Functional test benches and fixtures: the same test for every board and module you produce
Micro Digital Engineering develops test equipment for boards and power modules: fixtures and adapters, measurement and interface hardware, automated test sequences, and records of every measurement and pass or fail decision. The bench is designed around the unit under test and the people who will operate it, so every unit is tested the same way against agreed acceptance criteria.
Confidential task? We sign an NDA before you share technical files.
Can you build a fixture to verify each board against acceptance criteria?
Yes. We first define what has to be checked, how and with which limits; this becomes the test specification. The fixture, the measurement hardware and the test sequence are then designed to that specification, so that every unit is tested the same way.
What the bench gives you
Repeatable tests
Each unit goes through the same steps, in the same order, with the same limits, regardless of who operates the bench.
Electrical parameters and functional behaviour
Supply currents, voltages, signals and responses are measured, and the unit’s functions are exercised through its real interfaces.
Automated test sequences
The sequence switches supplies, loads and signals, takes the measurements and compares them with the limits, so the operator connects the unit and follows the instructions.
Measurement records and pass or fail results
Every measured value and every decision is logged in the agreed format, linked to the unit’s serial number where it has one.
Fixtures and interfaces
The mechanical and electrical connection to the unit under test — connectors, test points or adapters — designed for reliable contact and for the expected number of tests.
Procedures, software and documentation
The test specification, the software with its source code as agreed, operator instructions and wiring documentation are handed over, so your team can run and maintain the bench.
When you need this
- Each manufactured board has to be checked before shipment or installation.
- Replacement boards have to be tested before they go into equipment.
- Power modules have to be tested under load in a repeatable way.
- Manual testing takes too long or gives different results from person to person.
- Test results have to be recorded for each unit.
How the bench is built and verified
PCB fabrication is performed by specialised manufacturing partners. The bench’s interface and measurement boards, its wiring and the complete bench are assembled, commissioned and verified in-house by our engineering team.
Before handover, the bench is verified using known-good units and, where available, units with known faults or agreed simulated fault conditions, to show that it passes what is good and rejects what is not.
Calibrated laboratory measurement capabilities
Our laboratory performs electrical measurements, waveform analysis and functional verification using calibrated measurement equipment. All measurement instruments have undergone calibration (etalonare) and are supported by calibration certificates.
For test benches, the measurement ranges, limits and acceptance criteria of each bench are defined in its test specification, and the bench’s measurements are checked against calibrated laboratory instruments before handover.
The applicable measurement ranges and test conditions are defined according to the engineering task.
What’s included
Test specification, mechanical and electrical interface to the unit under test, measurement and interface boards, test sequence software or firmware, logging of results, acceptance criteria, assembly and commissioning of the bench, documentation and operator instructions.
Not included: accredited laboratory testing or certification. Testing as one stage of a development project is described in custom electronics development and power electronics design.
What you receive
| Deliverable | Format | How it is checked |
|---|---|---|
| Test specification | Document: tests, limits, acceptance criteria | Review and written approval |
| Fixture or bench | Assembled and commissioned equipment | Acceptance test with reference units |
| Test sequence | Software or firmware with source code, as agreed | Runs against known-good units and known or simulated faults |
| Result records | Log files in the agreed format | Check of recorded data |
| Documentation | Operator instructions, wiring, maintenance | Review with your team |
How the project runs
- The unit under test and the required checks are defined.
- The test specification and limits are agreed.
- Interface, measurement hardware and fixture are designed.
- The test sequence is implemented.
- The bench is assembled and commissioned in-house.
- The bench is checked with known-good units and with known or simulated faults.
- The bench is handed over with documentation and a run-through with your operators.
See how we work.
What to send us
- The unit to be tested: schematics, interfaces, test points.
- The checks you need and their limits, if known.
- Expected test volume and who will operate the bench.
- Requirements for result records.
- Existing test procedures, if any.
Common questions
Which parameters and loads can the bench cover?
Those defined in the test specification for your unit. The measurement and load hardware is chosen for the parameters and limits agreed there.
Can the bench test power modules under load?
Yes, when the load conditions and safety requirements are defined in the test specification.
Do we receive the test software?
The test sequence and its source code are delivered as defined in the project agreement.
Can the results be recorded for each unit?
Yes. Measurements and pass or fail results are logged per unit in the agreed format, by serial number where the unit has one.
Can the bench be used to accept replacement boards?
Yes. Testing replacement boards against the original’s behaviour is a typical use, see obsolete electronics replacement.
Related services
- PCB design — adapter, measurement and interface boards for the bench.
- Embedded firmware — automated test sequences and test software.
- Obsolete electronics replacement — acceptance tests for replacement boards.
- Troubleshooting — investigation of failures found by the bench.
Discuss your test bench
Describe the unit under test and the checks you need.
Confidential task? We sign an NDA before you share technical files.