Requirements for Functional Fixture Quoting & Fabrication
Below is the information needed to provide quotes and build functional test fixtures. Your project will be quoted using a budgetary “worst case” estimate. The more detailed data you can provide, the more accurate your quote will be. If you have not completed a test access, or testability, analysis please contact me as early in the process as possible.
Please provide complete data packages to prevent delays quoting, or starting a fixture build.
1. Statement of Work
The statement of work should describe the type of fixture needed and actuation (press) type (mechanical, pneumatic, or vacuum).
Information such as:
- A net list which includes test point details such as TP name, X Y, pitch (center to center spacing), and pad/target size is ideal. Also note whether the probing is top, bottom, or side. A total sum of each is desired to process your quote faster.
- Also include a list or drawing specifying other test access points such as leads, vias, connectors, etc.
- Note any switches, buttons, etc. that may require manual or automated actuation.
- Specify which locations may require non-standard probes, such as high current, RF (coaxial), dipole (kelvin), or others.
- A list of the connections required to each instrument that will interface to the fixture, and/or a drawing(s) showing how the connections will be placed in, or on, the fixture.
- Please provide a FROM – TO wire list and include termination style(s) or option for each connection, such as solder, wire wrap, etc. Be sure to note special needs such as wire colors, twisted pair, critical wire lengths, etc. Schematics and/or block diagrams may be necessary and/or helpful.
- Details for compliance such as ESD, weight limit, safety requirements, etc.
- Details for any instrumentation that needs to be installed in, or on, the test fixture such as counters, fans, switches, relays, programmers, powers supplies, etc.
2. PCB Files and Data (same revision and configuration as tested).
The type of data provided will affect fixture build accuracy and cost. The more engineering required to create or process data, the more your fixture will cost.
- UUT outline with dimensions and assembly drawings. Include panelization, if applicable.
- PCB fabrication data. Full CAD or OBD (preferred), Gerber (RS274X format or RS274D preferred), etc.
- Bill of Materials
- Sample UUT.
- At least ONE known good assembled UUT sample should be provided. The board(s) should be mechanically correct and IDENTICAL to other documentation provided.
- If panelized boards are to be tested, then complete panelized known good boards should be provided.
- A bare is also desired for panelized projects, however, a bare panel board and individual loaded boards can take the place of a panelized loaded board, provided the individual loaded boards have tooling holes present.
- UUT photos.
3. Other items that need to be considered for fixture quoting
- Quantity of the same, or separate boards (sites) using the same fixture
- Fixture Counter
- Barcode scanner installation in fixture
- UUT Marker probes
- Switch probes for part presence or orientation verification
- Board presence sensor
- Switch activation (spring-loaded)
- Switch activation (automated)
- Functional tests (requires specification and schematic)
- Part programming (list manufacturer’s part number)
- Boundary Scan testing (JTAG access)
- FEA (finite element analysis)
- Strain gauge testing (commonly needed for sensitive BGA and other packages)
A specific written formal request for deviations or waivers may be required if technical requirements imposed by the information provided, or the Purchase Order, towards the acceptance of the fixture cannot be met during fixture engineering.
