Universal tester for output control

For unit tests of developed devices (PCBs and electronic assemblies) in our production and in external production sites around the world, we usually use standard FCT testers or sets of commercially available instruments controlled, for example, from Labview. However, some devices are so atypical that they are difficult to test in this way: the cost of such a test setup would be too high or it is not possible to simulate the necessary interface for testing purposes with commercially available devices.

Therefore, we developed our own tester, which is driven by an embedded computer (x64 based on embedded Linux) and processes test scripts that are created in Python. The tester is equipped with a computer card and a card of basic inputs and outputs (for measuring and generating voltage signals, RS-232, RS-485, basic communications – WiFi and Ethernet, also includes a SWD programmer) and several slots for the so called. Application cards, that is, cards that are specific to the application. Some products can be tested without application cards, just by cable reduction between the basic input and output card. For example, specific application cards allow direct connection of high-speed interfaces, communication interfaces used in medical technology, the creation of pneumatic simulation signals, and so on.

A label printer can be connected to the tester to print specific labels, for example with the serial number and MAC address of the device.

As such, the tester is triggered either automatically if it is part of the production line or during manual testing by reading the product barcode. The test then runs automatically with the option to set up steps requiring operator interaction (rewiring, testing a button on the product by pressing it, etc.); at the end of the test, the measured data and the test result are stored on the quality control records server and a label with the unique serial number of the device can be printed. The tester also allows assigning a unique MAC i. device addresses from our corporate MAC address pool or from the customer’s address range.

Check out the other systems and PCB testing assistance and test and certification services we offer.