A functional PCB tester is a critical machine used in electronics manufacturing that ensures the quality and reliability of populated printed circuit boards.
It performs a series of automated tests to verify the electrical connections, components, and features/functionally of the populated PCB and helps manufacturers maintain consistent quality across different batches of products.
The PCB Functional testing machine consists of a hardware platform that includes test probes, switches, and other measurement instruments, as well as a software system that controls the test sequence and records the test results.
The software is usually designed to be highly customizable, allowing manufacturers to define their own tests and specifications and to add new tests as needed. https://suvastika.com/automatic-functional-pcb-tester-by-su-vastika/
PCB functional testing machines are essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of electronic products because by catching defects early in the manufacturing process, they can save manufacturers time and money by preventing costly rework in the field or product recalls which can impact reputation and future sales.
They are also an essential tool for maintaining consistent quality across different batches of PCBs, ensuring that products meet the required standards and specifications even if some components change across clusters.
There are many functional testers available in the market. Some functional PCB testers are designed to not only test the functionality of the PCB, but also to program the microcontroller on the PCB.
These testers are often equipped with programming tools, such as an ISP (in-system programming) or JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface, that allow them to program the microcontroller directly on the PCB. Suvastika’s PCB Functional Tester has this capability inbuilt.
However, not all functional PCB testers are designed to program microcontrollers. Some testers may only be capable of testing the functionality of the PCB and not programming the microcontroller. In this case, a separate programming tool would need to program the microcontroller which is an additional step and hassle in production.
It’s essential to check the specifications of the specific functional PCB tester you are thinking of using to determine if it can program the microcontroller on the PCB.
Salient Features:
- Fully Automatic PCB Functional Testing machine with cloud connectivity
- Modular Jig fixture to handle different PCB variant.
- The standard jig can support up to 40 test points and can be expanded easily.
- Can check AC/DC voltage, Current, Resistance, etc., for each test point.
- Automated MCU firmware Programming and verification
- Automated calibration of parameters
- UART interface for protocol-level testing or board configuration
- PC Interface: 2x USB 2.0
- Operating voltage 230V, 50/60Hz
- Weight: 12-15 Kg, depending on the instrumentation
- Dimensions: 18 inches (L) x 18 inches (B) x 25 inches (H)
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 45 Degrees C
- PC Software
- Operator Access Control
- Testing Jig Configuration
- Test Program Creation and modification.
- Thermal printer Interface for printing QR code stickers (PASS, FAIL)
- Test data is stored in the local database as well as synched with the Cloud.
- Smart Factory Cloud Platform to monitor PCB Functional testing Remotely.
- Designed and manufactured in India.
- Customization is possible on request.
Suvastika is also offering PCB Functional Testing on a Subscription basis which is the first time any company is offering it as an enterprise solution.
Application of PCB Functional Tester:
- Automated Production testing of analog /digital electronics assemblies (PCB tests). Functional testing for products like Inverter/UPS, BMS, sensors, Dataloggers, Controller cards, display cards, actually any PCB which needs functional testing.
- Alternative to expensive high-end testers
- Automation of manual tests in R&D, Validation department.
- Repair depart in the factory can use PCB functional tester to quickly find issues instead of debugging the board manually by spending hours.
Parts of PCB Functional Tester
There are three main parts in a PCB Functional Testing Setup
- Testing Jig
- PC Software
- Smart Factory Cloud Platform
For PCB Functional Testing, one needs PCB Function testing Jig, A PC, and software and if remote monitoring is required, then a cloud-based intelligent factory app.
Windows PC software allows one to configure the PCB functional tester for any PCB with any number of test points, and you can set how many points to be tested, the maximum, and minimum voltage/current/resistance value, how many samples need to be used for averaging, etc.
Operator/Admin access control can be given using ID/ password or QR code scanning.
One can save different test programs for each PCB or its variant and then can select to start using it for the test quickly.
While running, PC software shows the testing progress and status of each test. Each test point measurement is compared with its configured min and maximum value, and the result is displayed as PASS or FAIL, along with the actual measured value for that particular test point.
In the image above, the right-hand side panel is the terminal view, which allows an operator or floor supervisor to see the progress in more detail. This helps quickly find the issue in case PCB functional tester is not working or misbehaving.
PC software automatically generates the serial number based on Date, Time, Factory Code, Jig Code, and serial number, which helps one to identify the PCB in its complete lifetime.
QR code will be posted on the PCB once testing is completed.
Test result data is not only stored in the local database but is also pushed to Suvastika’s Smart Factory cloud platform, where Factory managers can easily monitor the testing progress and the result.