What factors should be considered when purchasing flying probe tester ?

Dec. 31, 2021   |   643 views

Pin tester is used to test circuit boards, which is divided into two categories: one is to test PCB and the other is to test PCBA.

The flying probe tester for testing PCB is an instrument for testing PCB boards (printed circuit boards) with high-density component layout, many layers, large wiring density and small distance between measuring points. It mainly tests the insulation and conduction value of circuit boards. The tester generally adopts the “truth comparison positioning method”, which can monitor the test process and fault points in real time to ensure the accuracy of the test.

The flying probe testing machine for PCBA mainly tests the electrical properties of electronic components, such as the value and electrical characteristics.

The flying probe testing machine has the characteristics of fine pitch, no grid restriction, flexible testing and high speed.

What factors should be considered when purchasing flying probe tester machine ?

1. Test area

The maximum test area should preferably exceed [40×32] mm. Especially for factories that often make super large plates and flying probe test OEM centers, this model with large test area should be considered.

2. Accuracy of  flying probe testing machine

In terms of machine accuracy, we should pay attention to the understanding of different marking methods.The general marking method is nominal accuracy (resolution, repetition accuracy), minimum test pad size and minimum pad spacing. The manufacturer must explain clearly for other marking methods to prevent misunderstanding. The accuracy of medium and high-level flying  probe testing machine is generally 2mil, the minimum test pad size is 6 ~ 8 mil and the minimum pad spacing is 8 ~ 12 mil. However, the line spacing of small line width is irrelevant to the accuracy of flying needle testing and does not need to be considered.

3. Components and consumables

The main components of the testing machine include motor, guide rail, lead screw, belt, bearing, etc.These components play a decisive role in the accuracy and stability of the machine. Pay attention to its quality brands. One of the advantages of flying needle testing machine is less consumables.The main consumables are test probe, and their service life and price need to be considered.Generally, the test probe shall be replaced once every 3 to 6 months.

4. Reliability and stability

If the flying probe tester has missed test or other fatal defects, it will become meaningless.This is closely related to the machine software, machine self-test and real-time fault detection capability.When purchasing, we can’t blindly pursue its speed and simple operation. In addition, the stability of the machine has a great impact on the accuracy and test speed, which is generally guaranteed by a firm frame and heavy platform.

5. Flying probe testing machine software

The software of the testing machine must be mature, otherwise it will report errors frequently, stop intermittently, crash, and even cause missed testing. It should also be comprehensively evaluated from the aspects of compatibility, network analysis ability and simplicity of operation.

6. Environmental requirements for flying probe testing machine

The power supply requirements are generally AC 220V/50HZ mains power, and the power is between 0.5 ~ 2kW.The temperature requirement is not high, and it can work normally at 0 ~ 30 ℃.The humidity has a greater impact on the machine, generally below 75%.Therefore, it should be noted that the machine should not be placed in a too humid environment, otherwise it is necessary to add a dehumidifier.There are very few flying probe testing machines that need air supply and must be equipped with air compressor.The weight of flying probe testing machine is generally 100 ~ 1800kg, so there are no special requirements for the place of placement.