecting the pair of guide rails, a second nut sleeved on the second screw and fixed to the guide rail, and a handle connected to one end of the second screw and located on one side of the mating section.

[0016] In one embodiment, the testing machine further includes a height adjustment mechanism, which is located below the guide rail of the testing section, connected to the guide rail of the testing section, and electrically connected to the computer component.

[0017] In one embodiment, the computer component, the test rack, and the power supply component are arranged along the extension direction of the transmission mechanism, and the computer component and the power supply component are fixed on opposite sides of the test rack.

[0018] In one embodiment, the test rack is further equipped with a barcode scanner electrically connected to the computer components. The barcode scanner is located above the transmission mechanism and is used to scan the identification code of the PCBA under test.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model are as follows: The PCBA testing machine of this utility model controls the lifting test component to plug and unplug the test points of the PCBA under test on the transmission mechanism through electrical components. The computer component generates test signals and sends them to the PCBA under test through the test component. The test results detected by the test component are also received to complete the online testing and functional testing of the PCBA. The online testing and functional testing of the PCBA can be completed by one device, eliminating the need to transfer the PCBA between two sets of testing machines, improving testing efficiency, reducing turnover loss, and saving the cost of testing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a PCBA testing machine provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the testing machine from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of part A. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be understood that the steps described in the method embodiments of this utility model may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of this utility model is not limited in this respect.

[0026] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "connection" can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via intermediate components (elements). The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description.

[0027] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this utility model are only used to distinguish between devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit these devices, modules or units to necessarily be different devices, modules or units, nor are they used to limit the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 3 This utility model relates to a PCBA testing machine, which is used to interface with the upper board machine and the lower board machine to form an automatic PCBA testing system. It automatically completes online testing and functional testing of PCBA 500, solves various problems caused by the testing of PCBA 500 between the two testing systems of ICT testing system and FCT testing system, improves testing efficiency, reduces turnover loss, and also saves the cost of testing system.

[0029] The test machine 100 includes a test frame 110 and a transmission mechanism 170, a test component, an electrical component 140, a computer component 160, and a power supply component 150, all mounted on the test frame 110. The test frame 110 provides the mounting structure for and supports the other components. The test component connects to the PCBA 500 under test (DUT) to perform online and functional testing on the DUT. The electrical component 140 controls the insertion and removal of the test component from the DUT. The computer component 160 generates test signals to the test component and receives the test results to complete both types of testing on the PCBA 500. The power supply component 150 provides power to the test component, electrical component 140, and computer component 160.

[0030] The test frame 110 is constructed from multiple columns and beams, providing a stable physical structure to ensure the stable installation and operation of other components. The transmission mechanism 170 is installed in the middle of the test frame 110. The transmission mechanism 170 includes guide rails and a transmission belt 1711, which supports and transmits the PCBA 500 under test.

[0031] The test assembly is located below the transmission mechanism 170 and has probes that match the test points of the PCBA 500 under test on the transmission mechanism 170. The probes are used to insert into the test points of the PCBA 500 to input a first test signal to the PCBA 500 or output a second test signal generated by the PCBA 500 based on the first test signal. It should be noted that the test assembly includes a test fixture 121 and probes. The test fixture 121 is a contour-following fixture, customized to fit the specific shape and test point positions of the PCBA 500 under test. The probes are mounted on the test fixture 121 and can be precisely aligned with preset test points on the circuit board. As the test fixture 121 rises and nests the PCBA 500 under test, the probes are inserted into the test points.

[0032] The electrical component 140 is located below the test fixture 121 and connected to the computer component 160. It is used to drive the probes of the test component to insert into or remove from the test points of the PCBA 500 according to control commands from the computer component 160. Optionally, the electrical component 140 includes sensors, cylinders, relays, switches, power supplies, air lines, and terminals, etc. These components are responsible for transmitting and processing electrical signals, as well as performing mechanical actions.

