PCB Testing is a critical phase in electronics manufacturing that ensures quality, functionality, and reliability of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Testing can find problems promptly and help designer resolve issues quickly. PCB testing involves bare board testing and assembled board testing.
Bare PCB Testing
The purpose of PCB testing to verify electrical connectivity, isolation, and manufacturing defects.
The method of PCB testing include:
Continuity Test (Short Testing): Checks for unintended shorts (e.g., copper traces touching).
Isolation Test (Open Testing): Ensures no open circuits (breaks) in traces.
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): Uses cameras to detect scratches, misalignments, or etching defects.
Impedance Testing: Critical for high-speed designs (e.g., RF, DDR) to ensure trace impedance matches specifications.
Assembled Board Testing
1.In-Circuit Test (ICT): ICT is an automatic online testing to verify components, shorts, opens, and values. This testing can precisely find fault locations, allowing workers to easily handle problem PCBA.
2.Flying Probe Testing: It is a cost-effective method, the moving probes test on circuit without custom fixtures. It is suitable for different testing requirements through software modifications.
3.Functional Testing: It requires specialized equipment and customized testing procedures to verify PCB’s function.
4.Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI): AOI inspection uses cameras to scan solder joints and components defects such as bridges, misalignment, and missing parts.
5.X-ray Testing: Uses X-rays to check hidden joints (BGA, QFN), voids, or solder defects.
No matter what type of electronics testing you use, it brings benefit to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Testing during the design stage helps designers avoid faults in mass production, reduces costs, shortens development cycles, and speeds up production. Comprehensive testing ensures PCBs meet all electrical, mechanical, and structural design requirements while improving product reliability.
PCB testing is important for product quality. At Fanway, we offer a wide range of testing solutions, including components inspection, custom test. Contact us today get more details.
-
