Automatic Test Point Placement on PCB Traces

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional method for setting test points on printed circuit boards (PCBs) is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to manual placement, increasing production risks and reducing economic benefits.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically sets test points on PCBs by reading trace files, determining initial test points, and reserving space for manual placement where necessary, using an automatic jig to reduce manual labor and errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual test point placement is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor cost increases and error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror rateVSAvoidmanual placement requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies traces without initial test points and generates test point placement recommendations without requiring manual intervention. The automatic jig reads trace files, determines which traces need test points, and reserves appropriate spaces, making the system self-sufficient in the test point placement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of visually inspecting and placing test points is replaced by an automated computer-based system that processes trace files, analyzes circuit board data, and automatically reserves test point positions, eliminating human error and labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic test point setting is implemented, then productivity increases and labor cost decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest point placement speedVSAvoidautomatic jig complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic jig divides the test point placement task into distinct sequential steps: reading trace files, determining which traces need test points, reserving spaces for test points, and generating placement recommendations. This segmentation makes the complex automation process manageable and systematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses trace files as an intermediary data structure that contains information about circuit traces. The automatic jig reads this pre-existing data and processes it to determine test point locations, using the trace file as a mediator between the raw circuit design and the final test point placement decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If all test points are automatically set, then time consumption decreases, but flexibility for manual adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for test point placementVSAvoidmanual adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically sets test points for all traces that require them based on predefined criteria, performing complete automation rather than partial automation. This ensures maximum time savings while the system's recommendation-based approach allows users to review and adjust if needed, balancing automation with flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8327314B2Method for setting test point

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 INVENTEC CORP

AI summary

A method for setting a test point is applied to dispose at least one test point on a circuit board in a trace file, which includes steps of reading the trace file, in which the trace file includes at least one trace; determining whether the trace has an initial test point; and setting a test point on the trace that does not have the initial test point. According to the method for setting a test point, cost and time for manually disposing the test point are saved, and an error rate when the test point is arranged is further reduced, thereby effectively improving production efficiency of the circuit board.