Testing Architecture
Test systems that combine moving electrical probes with fixed test resources provide a balance between flexibility and throughput. A flying probe hybrid utilizes the precision of mobile pins for fine pitch components while using a small bed of nails for power and ground connections. This setup reduces the time required for a full circuit scan compared to a standard mobile probe system.
Technical Execution
The system moves individual needles at high speeds to contact specific test points on the surface of the printed circuit board. By adding fixed pins for the most frequent connections, the flying probe hybrid minimizes the number of movements the robotic arms must make. This configuration allows for high fault coverage on complex designs without the cost of a full custom fixture.
Diagnostic software coordinates the movement of the probes with the static signals to perform both passive and active component testing. It is effective for small to medium production batches where full in-circuit test fixtures are not cost effective.
Speed Advantage
Reducing the travel distance of the probes significantly shortens the total cycle time for each board. This makes the technology viable for slightly larger volumes than traditional probe systems can handle.
