What is the PCBA test?

PCBA mount processing process is very complex, including PCB board manufacturing, component procurement and inspection, SMT mount assembly, DIP plug-in, PCBA testing and other important processes. PCBA testing is the most critical quality control link in the whole PCBA processing process, which determines the final performance of the product. So what are the forms of PCBA testing? Below is FASTPCBA sort out the introduction for you.

PCBA test mainly includes ICT test, FCT test, aging test, fatigue test and test in harsh enviroment.

1. ICT test mainly includes circuit on-off, voltage and current values and fluctuation curve, amplitude, noise and so on.

2. FCT test needs IC program firing. The function of the whole PCBA board is simulated and tested. The problems in hardware and software are found, and necessary patch processing tools and test stand are equipped.

3. Fatigue testing is mainly to sample PCBA boards and perform high-frequency and long-time operation of functions to observe whether failure occurs and judge the probability of failure in testing, so as to feedback the working performance of PCBA boards in electronic products.

4. In harsh environment, PCBA board is exposed to temperature, humidity, drop, splash and vibration of the limit value to obtain the test results of random samples, so as to infer the reliability of the whole PCBA board batch products.

5. Aging test is mainly to keep PCBA board and electronic products on power for a long time, keep them working and observe whether any failure occurs. Only after aging test, electronic products can be sold in batches.

PCBA process is complex, in the process of production and processing, there may be various problems due to improper equipment or operation, which can not ensure that the products produced are qualified, so PCB testing is needed to ensure that each product will not have quality problems.

How to test PCBA？

The common methods of PCBA testing are as follows:

1. Manual testing

Manual testing is to directly rely on vision for testing, through vision and comparison to confirm the PCB component mounting, this technology is widely used. However, this method is becoming more and more unsuitable because of its large number and small components. And there are some functional defects that are not easy to detect and data collection is not good. In this way, more professional testing methods are needed.

2. Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI)

Automatic optical testing, also known as automatic visual testing, is carried out by a special detector. It is used before and after reflux, and the polarity of components is better. Easy follow-up diagnosis is a common method, but this method is poor for short-circuit identification.

3. Flying Needle Tester

Needle testing has been widely welcomed in the past few years due to advances in mechanical accuracy, speed and reliability. In addition, the requirement of rapid transformation and no fixture capability for prototype manufacturing and low-yield manufacturing makes flying needle testing the best choice.

4. Functional testing

This is a test method for a specific PCB or unit, which is performed by a dedicated device. Functional testing includes Final Product Test and Hot Mock-up.

5. Manufacturing Defect Analyser (MDA)

The main advantages of this test method are low cost, high output, easy follow-up diagnosis, fast and complete short circuit and open circuit test. The disadvantage is that functional testing can not be carried out. Usually there is no test coverage instruction. Fixtures must be used, and the cost of testing is high.