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Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
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implor:
I want have more automated testing of my designs.

Do flying probes exist for small scale testing?

Alternative is to do rigs for every new designs with pogo pins.

Any experiance?

As an EE I'm fine with verifying A board but when they ask for >20 I'm not doing it.  |O
thm_w:
Google has lots of info:
https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-make-a-pogo-pin-test-jig
https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-build-a-testing-fixture/solder-pogo-pins

Flying probe is going to be very expensive, so doesn't make much sense unless you are manufacturing PCBs or something that changes on a daily basis.

Usually you'd re-use the main PCB, or make a simple two layer carrier PCB to hold the pogo pins. If you can keep the probe positions consistent with revisions (eg keep the connectors in the same location) then you won't need to re-layout your carrier PCB.

In other cases a self test is possible, just need power and a loopback connector or some other test connector that plugs into your IO.
Benta:
Another solution could be to include the test points/connector as a part of your PCB design as a break-away part of the PCB after testing.
implor:

--- Quote from: thm_w on September 13, 2023, 10:30:46 pm ---Google has lots of info:
https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-make-a-pogo-pin-test-jig
https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-build-a-testing-fixture/solder-pogo-pins

Flying probe is going to be very expensive, so doesn't make much sense unless you are manufacturing PCBs or something that changes on a daily basis.

Usually you'd re-use the main PCB, or make a simple two layer carrier PCB to hold the pogo pins. If you can keep the probe positions consistent with revisions (eg keep the connectors in the same location) then you won't need to re-layout your carrier PCB.

In other cases a self test is possible, just need power and a loopback connector or some other test connector that plugs into your IO.

--- End quote ---

I understand your position. Say we do 15-ish boards designs every year. I feel it may be cheaper to have a flying probe like system instead of designing and build a dozen test rigs.

In my (somewhat naive) head a flying probe system at the basic is a XYZ position machine with a camera and pogo pin. It should not be THAT expensive for something basic.

implor:

--- Quote from: Benta on September 13, 2023, 10:44:29 pm ---Another solution could be to include the test points/connector as a part of your PCB design as a break-away part of the PCB after testing.

--- End quote ---

Yes I have done this before. Unfortunately most designs I do today can't have traces routed out due to some requirements we have (no bare copper exposed at the edge). But generally it is a good solution!
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