PCB Design
Designing PCB Test Points for Production
Test access should be designed before assembly begins.
Test access should be designed before assembly begins. A board that works on a bench can still be difficult to program or diagnose in production.
Define what must be verified
List power rails, programming signals, communications and important analogue nodes. Decide which checks identify assembly faults and which require functional firmware. Avoid adding exposed pads blindly to sensitive RF or high-speed nets where they may affect operation.
Design for the fixture
Agree pad dimensions, pitch, access side and mechanical support with the test-fixture supplier. Include reference ground access and keep tall parts clear of probes. Ensure the fixture cannot flex the board enough to damage components or create intermittent results.
Control results and revisions
Tie the fixture, test limits and firmware to the PCB revision. Store serial-linked pass or fail results where needed and define retest rules. Include a known-good unit and failure examples when validating whether the test actually detects the target fault.
FAQ
Can programming pads double as test points?
Sometimes, if electrical loading, access and fixture sequencing are compatible with both uses.
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