Keywords
Citation
(1998), "Tescon introduces the Point 5590 fixtureless test system, offering VXI functionality, vision recognition and Windows 95 software", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318bad.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Tescon introduces the Point 5590 fixtureless test system, offering VXI functionality, vision recognition and Windows 95 software
Tescon introduces the Point 5590 fixtureless test system, offering VXI functionality, vision recognition and Windows 95 software
Keywords Printed circuit board (PCB), Surface mount technology, Tescon, Tests
Tescon's Point 5590 fixtureless tester combines the test chassis of the sophisticated, yet affordable Point 9000 multi tester with the workings of the Point 5588 fixtureless tester, to create a system which maximises requirements of today's high density SMT boards.
Tescon's Point 5590 fixtureless tester, is ideal for testing ultra fine-pitch devices and densely populated PCBs which are impossible to test by the normal bed of nails method. It is also ideal for testing small to medium volume batches, Alpha/Beta builds and prototypes.
The Point 5590 combines the best of the Point 9000 multi tester and the Point 5588 fixtureless tester to offer users the benefits of flying probe technology with flexible functional test, full MDA capability and boundary scan. Differentiating features include VXI module capability, a full vision system including component presence checking, Windows 95 software and Tescon's award winning "opens test", which allows the detection of lifted leads and dry joints on surface-mount ICs such as SOICs, QFPs, PLCCs, TSOPs, etc. Furthermore, all the traditional in-circuit MDA test functions (such as shorts, opens, is the component present and is it the correct value) are performed to a high degree of accuracy due to the use of a high resolution encoder in Tescon's servo motor system.
The Point 5590 incorporates four standard functional test VXI modules digital voltmeter, oscilloscope, function generator and universal counter as well as a programmable power supply. A wide range of additional functional test VXI-bus modules are available to suit individual customer applications.
The simple-to-use on-screen virtual instrument panel VXI interface on the Point 5590 does not require any high level language programming, so technicians can easily generate and debug the test programme, claims Tescon.
The Point 5590 incorporates Tescon's patented four head, eight probe technology. Each probe is mounted at a different angle to provide the ultimate in targeting and testability across the whole board, and to virtually eliminate "dead zones". In practice, this means that if there is a large component next to a small one, the user can select the probe with the most convenient angle to access the test point. The eight high speed, durable, long life, freely moving contact probes test lead pitches down to 0.2mm and chips as small as 0402s on PCBs up to a maximum size of 510mm × 410mm.
The Point 5590 is fitted, as standard, with a full vision system for automatic fiducial alignment which can also be used to check the presence of components that could not otherwise be tested. It is supplied with full board handling for use either in-line or as a stand alone unit. These features allow the PCB to be located, clamped and supported accurately and in the optimum manner prior to probing. This board handler is essential to the probing precision and operator safety. It avoids PCB warpage, lag and vibration, which can cause serious probing problems, and eliminates the need for the operator to manually load a PCB to an XY table within the probing area.
The Point 5590 can be linked with most CAD systems to automatically generate test programmes, thus dramatically reducing test programming time. The standard CAD linkable software includes such functions as self diagnostics, display location of defective parts and password protection for each function. As an option, Tescon offers a specialised barcode management system for automatic programme selection. All the tester's user-friendly software runs under Windows 95 providing a common user interface, easy programming and a simplified de-bug process.
Tescon claims a worldwide reputation for supplying low cost, high reliability, high speed MDA testers and has sold over 10,000 units globally. The Point 5590 builds on this reputation to provide a highly cost-effective solution to a range of complex test problems with the ability to perform complete in-circuit and functional tests without the need for a test fixture.
Tescon has over nine years of experience in developing, manufacturing and supplying four head "flying probe" testers. The Point 5590 combines advanced user-friendly software, a well proven and reliable measurement system installed in over 10,000 systems worldwide with an extremely high speed, accurate and reliable AC servo motor drive system.
The manufacturer believes that the Point 5590 is the ideal solution for testing ultra fine-pitch devices and complex, highly populated PCBs as well as for testing small to medium volume batches.
Contact Andrew Kern, Marketing Manager, Tescon Co. Ltd, Unit 3 Thorpe Court, Delta Way, Thorpe Industrial Estate, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RX, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1784 430755; Fax: +44 (0) 1784 471655.