What information do ICT tests provide us with?

For the sake of trouble-free final product

Creating new electronic products involves a lot of analysis and compliance checking at all stages of work. Every error that is not eliminated automatically raises production costs and also leads to unfavourable opinions from customers. ICT tests are one of the tools that allows you to ensure trouble-free electronic products. They are used in the production process at the stage of component assembly.

ICT tests are designed to detect possible assembly errors, such as the presence of short circuits or gaps in the system, the lack of some components, the use of incorrect components, reverse polarity and many others. Any of these errors would in the future cause the product to malfunction. Therefore, a properly conducted procedure is of extreme importance in terms of production costs.

What is the ICT test?

This is an automated process that is carried out with the help of a special tester created for a specific product. The tester includes a special adapter (test fixture) and a set of gold-plated needles. Electrical signals are sent during the ICT test. The tester checks whether the flow of these signals within the board is correct and whether the signal transmitted is correct, within the specified tolerance range? It also makes sure that voltage and current at individual points in the system are correct.? The positive result of this test is an important factor in the process of introducing products to the market.

ICT tests are used primarily for mass production, especially in industries such as automotive that require "zero defects". However, when it comes to non-serial production and prototype testing, Flying Probe testing is often favoured.

What speaks in favour of ICT testing?

Circuit testing using the ICT method is a common practice undertaken by many manufacturers when it comes to mass production. The main advantages of this method are speed and convenience of use, focusing on the individual characteristics of each product, the ability to eliminate many common errors in the assembly process, and last but not least a reliable assessment of the device functionality. Well-conducted ICT tests minimize production costs.

When it comes to restrictions, ICT tests work only for systems built in the same way. An adapter developed on the basis of a specific prototype is used. Therefore, the use of other elements is out of the question. The considerable cost of ICT fixtures, which significantly affects the price of a single product is an additional limitation. That is why ICT tests only make sense in cases of mass production. In addition, the ICT test does not provide answers to all questions. It should be one of several tools used to verify circuit functionality.