The IDL test fixture contacts PCBs and assemblies using a custom CNC-machined probe plate. The fixture pivots backwards when opened. During closing, the spring contact probes are compressed in a linear motion without lateral loading.
Test area: 200 × 200 mm, 300 × 300 mm or custom dimensions
Contacting: combinations of bottom, top and side contacting
Construction: aluminium frame with interchangeable probe plate and hold-down plate
Integration: space for test electronics and custom interfaces
IDL Test Fixtures: Examples from Customer Projects
Double-Sided Contacting with Floating Probe Plates
We also welcome large-scale projects. This test fixture combines a large test area with floating probe plates for contacting from above and below. The design accommodates multiple units under test with complex geometries and numerous test points.
Side Contacting
In this example, the PCB is tested while already installed in its enclosure. A side-contacting unit automatically moves towards the unit under test as the fixture closes.
Depending on the interface, contact is made using spring contact probes on the connector pins or a suitable mating connector. Dedicated test plugs are commonly used for USB-C sockets, for example.
Custom Connector Panel
The connector panel connects the test fixture to the external test electronics. We specify the number, type and position of the connectors to match the required interfaces and your pin assignment.
This brings the connections required for the test setup together directly on the fixture.
Scalability
This test fixture accommodates a PCB panel within a test area of 300 × 480 mm. One row of the panel is contacted at a time. The panel is then removed and reinserted one position further along.
Testing in stages reduces the number of probe contacts required simultaneously and the complexity of the test electronics compared with contacting the entire panel at once.
Touch Protection and Safety Interlocking
This IDL test fixture features touch protection and redundant safety interlocks. The protective guards restrict access to the enclosed areas. The interlocks are designed to prevent opening during safety-critical test steps.
These functions are designed according to the hazards and the intended test sequence of the application.
Compact and Complex
This IDL test fixture was built smaller than the standard sizes to fit a test station with limited space. It contacts the unit under test from below, above and the side. Flexible light guides also transmit the light from 23 LEDs to an evaluation module.
The fixture can be locked and opened pneumatically. The interlock prevents opening during programming and testing and helps protect the operator from the high voltages present during these processes.
After a failed test, the unit under test is released for removal only after manual acknowledgement. This additional step helps prevent it from being accidentally sorted with the passed units.
Pneumatic opening assists the operating sequence. Additional shock absorbers decelerate the movement at the end of the opening travel.
Push Buttons, Display and Test Control
Additional components can be mounted on the aluminium profiles. In this example, a bracket for push buttons and a display is attached directly to the test fixture.
If required, we also develop the hardware and software for the test sequence and display control.
