10 Reasons To Use an Automated PCB Tester

1)            ABI’s System 8 is a range of modules dedicated to the test, measurement, fault-finding and repair of virtually any type of analog and digital PCB. The tests can be carried out at component level  as well as at PCB level.

2)            This PCB is an example that includes a variety of technologies, devices, and interfaces, very similar to many modern industrial PCBs. ABI’s engineers selected a range of tests that are exclusive to the System 8 range that would allow any repair technician to troubleshoot a similar PCB.

3)            The Signature Analysis Test is the most common and safest way of testing unpowered PCBs.  An AC signal is applied to a device and the current response with reference to ground is measured and plotted as a voltage against current graph, producing a “signature”.  This signature is specific to the device or test point and will reveal different types of faults such as leaky capacitors, shorts, broken tracks, internally damaged components and more.  The System 8 range offers the unique ability to automatically vary the output signal frequency while the measurement is taking place.  The result is plotted in 3D, demonstrating the impact of the frequency on the device under test.  Several parameters can be adjusted and the results from a good board can be stored for later comparison.  If you prefer, you can have good and bad boards side-by-side being compared in real-time.

4)            Once it has been determined that a PCB can be safely powered-up, there is a wide range of additional tests that can be carried out on the reference PCB and saved for later comparison.  From the edge-connector, you can drive logic signals, read a voltage, generate V-I signatures, and save connection information.  If a Bed-of-Nails is available, the test results can be obtained from multiple test points at the same time.

5)            ABI can supply test clips for virtually any type of package.  You can check, save, and recall vital information from a working IC, such as voltage, connection configuration, V-I signatures, and thermal references in a matter of seconds.  This applies even when the part number is unknown.

6)            (AFTER “IC IDENTIFICATION” 2.38)  Should you want to identify the function of a house-coded or  unknown IC, the System 8 identifier will test a good working device and try to locate a corresponding part or parts already in the library that have the same function this very IC.

7)            The Logic Test Generator will help you develop custom functional tests for your logic devices and PCBs.  Each channel can be configured to match the devices input/output requirements.  The system will learn the good results coming back from the device or PCB, save and compare them.

8)            Thousands of parts are already available in the System 8 library, allowing you to functionally test a vast range of logic ICs in-circuit.      

9)            Analog ICs can equally be functionally tested in-circuit by choosing the part in the device library.  

10)          ABI’s System 8 offers a range of built-in high specification instrumentation, such as a 3-channel digital oscilloscope, an arbitrary function generator, a frequency counter, a digital multimeter, multi-channel I/O and more.  Waveforms, test results, as well as the instrument settings , test-flow procedures, and pdf datasheets can be saved, drastically reducing test set-up times.  

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