How do you test your PCB prototype for mass production?

1 Visual inspection

Visual inspection is the simplest and fastest way to check your PCB prototype for any physical defects, such as broken traces, solder bridges, misaligned components, or missing parts. You can use a magnifying glass, a microscope, or a camera to examine your board closely and compare it with your design files. You should also look for any signs of corrosion, contamination, or damage caused by handling or shipping. Visual inspection can help you identify and fix any obvious errors before proceeding to more advanced testing methods.

2 Electrical testing

Electrical testing is the process of verifying the electrical connections and performance of your PCB prototype. You can use various tools and techniques to measure the voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, and frequency of your board and its components. For example, continuity testing checks for open or short circuits on your board by applying a low voltage and measuring the resistance between two points. This can be done with a multimeter, a continuity tester, or a flying probe tester. In-circuit testing (ICT) tests individual components on your board by applying a high voltage and measuring the response. This can be done with a bed-of-nails tester, a fixture tester, or a boundary scan tester. Power-on testing tests the functionality of your board by applying the actual power supply and checking the output signals. You can use a power supply, an oscilloscope, a logic analyzer, or a signal generator for this purpose.

3 Functional testing

Functional testing is the process of verifying the functionality and behavior of your PCB prototype according to your specifications and requirements. You can use a custom-made test fixture, a test software, or a test device to simulate the real-world conditions and scenarios that your board will encounter in its intended application. For example, if your board is designed for a wireless communication system, you can test its signal strength, bandwidth, modulation, encryption, and error correction. Functional testing can help you evaluate the performance, compatibility, and interoperability of your board and its components.

4 Environmental testing

Environmental testing is the process of exposing your PCB prototype to various environmental factors and stresses that it will face in its actual operation. You can use a climate chamber, a vibration table, a shock machine, or an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tester to simulate the temperature, humidity, pressure, vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference that your board will experience in its environment. Environmental testing can help you assess the durability, reliability, and safety of your board and its components.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?