Fixtureless testing joins ScanINSPECT family

There are limited options available to manufacturers and repair centers with legacy products. Often the original schematics, design data and net lists have been misplaced, lost or destroyed. The method of choice for re-engineering these critical PCBs requires the total destruction of a known good board. Even then there are no guarantees that the re-engineered PCB will work. One of the most difficult tasks in the re-engineering process is accurately determining the hidden interconnects between layers. Validating the results of the reconstruction effort is difficult and imprecise, to say the least.

ScanCAD FPT is a fixture-less flying probe electrical tester for bare boards. PCB's are held vertically in place with variable clamping system. The system can be used as a stand-alone tester or in conjunction with a more traditional Bed-of-Nail fixture. A flying probe system can test pads and vias that cannot be reached with a standard grid type fixture due to mechanical constraints.

ScanCAD FPT is capable of performing electrical continuity tests on bare boards used in prototype runs, as a statistical sampling tool during fabrication, selection of a true 'golden' board, or in small volume product. Completing the re-engineering process with the ScanCAD FPT verifies board interconnects at each de-lamination phase, thereby increasing the opportunities for success future board fabrication.

ScanCAD FPT is available in four configurations designed to handle substrates from 0.8" x 0.8" up to 24.4" x 20" and 0.006" to 0.256" thick. Probes are capable of testing as small as 3mils on 5 mil spacing.

The ScanCAD FPT accepts data in Gerber RS274D, RS274X, IPC-D-356A or Probot-HLS formats. When no data is available, ScanFAB can be used to scan the target board or artwork to generate the necessary information to verify the net-list.