
Why Traditional Testing Methods are Failing Modern Electronics
This post explores the growing complexity of modern electronics and highlights why traditional manual electrical product testing falls short, setting up the need for an automated test solution.
The Challenges of Technology Progression
Over the years, advances in game-changing technologies have had a significant impact on the electronics industry. One transformative factor is the ever-increasing levels of miniaturisation (also known as integration). Higher levels of speed and functionality are being introduced onto smaller microchip devices.
This has paved the way for an increasing number of electronic items to be embedded into our daily lives. Circuit complexities are now at levels that were unimaginable just a couple of decades ago.
When you couple these advancements with the ever-increasing demand for new and innovative products, the Testing & Verification field faces a plethora of approach challenges.
Traditional Testing Methods
Traditional Test & Verification methods are usually manual and include multiple time-consuming steps, such as:
1. Creating a test procedure – a document produced by the company’s engineering dept on how to carry out production testing.
2. Gathering the required test equipment – as per the test procedure, assembling the test equipment necessary to perform the test(s).
3. Configuring and connecting equipment – this may need to be repeated many times for different tests.
4. Connecting equipment to product – which may include connecting power, signal cables etc.
5. Running the test – running the test, stopping to reconfigure/change the equipment to perform other tests.
6. Write-up test results – time to fill in reports & perhaps discuss results.
The Limitations of Manual Testing
It can be seen that the manual method is slow and prone to errors, which significantly impacts throughput, especially for high-volume production lines. There is also the added danger that some tests may need to be repeated if there is a level of measurement uncertainty.
The AVi Solution: Automated Test Equipment (A.T.E)
For companies striving for efficiency and precision, this approach is simply a draw-back. A desirable requirement would be to speed up testing, whilst incorporating a very high level of measurement integrity thus minimising measurement uncertainty. Explore how our automated test equipment can improve upon traditional test methods.
Looking to transform your testing process?
To learn more about how our Automated Test Equipment can help improve your product verification processes contact us on sales@abvi.co.uk or call 01865 408 352.