PCB Signal Testing Apparatus with Switched Parallel Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal analysis instruments for printed circuit boards are overly complex, making the measurement of electrical characteristics during debugging and final factory inspection cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A signal testing apparatus with input and output terminals, switches, an ammeter, and a voltmeter that simplifies the measurement process by allowing controlled coupling of terminals and automated measurement of current and voltage using electronic switches and a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional signal analysis instruments (oscillometers) are used to measure electrical characteristics of testing points on PCB, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the operation complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB testing process is segmented into multiple test channels, each with dedicated input terminals, output terminals, and switches. This allows parallel measurement of multiple testing points simultaneously, reducing operation complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through dedicated measurement paths for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: signal input, signal output, switching control, current measurement, and voltage measurement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate traditional instruments, simplifying operation while preserving measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional signal analysis instruments are used for final factory inspection, then electrical characteristics can be measured, but the measurement process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the inspection process into multiple independent test channels that can operate simultaneously. Each channel measures electrical characteristics of different testing points in parallel, dramatically increasing inspection efficiency while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated measurement circuits for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus enables continuous measurement across all test channels simultaneously rather than sequential measurement. The controller coordinates switches and meters to perform measurements continuously across multiple points, eliminating idle time and improving overall inspection productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple testing points on PCB are measured one by one using traditional instruments, then comprehensive electrical characteristics can be obtained, but the measurement process is troublesome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB is divided into multiple test channels with dedicated input and output terminals for each channel. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple testing points across different channels, reducing total measurement time while ensuring comprehensive electrical characteristics coverage through systematic channel allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic switching between different test channels, systematically cycling through each channel to perform measurements. This periodic action ensures all testing points are covered comprehensively while minimizing total measurement time through structured parallel operation of multiple channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal testing apparatus for a printed circuit board is disclosed which includes a plurality of input terminals for receiving an external testing signal, a plurality of output terminals for supplying the printed circuit board with the external testing signal, a plurality of switches arranged between the plurality of input terminals and the plurality of output terminals for controllably coupling the plurality of input terminals to the plurality of output terminals, an ammeter for measuring a magnitude of a current on a first path provided by the coupling of the plurality of switches, and a voltmeter for measuring a magnitude of a voltage on a second path provided by the coupling of the plurality of switches.