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Inspection and Testing Methods For PCBs An Overview
Inspection and Testing Methods For PCBs An Overview
I n s p e c t i o n a n d te s t i n g m e t h o d s
f o r P C B s : A n ove r v i ew
By Cal Houdek, Engineer/Owner
Caltronics Design & Assembly, Inc.
www.caltronicsdesign.com
White Paper #401
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White Paper #401
Disadvantages
Limited to line of sight, i.e., unable
to inspect hidden connections
underneath BGAs and other
packages
Less effective inspecting densely
loaded boards because some
components and connections are
hidden or shadowed
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Conclusion
Inspection and testing ensure high quality in the manufacturing of PCBs and
electronic devices. Manual visual inspection has been replaced by AOI and
AXI to catch errors in components, placement and soldering. In-circuit and
functional testing can check a completed PCBs quality.
The program of inspection and testing is specific to each PCB, and decisions
about that program are often made as early as the design process. Since
device OEMs consider a PCB manufacturers inspection and testing capabilities
before establishing a partnership, the OEMs team needs an understanding of
each method to help them identify the best partner.
Sources
1
The Why, Where, What, How, and When of Automated X-ray Inspection, Agilent Technologies
white paper, Glen Leinbach, Stig Oresjo, 2001
2
Automatic Optical Inspection, AOI Systems - key points for AOI, automatic or automated
optical inspection systems used in electronics PCB printed circuit board manufacture,
http://www.radio-electronics.com/, Ian Poole
3
Automated X-Ray Inspection AXI for PCB & BGA - key essentials about automated X-ray
inspection, AXI, systems used for inspection PCB printed circuit board assemblies and
especially ones with BGA ICs, http://www.radio-electronics.com/, Ian Poole
4
ICT, In-Circuit Test Tutorial - notes and details about all the essentials of in-circuit testing,
ICT and in-circuit test equipment for use for PCB, printed circuit board test,
http://www.radio-electronics.com/, Ian Poole
About Caltronics
5
In-Circuit vs. Functional Test, www.bloomy.com, Rob Putala, September 11, 2014
Caltronics is more than a 6
Functional Testing of PCBs, Assembly Magazine, Adam Cort, July 1, 2002
contract manufacturing
company. We provide expert
solutions in every facet of
electronics design all the
way to full production, and
Caltronics Design and Assembly
our systems are certified to
ISO 9001:2008 for quality 6189 Fieldstone Court
management. Stacy, MN 55079
contact@caltronicsdesign.com
651.462.1440
www.caltronicsdesign.com