The flying probe tester is an improvement of the traditional needle bed online tester. It can use probes to replace the needle bed. The XY mechanism is equipped with 4, 6 or 8 test probes that can move at a high speed. The minimum test gap is 0.2mm. When working, the unit under test (UUT, unit under test) is transported to the testing machine through a belt or other UUT transmission system, and then the probe of the testing machine is fixed to contact the test pad and via hole, so that the A single component of the UUT. The test probe is connected to the driver (signal generator, power supply, etc.) and sensor (digital multimeter, frequency counter, etc.) through a multiplexing system to test the components on the UUT. When a component is being tested, other components on the UUT are electrically shielded by the prober to prevent reading interference.
The flying probe tester can check short circuits, open circuits and component values. A camera was also used in the flying probe test to help find missing components. Use the camera to check the shape of components with clear orientations, such as polar capacitors. With the probe positioning accuracy and repeatability reaching the range of 5-15 microns, the flying probe tester can accurately detect UUT.
Flying probe testing solves a large number of existing problems seen in PCB assembly: for example, a test development cycle that may be as long as 4-6 weeks; fixture development costs of approximately US$10,000-50,000; small batch production cannot be tested economically; and Cannot quickly test prototype assembly.
Because of the ability to closely contact the shielded UUT and the ability to bring new products to the market faster (time-to-market), flying probe testing is an invaluable production resource. In addition, since no experienced test and development engineers are required, the system also has the advantages of saving manpower and saving time.