[0033] The computer component 160 is used to generate the first test signal and receive the second test signal to complete the online testing and functional testing of the PCBA 500. The first test signal generated by the computer component 160 is introduced into the circuit of the PCBA 500 through probes to detect the electrical connections and electrical performance between components, thereby completing the voltage and current detection of the PCBA 500 to ensure that the basic electrical parameters of the circuit meet the design requirements. The test signal is used to complete the communication detection (such as infrared, RS485, RS232, etc. communication modules) and functional detection (such as pulse, relay, etc.) of the PCBA 500 to ensure that various communication functions are normal. It should be understood that the first test signal generated by the computer component 160 is different for different communication or functional detections.

[0034] In one embodiment, the computer component 160 includes a computer, a motion control card, a signal adapter board, and signal cables, etc. It is the core control part of the test machine, responsible for running the test software, processing test data, controlling the operation of other components, displaying test results, and uploading data to facilitate subsequent data analysis and archiving.

[0035] Furthermore, the testing machine 100 also includes a press assembly 130 connected to the electrical component 140. The press assembly 130 is located above the transmission mechanism 170 and directly above the testing component. The press assembly 130 can descend under the drive of the electrical component 140 to press the PCBA 500 onto the transmission mechanism 170.

[0036] In one embodiment, the press assembly 130 includes a mounting plate with multiple mounting holes for detachably mounting pressure bars for flattening the PCBA 500. By providing numerous mounting holes, the pressure bars can be inserted as needed, pressing the PCBA 500 firmly against the test fixture 121. This ensures the stability of the circuit board during testing, allowing the probes to fully engage with the test points of the PCBA 500, avoiding poor contact, ensuring accurate transmission of test signals, and improving the accuracy of test results.

[0037] In addition, the corner of the press assembly 130 is provided with a downwardly extending positioning pin 131. The positioning pin is used to insert into a preset positioning hole on the test assembly to avoid displacement between the press assembly 130 and the test assembly, which would cause the probe and the test point to not be accurately connected.

[0038] In one embodiment, the testing component further includes an optical detection sensor 122, specifically including a color sensor and a brightness sensor. The color sensor and the brightness sensor are fixed on the transmission mechanism 170 and are electrically connected to the computer component 160, for corresponding detection of the color difference and brightness of the LED lights on the PCBA500 under test.

[0039] The brightness of the LED is measured directly using a brightness sensor. The brightness sensor accurately senses light intensity and converts it into an electrical signal. During the FCT function test, the computer component 160 acquires and processes the electrical signal to obtain the actual brightness value of the LED, and then compares it with the set brightness standard to determine whether the LED's brightness meets the standard.

[0040] The color sensor is used to detect the color of the LED. It can identify light of different wavelengths and effectively distinguish subtle color differences, thereby determining the color characteristics of the light emitted by the LED. The computer component 160 can detect the color difference of the LED by comparing the acquired electrical signal with the electrical signal corresponding to the standard color value.

[0041] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism 170 includes a docking section 171 and a test section 172, each equipped with a pair of guide rails. The docking section 171 is used to dock with the upper board machine and the lower board machine to realize the upper board or the lower board. The test section 172 is located inside the test machine 100.

[0042] The testing machine 100 further includes a spacing adjustment mechanism 180 and a height adjustment mechanism 190. The spacing adjustment mechanism includes an automatic spacing adjustment mechanism 181 and a manual spacing adjustment mechanism 182. The manual spacing adjustment mechanism is connected to the guide rail of the docking section 171 to adjust the spacing of the guide rail of the docking section 171. The automatic spacing adjustment mechanism is connected to the testing section 172 to adjust the spacing of the guide rail of the testing section 172. The height adjustment mechanism is located below the guide rail of the testing section 172, connected to the guide rail of the testing section 172, and electrically connected to the computer component 160.

[0043] In one embodiment, the automatic spacing adjustment mechanism 181 includes a motor fixed to one of the guide rails, a screw 1811 spanning between the pair of guide rails and connected to the motor, and a nut sleeved on the screw and fixed to the guide rail.

