When to Invest in In-Circuit Test

When developing a test strategy for manufacturing a circuit board assembly, an in-circuit test solution should be part of the consideration.

In the manufacturing process, an in-circuit test solution fits well after inspection tools such as automated optical inspection and automated x-ray inspection. The test and diagnostic benefits of in-circuit testing are numerous and include the following:

• Shorts and opens testing
• Component testing for presence, value, and orientation
• Power-up sequencing and power measurement
• Component functionality testing
• Digital testing of components (ICs)
• Boundary-Scan testing
• Component programming
• MAC address (and similar) management