PCB Flying Probe Testing Module With Constant Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing systems for printed circuit boards are inefficient in detecting short circuits, open circuits, and extreme low leakage currents, particularly due to instability in leakage current measurements, limited testing density, and the need for manual intervention, which increases costs and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A testing system module incorporating a first and second robot with pogo pins, a meter for signal transmission, a control system, a pressure detecting unit, and a signal transformation unit to maintain constant pressure and improve measurement accuracy, allowing for automatic testing of printed circuit boards with high-density and fine-pitch designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated test equipment with fixture is used, then testing accuracy for specific board type is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to non-reusable fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flying probe test equipment that can test multiple types of printed circuit boards without requiring dedicated fixtures for each board type. The probes are designed to be universally applicable across different board configurations, eliminating the need for custom-made fixtures and reducing device complexity while maintaining testing accuracy through programmable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixture system with an automated flying probe system that uses computer-controlled positioning. Instead of physically adapting the test equipment to each board type through custom fixtures, the system uses software-programmed probe movements to accommodate different board designs, substituting mechanical complexity with automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal grid test equipment is used, then adaptability to different board types is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for high-density boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic flying probe system where the probe positions and movements are programmably adjusted for each testing scenario. Unlike static universal grid fixtures, the system can dynamically reconfigure probe positions through computer control to achieve precise measurements on high-density boards while maintaining adaptability to various board types through software programming.
3Device complexity
If flying probe test equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for extreme low leakage current testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or semi-automatic flying probe operations with a fully automated computer-controlled system. This substitution enables precise control of probe positioning and testing parameters, allowing the system to achieve the measurement precision required for extreme low leakage current testing (nano-ampere level or lower) while maintaining the equipment simplicity and flexibility of the flying probe approach.
4Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for extreme low leakage current testing, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extra manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated testing system where the computer-controlled flying probe equipment automatically performs all testing operations including positioning, measurement, and data recording. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention in extreme low leakage current testing, achieving both high measurement precision and improved productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual testing operations with an automated computer-controlled system that performs all testing functions automatically. This replacement of human operators with automated machinery maintains the precision of manual testing while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating extra manpower requirements and enabling continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system module for testing printed circuit board (PCB) includes at least one robot having a pogo pin for moving to a testing point of the PCB; a pressure detecting unit for detecting a current pressure value on the printed circuit board; and a control system for keeping the pogo pin to contact with the PCB with constant pressure.