[0044] The manual spacing adjustment mechanism 182 includes a screw, a nut fitted onto the screw and fixed to the guide rail, and a handle connected to one end of the screw and located on one side of the docking section 171.

[0045] Therefore, by adjusting the width of the test section 172 and the docking section 171 through the spacing adjustment mechanism, the spacing of the transmission belt is adjusted, and by adjusting the height of the guide rail through the height adjustment device, the spacing between the transmission belt and the test component is adjusted to adapt to the testing of PCBA 500 boards of different specifications.

[0046] In one embodiment, the computer component 160, the test rack 110, and the power supply component 150 are arranged along the extension direction of the transmission mechanism 170, and the computer component 160 and the power supply component 150 are fixed on opposite sides of the test rack 110 and located below the docking section 171. By placing the computer component 160 and the power supply component 150 on both sides of the test rack 110, the weight distribution can be more balanced, improving the stability of the test machine; in addition, placing the computer component 160 and the power supply component 150 below the docking section 171 can make full use of the installation space of the test machine and reduce the floor space.

[0047] Additionally, the test rack 110 has a barcode scanner (not shown) fixed on the side facing the upper board. The barcode scanner is electrically connected to the computer component 160 and is located above the conveyor belt 1711. It is used to scan identification codes (e.g., barcodes) on the PCBA.

[0048] In summary, in the testing machine 100, the testing components precisely connect the probes to the pre-reserved test points on the PCBA 500 board via mechanical actions or automated equipment. The test fixture 121 communicates and transmits signals through its connection to the test points. This method allows the testing machine to simulate various input signals and transmit these signals to the PCBA 500, while simultaneously receiving and analyzing the output signals returned from the PCBA 500, thereby comprehensively verifying the functionality and performance of the PCBA 500. During the testing process, the testing machine 100 detects the basic electrical parameters of the PCBA 500, such as voltage, current, and resistance, and simulates the product's input signals to verify the product's functionality and performance.

[0049] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model has the following advantages.

[0050] This testing machine combines ICT (In-Circuit Testing) and FCT (Functional Testing) capabilities to ensure the quality and performance of automotive electronic circuit control boards on the production line. Through automated testing, this machine comprehensively covers the electrical characteristics and functional requirements of the circuit boards, significantly improving testing efficiency and accuracy. The following are advantages of this testing machine: ease of upgrade and readiness for future needs:

[0051] 1. Modular architecture design:

[0052] (1) The test machine adopts a modular architecture design, which means that it can be flexibly configured and adjusted according to the real-time testing needs of the production line.

[0053] (2) It has a variety of ICT / FCT boards that can support different test tasks and meet diverse test needs.

[0054] 2. Multiple mixed testing methods:

[0055] (1) It supports mixed testing methods of ICT, boundary scanner and FCT board, and can flexibly adjust the configuration according to the characteristics of the product and the testing requirements.

[0056] (2) This hybrid testing method can provide more comprehensive and accurate test results, ensuring product quality.

[0057] 3. Development based on matrix relay modules and instruments:

[0058] (1) The test machine is developed based on advanced matrix relay modules and instruments, which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the test.

[0059] (2) The matrix relay module can achieve efficient and accurate signal switching and transmission, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0060] 4. Equipped with a worktable and interchangeable automated fixtures:

[0061] (1) The testing machine is equipped with a workbench and interchangeable automated fixtures, which facilitates operation and maintenance by operators.

[0062] (2) The interchangeable automated fixtures can adapt to circuit boards of different sizes and types, improving the versatility and flexibility of the test machine.

[0063] 5. Easy to upgrade:

[0064] (1) The test machine is designed with future upgrade needs in mind, and new test boards, functional modules or software updates can be easily added.

[0065] (2) This easy-to-upgrade feature enables the test machine to keep up with the pace of technological development and meet the ever-changing testing needs.

[0066] 6. High scalability:

[0067] (1) One module supports up to 990 test points, and two modules support up to 2430 test points, which fully meets the needs of large-volume and high-density testing.

