Circuit Check ICT fixtures are designed for robustness, reliability, and easy customization, accommodating a wide range of PCB sizes. With over 45 years of ICT expertise, our engineers and specialized technicians ensure that even the most complex devices under test can be seamlessly integrated with the customer's In-Circuit Test system of choice.
Comprehensive Design and Manufacturing Considerations
Beyond basic functionality, we consider and verify various factors during the design and manufacturing
processes, including the physical work environment, PCB end-use, and customer system capabilities. Our team collaborates closely with customers to ensure that our fixtures outperform and outlast the competition, even under the most challenging conditions.
Strain Determination
At Circuit Check, our internal processes may include performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and strain gage testing based on customer requirements. FEA involves modeling the test fixture and associated PCBA and running analyses with market-leading finite element software to ensure minimal strain during engagement from the outset of design. This process allows us to identify and address the most strain-prone areas of the board, designing solutions to minimize both strain and strain rate.
Once a fixture has been built to specification, we can conduct a strain gage test on the customer's PCBA to ensure that any discrepancies between the CAD design and the physical fixture do not affect the end strain rate. If any issues are found during these analyses, we promptly address them while gaining customer concurrence on any design changes to achieve the best strain scenario for their board.
Previous examples of design changes to alleviate strain include increasing fixture plate thickness, adding reinforcement bars, and utilizing spring push pins to apply positive pressure. These design upgrades eliminate physical strain, ensuring that the test sequence has no adverse effects on the PCBA or its future performance.
Actuation Method
Determining the optimal actuation method for the customer's PCBA and ensuring its viability within their manufacturing environment is key to the initial design. Whether it's a small vacuum fixture or a large pneumatic multilevel system, all actuation components are meticulously crafted from industry recognized materials, renowned for their ability to endure even the most extreme conditions. This guarantees that the fixture will continue to perform reliably, even after tens of thousands of actuations.
Quality Standard
Adhering to the ISO 9001 quality standard, our manufacturing and engineering processes ensure that only the highest quality fixtures reach our customers. We verify test pad contact, wiring, probe operation, and mechanical functionality throughout the manufacturing process. These checks, along with material accuracy and composition verifications, solve problems early, reducing rework and ensuring the end product is reliable and repeatable. Customers can trust that the results from each PCBA run will be accurate and consistent over the duration of the testing sequence, whether it spans months or years.