Author Topic: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?  (Read 1913 times)

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Offline implorTopic starter

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Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« on: September 13, 2023, 12:46:54 pm »
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
 

Offline thm_w

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Re: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« Reply #1 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.
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Offline Benta

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Re: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« Reply #2 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.
 
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Offline implorTopic starter

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Re: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2023, 05:43:11 am »
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.

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.

 

Offline implorTopic starter

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Re: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2023, 05:45:30 am »
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.

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!
 

Offline tinfever

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Re: Cheap(ish) flying probe for test of prototypes?
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2023, 06:24:01 am »
Something small scale / DIY for this showed up on Hackaday recently. https://hackaday.com/2023/08/11/hackaday-prize-2023-circuit-scout-lends-a-hand-or-two-for-troubleshooting/

Probably still not a good solution for a business to DIY their own version of this though.
 
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