Functional tester ranges up from boards: News from The Peak Production Equipment

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Peak has introduced a new generation of functional test systems which use the company's proprietary test software, TestMaster, to interface a wide variety of hardware modules to the unit under test. The systems are equally suited to board-level and final equipment testing in the manufacturing environment. The TestMaster software is easy to configure and use, allowing bespoke systems to be built up to suit customers' specific requirements.

Hardware and software options in the form of modular building blocks allow specific test functions and accessories to be incorporated into the system to accommodate the exact technical requirements of the application.

Functions covered by the hardware modules include sound analysis, vision detection, and automatic UUT stimulation and measurement with analogue, digital, high-voltage or electromechanical functions.

"Smart" fixtures provide automatic recognition of the unit under test.

The sound analysis module allows the correct functioning of audio warning devices or touch-tone systems to be checked with the aid of microphones.

Visible or infrared sensors can be used for the detection of the correct colour and luminance of LEDs and incandescent or fluorescent lamps, while vision detection systems based on video cameras allow for the inspection of LCD/LED matrix display functionality.

Test fixtures provide for automatic electronic or electromechanical stimulation and measurement of the unit under test, as well as offering the option of full RF screening for EMC testing of the most sensitive subassemblies.

Fixtures can be mechanically or pneumatically actuated, and a modular cassette system allows a wide range of boards or subassemblies to be handled.

Hardware platform configurations include 19in rack-mounting or stand-alone benchtop systems, with control being handled by PCs, embedded controllers or external low-cost microcontrollers.

The units can easily be integrated with automated handling systems for maximum throughput in the product test environment.

The TestMaster software includes everything needed to set up test programmes and monitor and analyse the results locally or remotely.

Apart from standard programming and database functions, it includes virtual instrument drivers and displays, web-based reporting and analysis, and server-side backup.

DCS (data collection server) and TESS (telemetry e-mail server) facilities allow customers to interface with The Peak Group for system updates and support as well as communicating with their own remote sites for two-way information transfer on aspects such as system diagnostics and trend analysis.

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