The Flying Prober in Automated Production Lines

摘要

As the capabilities, benefits, and cost savings of the flying prober become better known and understood in the coming years, we will see an increasing number of flying probers used in unique ways. Yes, flying prober test times are normally longer, and this begs the obvious conclusion that the prober is not suitable for inline use. But, as I've attempted to describe here, we're discovering ways to overcome this perceived drawback. A flying prober can probe test points more accurately than ICT fixtures, it's extremely durable, it's easy and quick to program, it's measurement capabilities are equivalent to ICT, it has vision capabilities, it can access unusual test points such as device leads, it doesn't require normal test pads, and most times it's test program content can be flexible and reconfigurable on the fly. These are all benefits we find very attractive and most are unavailable with conventional ICT/bed-of-nails technology. When considered in this context, it is reasonable, possible, and even desirable to consider using a flying prober inline.