Portfolio Archive - Test Head Engineering, LLC

Simple Programming Fixture

Testhead — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:02:44 +0000

Test Head Engineering makes custom test fixtures that meet our customers’ budget constraints. An example of a low-cost fixture is this programming fixture. It has a nest to hold and orient the sub-assembly that is being programmed. The simple clamp presses the device down to make contact with the pogo pin probes. The customer’s test system then programs the component. This is an economical test fixture solution for low volume production.

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Gate-closed Microswitch

Testhead — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 22:52:13 +0000

This microswitch is actuated by a tooling registration pin coming down through the probe plate when the functional test fixture’s gate is closed. This contact closure can be used by the test system to initiating a test or to apply power to the device under test.

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Wireless Test Fixture with RF and USB

Testhead — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 09:21:40 +0000

This wireless test fixture has RF, USB, and data connections to multiple units under test (UUTs).

Wireless test fixtures mount an interconnect PCB below the probe plate. Instead of discrete probe wires, wireless fixtures use double-ended probes whose lower probe contacts the interconnect PCB. The custom-designed interconnect board then provides connectorized connections to the electronics in the test fixture, eliminating hand wiring of the fixture. This simplifies and speeds integration of the controls by the Test Engineer.

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CPU Board Probing

Testhead — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:47:49 +0000

CPU board probing is very challenging. This functional test fixture uses almost every CPU board connector probing method imaginable. The fixture has high-density X-probes, floated side and bottom probing, flex-circuit engagement and probing, pneumatic side access, fiber optic probing, and pneumatic push-button actuation. It engages the following connectors with floating probe blocks: RJ-45 Ethernet, USB, micro-USB, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio plug and DC power plug.

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Tweaker Actuation of Push-button

Testhead — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:37:57 +0000

“Tweakers” are an economical test fixture design technique that allow test operators to manipulate PCBA components during functional test. The black tweaker seen in this fixture photograph is used by the operator to press down and activate a push button during the functional test. Tweakers can be used in a lever fashion to manipulate DIP switches. They are also used in a rotary fashion to adjust potentiometers, variable capacitors / inductors, and rotary switches. A more automated solution to PCBA testing is to use pneumatic actuation or solenoid actuation to pressing, rotating, or sliding PCB components during functional test (FCT) or in-circuit test (ICT).

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Pneumatics in Bottom Access Fixture

Testhead — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:06:06 +0000

This is a bottom view of a custom pneumatic test fixture. This fixture uses pneumatic cylinders and linear motion shafts and bearings. The fixture captures the Unit Under Test (UUT) in a nest and pulls it downward. The fixture’s pogo pin test probes then contact the UUT for programming and functional test.

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Side-access Nest Fixture for Device Testing

Testhead — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 17:53:12 +0000

This nest test fixture can be loaded with four component sub-assemblies in each row. The test operator manually engages the fixture by rotating the handle until the fixture has closed onto the components’ leads. The nest tester probes each device’s leads from the side and transfers the test signals to the custom PCBs which were designed for this test fixture.

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Side-access Fiber Optic Test Fixture

Testhead — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 17:39:36 +0000

This Functional Test Fixture (FCT) has a side access mechanism. Side-access is used to engage multiple fiber optic channels into the unit under test (UUT). This test fixture also has the customer’s laser module mounted on the probe plate. It is used to stimulate multiple fiber optic channel modules during the functional test.

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Side-access Cam-actuated Connector Probing

Testhead — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 17:25:55 +0000

This Functional Test Fixture has cams that slide a side-access probe block leftward. The probes in the probe block engage the pins in the the automotive style connector when the fixture is closed.

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Seven-segment LED Test Fixture

Testhead — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 17:16:41 +0000

Functional Test Fixture tests a PCBA which has seven-segment LEDs by isolating and measuring the light from each LED segment. Floated blocks self-align to the LED banks. Compliant material isolates each LED segment from the others. The light from each segment is channeled via fiber optic cables to LED sensors on a remote PCB. The light sensors on the remote PCB are then polled by the test system to confirm each segment is functional.

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