Test adapter
Test fixtures, needle adapters or fixture kits – these are all technical terms for special devices used in industry. They are used to check the functionality and quality of components, assemblies and finished products (including printed circuit boards and housings). These devices establish contact between the electronic/mechatronic component (the test object) and the measuring system/test system using the appropriate test fixture. If required, they can be automated. Such devices are crucial for industrial test procedures for quality control and enable reliable evaluation of product results.
How do test fixtures work?
A test fixture for functional and in-circuit testing is used to contact assembled PCBs for electrical measurements. This is done either by special needles - the so-called contact pins - or by plug connections. At the same time, these test fixtures enable contacting for the labelling (also known as flashing) of programmable components, control units or controllers.
In the test systems, PCBs or electronic products are contacted via the test points and the housing. In this way, the measurement signals are transmitted to a connected test system or programming is performed by flash stations. In order to test different assemblies flexibly on the same system, a product-specific contacting system is required - the so-called interchangeable fixture.
A test fixture for functional and in-circuit testing is used to contact assembled PCBs for electrical measurements. This is done either by special needles - the so-called contact pins - or by plug connections. At the same time, these test fixtures enable contacting for the labelling (also known as flashing) of programmable components, control units or controllers.
In the test systems, PCBs or electronic products are contacted via the test points and the housing. In this way, the measurement signals are transmitted to a connected test system or programming is performed by flash stations. In order to test different assemblies flexibly on the same system, a product-specific contacting system is required - the so-called interchangeable fixture.
What is an interchangeable fixture?
An interchangeable fixture, also known as a “plug-in unit”, is an adaptive contacting adapter that enables rapid replacement, similar to changing a drawer. Thanks to its flexible interchangeability, it enables the testing machine to be quickly adapted to new requirements. This results in increased adaptability and enables rapid transitions between different test scenarios, which leads to shorter set-up times. Compared to the need for separate needle adapters for each test case, the interchangeable fixture allows several applications to be covered. In addition, the use of an interchangeable fixture reduces the space required for storing test adapters. It is therefore ideal for contacting assemblies with high quantities and a rather small number of variants.
Requirements for a test fixture:
Various aspects are important in the development of test adapters. On the one hand, they must establish a stable and reliable connection between the test object and the test system in order to ensure precise measurement results. The correct positioning of the test points on the PCBs and the careful alignment of the test adapters are very important. Flexibility is also required in order to be able to test different components and systems effectively. In addition, a long-life cycle of the test fixtures should be guaranteed in order to fulfil the requirements of frequent use in the production environment.
The challenge of a test fixture is that it must be an efficient and reliable solution for testing and contacting. Test fixtures must provide accurate and repeatable measurement results, be easy to use and flexibly customizable.
High productivity and short set-up times for the test fixtures are also important in order not to impair the customer’s production process. The customer also focuses on fast availability for new products and cost-effective solutions.
Services from Engmatec
With extensive expertise in the field of test fixtures, Engmatec is your reliable expert offering a wide range of services. This includes not only in-depth advice and the development of customised adapter solutions, but also the first-class manufacture of test adapters. This quality standard is reflected in the fact that all needle adapters are designed and customised according to the specific requirements of the respective test specimen.
In addition, Engmatec acts as a reliable partner for the seamless integration of these test fixtures into existing test systems. Not only comprehensive support, but also first-class maintenance services are available to ensure that your requirements are always met.
Why Engmatec
With extensive experience and expertise in the development and production of test fixtures, we are the ideal partner for your requirements. Our core competence lies in the provision of customised adapter solutions that cover all requirements. In addition, we are characterised by consistently high quality, exceptional reliability and first-class customer support in the field of test adapters at a competitive price.
All the benefits you enjoy with us:
Versatile solutions: We offer a wide range of adapter solutions for different applications and industries.
Flexible automation levels: From manual to semi-automatic to inline test fixture solutions, we provide a range of options.
Customised adaptation: Our strength lies in our flexibility and adaptability to individual customer requirements.
Long-term partnership: We build on long-term partnerships and support you throughout the entire life cycle of your testing process in any form.
Customer-orientated advice: Our team is at your side with customer-specific advice and fast response times.
Highest quality standards: We fulfil demanding quality standards and ensure reliability in the production of your test fixture as well as in the processing of your information.
Do you have individual requirements?
We will find the right solution.
From process analysis to the finished system.