Flying probe test system increases productivity

Seica has announced the launch of the S280, a horizontal flying probe test system specifically designed for testing any type of printed circuit board (PCB).

This includes simple single-side circuits to complex multi-layers, inner-layers and ceramics.

The system is equipped with eight independent mobile probes - four probes on each board side.

The S280 can carry all eight probes on the same pad (four on each side).

In order to satisfy any high production volume, the S280 has been equipped with a pass-through conveyor and multi-type-board-handler (MTBH), enabling operator-free operation.

Up to 100 different PCBs can be loaded and tested fully automatically.

The S280 is able to achieve high speed with maximum accuracy and measurement repeatability; the X- and Y-axes of the S280 utilise roller bearings and brushless motors coupled with pre-loaded, high-precision ball screws to move the eight measurement probes.

The Z-axes integrate 'ultra' compact linear motors, which enable high-speed performance and absolute touchdown control.

The pneumatic board handler integrated in the S280 is able to automatically 'stretch' large panels as well as thin PCBs, and has motorised width adjustment, which automatically moves the fixture to the programmed position.

The S280 system is equipped with a new generation of probes: their design, in combination with the capability to move each test head independently and position eight probes on the same pad allows the execution of both Kelvin test and Barrel tests without changing probes.

It is also possible to test any type of embedded component; with the relative options enabled, the Viva software will automatically generate the Kelvin test, Barrel test and ICT test for these types of components.

The high level of programmability and run-time control of the Z-axes allow the user to program the speed and pressure of every test probe, leaving virtually no witness marks on the PCB.

Additional software performances allow the user to 'auto learn' the non-planarity of the board under test, and an X-Y-Z retry can be implemented to immediately verify any fault found, thus discriminating any false defects.

Five different profiles are available at the operator level, to manage automatically all kinds of PCB surfaces.

In the standard configuration, the S280 comes with a complete vision system, which includes two CCD cameras - one for each side of the PCB.

The cameras can be used for: recognition of fiducials for automatic centring of the board under test; verification/modification of test points; optical inspection of part on the board under test.

It is possible to view the probes contacting the PCB at any moment.

The S280 is based on the Seica VIP platform, which includes Viva software.

The integrated 'Test Wizard' guides the operator through the steps needed to create a new test program in minutes starting from the PCB data.

Periodic calibration of the test probes is simple and fast using the interactive procedure integrated in the software and the dedicated card supplied with the system, and the Viva software also provides a complete, interactive set of auto-diagnostic tools that enable the user to monitor, in real time, the operating status of the system.

In addition a remote service option is available for technical support via modem.

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