What are test fixtures?
The test fixtures provide mechanical support for the DUT and make connections to it. Most often the connections are made by spring probes that contact test points on the PCB. In the most simple case the fixture may just act as a connection interface, with the spring probes being wired to a rear panel connector that is used for connecting the test instrumentation. The fixture may includes some simple electronics to help with testing e.g, small power supplies, some filtering, level shifters between the DUT and test equipment, etc.
If the tests are simple enough, sometimes fixtures are entirely self-contained. For example, a small acquisition board and some simple interface circuits fitted inside might be all that is required to test a simple board and provide a Pass/Fail indication.
We are using Autodesk Fusion 360 to design and engineer the parts of the fixture, to ensure their aesthetics, form, fit and function.
From design phase
Before starting the manufacturing process, we agree with our client regarding different important aspects
- positions of the board marking probe
- contacting test points vs. contacting pins or connectors
- position of automatic DMC scanner
- bottom and/or top probing
To final product
After the fixture manufacturing process on the CNC machine is ready, other important processes follow, like
- fitting test probes & board marker probe
- fitting additional control boards needed for testing
- mounting and adjusting the DMC automatic scanner
- wiring
- documentation and acceptance test
Universal development fixture
This type of fixtures are used in different phases of board development.
They are a great tool for debugging and configuring the DUT, flashing components, having the main advantage of being simple and low cost.
Custom development fixture
Tippman can provide custom development fixtures, with top&bottom probing. If needed, a test/configuration/firmware flashing sequence can be offered as well, along with the needed hardware.
Call us for a quotation.
Mass production fixture (ATX)
One of Tippman's most used fixture kit is from ATX. This type of fixture can fit a cost-effective cassette solution for high product mix. Time is saved during product changeover because of the tool-free cassette swapping, wear-resistant interface and minimal maintenance.
