Differential Test Probe With Selectable Ground Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed wiring board test probes are difficult to maintain and replace, limiting their ability to test a wide range of signal patterns due to fixed signal and ground pin arrangements, and they often require manual calibration, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A differential test probe with a probe body and coaxial cables, featuring spring-loaded signal pins and selectively arranged ground pins, allowing for multiple signal-to-ground paths and automatic calibration verification, enabling efficient and versatile testing of high-frequency signals on printed wiring boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If signal and ground pins are fixed in arrangement, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to test different signal patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ground pins are made selectively arrangeable rather than fixed, allowing the probe to adapt to different signal patterns. The ground pins can be positioned at multiple locations relative to signal pins, enabling the same probe to test various differential signal configurations without requiring multiple specialized probes.
2Reliability
If entire probe is replaced when elements malfunction, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time and productivity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into replaceable modular components, specifically the ground pins can be independently replaced. When a ground pin malfunctions, only that specific pin needs to be replaced rather than the entire probe assembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual ground pins are designed to be replaceable components that can be discarded when malfunctioning and replaced with new pins. This allows selective replacement of only the defective elements rather than the entire probe, recovering the functional portions of the probe for continued use.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates automatic calibration verification capability that performs calibration checks without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically verifies calibration status and performs necessary adjustments, eliminating the time-consuming manual calibration process while maintaining measurement precision through automated routines.
Data Source
AI summary
A differential test probe for a printed wiring board test system includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end. Each of a plurality of coaxial cables extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plurality of coaxial cables each includes a center conductor having an axial aperture at the distal end. The differential test probe also includes a plurality of signal pins that are each mounted in the axial aperture of the center conductor of one of the plurality of coaxial cables to electrically couple the signal pin to the center conductor. A plurality of ground pins are coupled to the probe body and selectively arranged relative to the plurality of signal pins to provide multiple signal to ground paths between the plurality signal pins and the plurality ground pins.