Methods for Automated PCB Testing - Requiarements, Rules and Implementation

For the verification of electronic devices, a test instruction is prepared with a specific strategy on what and how to test. The article discusses all the types of testing currently used to verify PCBs: bare board and assembled PCBs - where the functionality of the device is verified. An overview is given of the nature of each test, the sequence that is followed in the test, the equipment required for the purpose. An example is given of an assembly diagram of a device intended for series production, which has gone through all stages of design, testing and implementation, with special attention paid to the test points of the circuit board.

I. Introduction

Automated testing in electronics is a method of testing and verification of the designed electronic device. Modern PCBs are very complex and sophisticated products: multilayered, the signals passing on the tracks are often both slow analog signals and high-speed interface signals, there are also many mechanical parts in addition to electronic components. This complicates the testing of the finished product (printed circuit board) and requires serious preparation of the testing itself. A test instruction is prepared with a specific strategy of what should be tested and how. Already when designing the PCB itself, many additional requirements have to be taken into account as to how the device will be tested.