In Circuit Test (ICT) | PCB circuit test - nodsmt/NOD GitHub Wiki

For large volume production, NOD’s ICT capabilities make high-efficient testing throughout assembly and all component defects, with an capability of more than 5000 testing points and a maximum of 73cm in board width.

In Circuit Test (ICT) is the most widely used technology currently because the principle allows all electrically detectable faults to be inspected. But its capability becomes limited by access difficulties since electronic components have become even smaller, and because of more complex narrow width nets and multi-layers of PCB.

Advantages: Quick total system Big fault coverage also for highly compacted PCBs Reduction of nail bed adapter costs Simple test program generation

The main types of ICT machines available include: Standard ICT machine: Although this is the generic test for this form of testing, testers that are referred to in this way are generally the more capable machines that can offer not only basic resistance / continuity measurements, but also capacitance and some device functionality as well.

Flying probe tester: In view of the issues of developing and manufacturing complete bed-of-nails access fixtures – they are costly and difficult to change if any component positions or tracks are moved – another approach is to use a roving or flying probe. This has a simple fixture to hold the board and contact is made via a few probes that can move around the board and make contact as required. These are moved under software control so any board updates can be accommodated with changes to the software programme.

Manufacturing defect analyser, MDA: This form of tester offers a basic In-circuit test of resistance, continuity and insulation. As the name implies, it is just used for the detection of manufacturing defects like short circuits across tracks and open circuit connections.

Cableform tester: This form of tester is used to test cables. It uses the same basic functions as an MDA, although some form of high voltages may need to be applied occasionally to test for insulation. Its operation is optimised for the testing of cables.

ICT has many advantages and is an appropriate form of PCB test in many respects. However the smaller component sizes and resultant difficulties in gaining access to all the nodes on boards testing using ICT has been steadily becoming more complex.

Our well-experienced engineers at NOD Electronics will help you to enhance the quality assurance of products not only by in circuit test (ICT) equipments, but also concepts and process control of PCB design & fabrication and PCB assembly regulated according to international standards.