Designing PCB assemblies for in-circuit test

In-circuit test (ICT) has been around for many years now. And despite the emergence of competing test technologies, it remains one of the best ways to test a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. ICT's enduring appeal comes from the speed of test, which is usually a few seconds. This speed makes it economical for larger volumes. Additionally, its precise, component-level detection of faults makes the diagnosis process faster and less skilled. A dedicated test fixture and program is required to achieve this level of accuracy. The product must also be designed to allow the test machine and its fixture to interface with the assembly correctly. This maximises the test "coverage" - i.e., all the potential faults it could find. So, if you want to get the most from your test strategy, here are 9 points to consider when designing the layout for your PCB assemblies:

For more information on Designing PCB assemblies for in-circuit test talk to ESCATEC Mechatronics Ltd