[0068] (2) As production lines expand and testing needs increase, testing machines can be easily expanded to ensure the continuity and stability of testing.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific combination of the above-described technical features, but also includes other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features of this utility model that have similar functions.

[0070] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A PCBA tester for performing online and functional testing of a PCBA, the PCBA tester comprising: The test machine comprises a test rack and a transmission mechanism, a test assembly, an electrical assembly, a computer assembly and a power supply assembly which are all mounted on the test rack; The transmission mechanism is arranged in the middle of the test rack and comprises a transmission belt for supporting and transmitting the PCBA to be tested; The test assembly is arranged below the transmission mechanism and comprises probes which are matched with the test points of the PCBA on the transmission belt, the probes being used for plugging into the test points of the PCBA to input the first test signal or output the second test signal generated by the PCBA based on the first test signal; The electrical assembly is connected with the test assembly below the test assembly and is electrically connected with the computer assembly, and is used for driving the probes of the test assembly to plug into or pull out of the test points of the PCBA according to the control instruction of the computer assembly; The computer assembly is used for generating the first test signal and receiving the second test signal to complete the online test and function test of the PCBA; The power supply assembly supplies power for the test assembly, the electrical assembly and the computer assembly.

2. The PCBA tester of claim 1, wherein, The test machine further comprises a press assembly which is connected with the electrical assembly, arranged above the transmission mechanism and directly above the test assembly, and can be controlled to descend to press the PCBA on the transmission mechanism.

3. The PCBA tester of claim 2, wherein, The press assembly comprises a mounting plate which is provided with a plurality of mounting holes for detachably arranging press rods for flattening the PCBA.

4. The PCBA tester of claim 2, wherein, The corner end of the press assembly is provided with a positioning needle which is used for plugging into a prearranged positioning hole of the test assembly.

5. The PCBA tester of claim 1, wherein, The test assembly further comprises a color sensor and a brightness sensor which are fixed on the transmission mechanism and are electrically connected with the computer assembly, and are used for detecting the color difference and brightness of the LED lamp on the PCBA to be tested.

6. The PCBA tester of claim 1, wherein, The transmission mechanism comprises a docking section and a test section which are each provided with a pair of guide rails, the docking section being used for docking with an upper board machine or a lower board machine, and the test section being arranged in the test machine, and the transmission belt being arranged between the pair of guide rails; The test machine further comprises a distance adjustment mechanism which comprises an automatic distance adjustment mechanism and a manual distance adjustment mechanism; The manual distance adjustment mechanism is connected with the guide rails of the docking section and is used for adjusting the distance between the guide rails of the docking section, and the automatic distance adjustment mechanism is connected with the test section and is used for adjusting the distance between the guide rails of the test section.

7. The PCBA tester of claim 6, wherein, The automatic distance adjustment mechanism comprises a motor which is fixed on one of the guide rails, a first screw rod which is connected with an output shaft of the motor and is arranged between the pair of guide rails, and a first nut member which is sleeved on the first screw rod and is fixed on the other guide rail; The manual distance adjustment mechanism comprises a second screw rod which is arranged between the pair of guide rails, a second nut member which is sleeved on the second screw rod and is fixed on the guide rails, and a handle which is connected with one end of the second screw rod and is arranged on one side of the docking section.

8. The PCBA tester of claim 6, wherein, The test machine further comprises a height adjustment mechanism which is connected with the guide rails of the test section below the guide rails and is electrically connected with the computer assembly.

9. The PCBA tester of claim 1, wherein, The computer assembly, the test rack and the power supply assembly are arranged along the extension direction of the transmission mechanism, and the computer assembly and the power supply assembly are fixed on the opposite sides of the test rack.

10. The PCBA tester of claim 1, wherein, The test rack is also fixed with a code scanner electrically connected with the computer assembly, the code scanner is located above the transmission mechanism and is used for scanning the identity code of the PCBA to be tested.

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