Robotic PCB Probing via Virtual Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual probing of devices under test (DUTs) is challenging due to the need for selecting the correct probe type, physically locating test points on high-density PCBs, and maintaining contact with small components, especially in hazardous environments or hard-to-reach locations, and requires expertise to handle high-speed signal busses with differential signaling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for indirectly probing DUTs using a digital representation of the circuit, where a user selects nodes on a user interface, and a robot automatically positions a test-and-measurement probe to acquire signals, allowing remote operation and avoiding hazardous conditions, with the ability to handle differential signaling and high-speed busses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual probing is used to directly contact test points on DUT, then signal acquisition is achieved, but operation difficulty increases due to small component size, high component density, and hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary probing system consisting of a robotic arm with automated positioning capabilities and a probe holder that mediates between the operator and the DUT. This intermediary system handles the difficult physical tasks of locating and contacting test points, while the operator focuses on selecting test parameters through the graphical user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probing operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with multi-axis movement capability substitutes human hand operations, providing precise and repeatable positioning to test points that are difficult to reach manually, while reducing operator fatigue and error.
2Measurement precision
If manual probing is used in hazardous environments or hard-to-reach locations, then signal measurement is possible, but safety risks increase due to dangerous voltage, current, temperature or other harmful environments
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic probing system serves as a safety intermediary, allowing measurements to be taken in hazardous environments without direct human exposure. The system can operate in areas with dangerous voltage, current, temperature, or other harmful conditions while the operator remains in a safe control environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the DUT through the graphical representation displayed on the screen, allowing the operator to select test points and parameters remotely. This virtual interface enables safe operation by decoupling the operator's interaction from the physical hazardous environment.
3Productivity
If automated robotic probing is implemented, then operation safety and productivity improve, but device complexity increases due to robot positioning system and controller
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic probing system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It can handle various probe types, accommodate different DUT configurations, perform multiple measurement tasks, and integrate with different test equipment, making the complex system versatile and worthwhile for automated testing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual display of the graphical representation, real-time positioning information, and measurement results display. This feedback loop simplifies operation by providing clear information about probe position, selected test points, and measurement outcomes, reducing the operational complexity despite the sophisticated hardware.
4Ease of operation
If visual display of graphical representation is provided to assist probe positioning, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to display system and image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or graphical representation of the DUT's circuit board layout and test points, displayed on a screen. This graphical interface serves as a simplified map that guides the operator in selecting test points and understanding the physical layout, making operation easier without requiring direct visual inspection of the actual DUT.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical representation acts as an intermediary between the operator and the physical DUT. It provides a simplified, easily interpretable view of the complex circuit board layout, allowing the operator to plan and execute measurements without directly navigating the physical complexity of the DUT.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for acquiring a test-and-measurement signal from a device under test (DUT) including a test-and-measurement probe, a user interface, a robot, and a controller. The probe is configured to acquire an electronic signal from the DUT. The user interface displays a digital representation of a physical electronic circuit of the DUT, including portrayals of virtual nodes that correspond to actual nodes on the DUT. The robot is configured to automatically position the probe with respect to the DUT. The controller is configured to receive from the user interface an electronic indication of a selected node of the digital representation of the physical electronic circuit, where the selected node is one of the virtual nodes. The controller is further configured to provide instructions to the robot to automatically position the probe to a position on the physical electronic circuit corresponding to the actual node.