Seica SpA, a leading Italian manufacturer of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and laser-based selective soldering systems, has now announced the latest addition to its new generation of flying probe test systems. Seica's  test solutions are being used across the globe to improve quality, increase productivity and save money in automobile, military and consumer markets.

The S280 is a horizontal flying probe test system designed specifically for testing any type of PCB from simple single side circuits, to complex multi layers, inner-layers and ceramics. The system is equipped with eight completely independent mobile probes, four probes on each board side. The S280 can carry all eight probes on the same pad (four on each side).

To satisfy any high production volume, the S280 has been equipped with new pass-through conveyor and multi-type-board-handler (MBTH), enabling operator-free operation. Up to 100 different PCBs can be loaded and tested automatically.

Thanks to the third generation linear guide, the S280 is able to achieve very high speed with the maximum accuracy and measurement repeatability; the X and Y axes of the S280 utilize the roller bearings and powerful brushless motors coupled with pre-loaded, high precision ball screws to move the eight measurement probes. The Z axes integrate "ultra" compact linear motors, which enable high speed performance and absolute touchdown control.

The pneumatic board handler integrated in the S280 is able to automatically "stretch" large panels, as well as thin PCBs, and has motorized width adjustment which automatically moves the fixture to the programmed position.

Different Tests with the Same Probe Style

The S280 system is equipped with a new generation of probes: the innovative design, in combination with the capability to move each test head independently and position eight probes on the same pad (four on each side), allows the execution of both Kelvin Test and Barrel Tests without changing probes.

It is also possible to test any type of embedded component; with the relative options enabled, the Viva software will automatically generate the Kelvin test, Barrel test and ICT test for these types of components.

Minimal Probes Mark and Automatic Board Planarity Calculation

The high level of programmability and run-time control of the Z-axes allow the user to program the speed and pressure of every test probe, leaving virtually no witness marks on the PCB. Additional software performances allow the user to "autolearn" the non-planarity of the board under test to compensate for, and an X-Y-Z retry can be implemented to immediately verify any fault found, thus discriminating any false defects. Five different profiles are available at the operator level, to manage automatically all kinds of PCB surfaces.