PCBA Tech - About online testing in Smt patch processing

In smt patch processing, it is not only the placement of components on the designated PCB pads. If you want to get good quality and customer reputation, obviously this is not enough. Sufficient data must be obtained through various testing methods to obtain specific testing data and records to support quality requirements. At this time, various detection techniques and methods become very important.

Today, I will talk about the related issues of online testing (ICT) from the perspective of smt processing plants. In-circuit test (ICT) is usually used to detect the direction of the circuit board, such as open circuit, resistance, capacitance and components, but it is also a relatively seldom used device. What are the specific advantages and disadvantages?

ICT test

As we all know, online testing or ICT works by using a bunch of probes to access circuit nodes, and then check the performance of each component. It can also test the functions of digital circuits, but the costs involved are high.

Generally, the advantage of ICT is that you need to test a large number of products. It can also be used to test well-developed products. However, because ICT requires the creation of custom fixtures, the costs and lead times involved are high. However, the advantage of ICT is that once you prepare custom tools, the unit cost will be very low, but the cost in small batch PCB processing is obviously very high.

If we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of ICT, they will look like this:

advantage:

1. It helps to quickly test each PCBA unit.

2. Low unit cost.

3. It can test a single component.

4. When you need to test the logic function, it works well.

5. It can be used to test LED components.

6. You can use it to test the welding of BTC components through a stress test.

shortcoming:

1. The lead time involved in development is often very long, which may be a problem in today's era when rapid listing is a source of competitive advantage.

2. The high upfront cost may be detrimental to its use.

3. It requires the use of programming tools.

4. You cannot use it to test non-electrical components or connectors.

5. Although it can be used to test a single component, it is not suitable for testing components that work together.

Misunderstandings about choosing smt chip processing plants

Myth 1: Larger companies will charge lower margins for appreciation

Again, although sometimes this may be true, it is not a universal premise. This is because although large electronic contract manufacturers may receive volume discounts on their raw material requirements, labor costs may or may not follow the same approach. Therefore, the price of a large smt processing factory may not necessarily be low, and the price of a small factory may not necessarily be high.

Myth 2: If a manufacturer has a good vertical integration model, it can provide low prices

This is also not always given. Some electronic contract manufacturers can do this, and some may not have the corresponding strength. There will be instability in the supply chain at any time, but factories that can carry out a vertical integration model may be more powerful than other companies and can also provide you with competitive prices.

Myth 3: Electronic contract manufacturers should not work for my competitors

Your worries may be totally unfounded. As long as the electronic contract manufacturer is compatible with your overall project and cooperates with your competitors, it should not affect the cooperation between the two parties. Professional contract manufacturers will certainly be fully aware of the confidential nature of the PCB manufacturing process. This is also the necessary confidentiality quality for long-term suppliers.