Movable Power Source for PCB Test Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test systems for electronic circuit boards lack the capability for functional testing, particularly in data transmission, due to line losses when supplying power and transmitting data to the circuit board, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of measurements and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A test system with a movably arranged current and/or voltage source within the housing, allowing for precise energy delivery and reduced line losses, combined with a communication interface that uses multiple conductive contact tips for differential data exchange and includes a transformer module for galvanic isolation, enabling efficient and lossless data transmission and functional testing of communication modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power is supplied through long transmission lines to the circuit board, then the power source can be permanently fixed in the housing, but line losses increase reducing transmission power and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is made movable in at least two spatial directions (preferably three) instead of being permanently fixed, allowing dynamic positioning to minimize transmission distance and line losses while maintaining flexibility in power delivery to the circuit board
2Reliability
If data is transmitted through long lines to the circuit board, then the communication interface can be fixed in the housing, but transmission power is reduced due to line losses
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is merged with the movable power source assembly, allowing both functions to be positioned close to the circuit board simultaneously, thereby reducing line losses for both power and data transmission while maintaining reliable communication
3Measurement precision
If test electrodes are positioned far from the circuit board, then the test system structure is simpler, but measurement signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The test electrodes are integrated with the movable assembly that can be dynamically positioned close to the circuit board, ensuring high measurement signal quality while the automated positioning system maintains ease of operation through programmable movement
4Manufacturing precision
If voltage for repair tools is supplied through long lines, then the power supply arrangement is simpler, but energy delivery precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply for repair tools is integrated into the movable assembly, enabling precise energy delivery by minimizing transmission distance, while the movable design allows flexible positioning to support various repair operations on the circuit board
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for precise energy delivery and efficient data transmission with reduced line losses, enabling effective functional testing of electronic components and communication modules, improving measurement accuracy and repair precision.
Implementation Method 1
the test system includes a transformer module for galvanic isolation
Implementation Method 2
a current and/or voltage source (14) which is movably arranged in at least two spatial directions within the housing of the test system
Data Source
AI summary
A test system for testing electric connections, in particular soldered connections, between electronic components and a printed circuit board to be tested, characterized in that the test system includes a subassembly, which is movably mounted in a housing of the test system, and a current and/or voltage source for energizing the circuit board to be tested, the current and/or voltage source being arranged in the housing of the test system in such a way as to be movable in at least two directions in space.