Best in Test Finalists: Board and system test and configuration
-- Test & Measurement World, 12/22/2008 2:00:00 AM
→ Cover-Extend Technology, Agilent Technologies
→ Flashstream Flash Vector Programming System, BPM Microsystems
→ Flying Scorpion FLS900 Dx Flying Probe System, Acculogic
→ SigmaSure Process Flow Visualization Software, SigmaQuest
→ TS-375 Avionics Test Platform, Geotest—Marvin Test Systems
Cover-Extend Technology
Agilent Technologies
www.agilent.com
Cover-Extend Technology is a test coverage tool for manufacturers who are faced with trying to access increasingly complicated PCBAs (printed-circuit board assemblies). Conventional in-circuit test methodologies require test access on these PCBAs in order for test engineers to use test probes to carry out their in-circuit test. With shrinking board geometries and an increase in quantity and complexity of components squeezed onto each board, however, it has become almost impossible to find access for test probes.
Cover-Extend combines the standardized, limited-access, digital stimulus capability of boundary scan with the vectorless simplicity of VTEP, providing substantial benefits for end users. First, without needing as many physical electrical TAPs, design work can be simplified and board geometries can even be further reduced. Second, Cover-Extend enables more extensive electrical tests with less test resources.
Quality of the boards gets a boost as well from the reduced strain on the PCBAs because fewer test probes are needed. Signal integrity of high-speed lines, typically affected by the presence of test pads causing increased BER, is also maintained with Cover-Extend.
Agilent customers with valid software-upgrade contracts for the i3070 and VTEP-equipped fixtures can receive this new technology by purchasing an additional software license and a fully VTEP-compatible fixture hardware upgrade. Pricing for the license will include bundles for new and current Agilent boundary-scan customers, starting from $7.5K.
Flashstream Flash Vector Programming System
BPM Microsystems
www.bpmicro.com
Based on BPM Microsystems' Vector Engine technology, the Flashstream Flash Vector Programming System offers fast flash programming of NAND and NOR flash memory at speeds as low as 2.5% over theoretical programming minimums. The programmer supports more than 160 device part numbers at initial product shipment, and its high speed reduces labor costs as well as the number of machines needed to perform the same function.
The Vector Engine Co-Processor technology accelerates flash memory waveforms by eliminating latencies in the programmer to achieve the fastest programming speed while still programming the DUT within the manufacturer's requirements. With Flashstream, users now can program NAND flash memory at nine times the speed of any programmer on the market, according to the manufacturer.
For example, an ST Micro 1-Gb NAND flash memory can be programmed with a 1-Gb full random data pattern in 19.8 s. BPM Microsystems claims this speed is nine times faster than the leading competitive solution on the same part, as stated on the competitor's Web site.
Flashstream costs $9995, including the programming unit and socket cards.
Flying Scorpion FLS900 Dx Flying Probe System
Acculogic
www.acculogic.com
Configured with up to 24 probes on the top and bottom sides, the Flying Scorpion FLS900Dx is a double-sided, flying multiprobe system that offers 3-D probing along with analog, digital, and boundary-scan test capability on all probes. The system is intended to replace in-circuit test systems by providing better access, fast throughput, and a broad range of test capabilities.
The FLS900 uses highly repeatable closed-loop linear motor drives and joystick-like variable-angle probe modules (0° to 6°) to maximize physical access and guarantee repeatable probing of fine-pitch devices and small components. Using the PinScan vectorless test suite, the FLS900 detects open-pin and orientation faults on digital devices, polarized capacitors, and connectors.
Boundary-scan testing is also an integral part of the FLS900. Digital test patterns are delivered to the UUT through flying probes. The system’s boundary scan capabilities extend testing to assemblies that contain a mix of scan and non-scan logic and also offer board-level protocol for programming flash and other programmable devices.
An FLS900Dx system with six probe modules (four on the top and two on the bottom), including a complete measurement system and software, is priced from $265,000.
SigmaSure Process Flow Visualization Software
Sigmaquest
www.sigmaquest.com
Testing products is important, yet making sure that the test stations and testers are working properly is more important when it comes to helping global manufacturers avoid product recalls and product failures. SigmaSure Process Flow Visualization (PFV) software allows manufacturers and OEMs to build and ship the highest quality products possible.
SigmaSure provides simple-to-read, intuitive graphical views of manufacturing floor data. Users can determine if products have been built to specification and have gone through all appropriate tests, if tests were skipped, if products failed in the test process (and if so where), and how many times tests were repeated—with yield indicators at each stage of product development.
The software also points out the flows in the manufacturing process that warrant further inspection or refinement. Users can quickly identify the root cause of issues that could cause poor product quality and dissatisfied end customers.
Information is presented in the form of bubble diagrams and scalable vector graphic views. Just click on varying elements of a diagram to access more in-depth information. Quality issues can be quickly avoided as the software provides an at-a-glance view of where products and processes are going awry.
Monthly US list prices start at $5750.
TS-375 Avionics Test Platform
Geotest—Marvin Test Systems
www.geotestinc.com
Offered with a wide range of standard options and test resources, the Geotest Basic Avionics Test Platform (GBATS), TS-375, delivers a compact, functional test PXI-based platform that can be configured for specific avionics test applications. Users can construct a custom test system without incurring custom design expenses or the associated lead times normally associated with custom functional test systems.
All tester options are accommodated through a high-density interface and integrated adapter PCB assembly. The result is a 19-in. rack-mount, 6U-high system that can address both military and commercial avionics test applications. A variety of resource test options support analog, digital, and mixed-signal applications, as well as ARINC 429 and MIL-STD-1553 data buses.
The TS-375 comes preconfigured with a high-pin-count, cabled interface that enables it to test box-level products such as line replaceable units, subsystem assemblies, and system-level assemblies. The GBATS platform is also available with Geotest’s ATEasy software, which provides an integrated and complete test executive and test development environment.
Base system prices are under $35,000; a configured avionics platform starts at $50,000.
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