WireFlow PCB Test Solutions
Peripheral systems
With WATS I can access data from
the manufacturing site directly on my mobile phone.
Test report analyzing with the WATS manufacturing dashboard
Test data storage and analysis
The test sequence not only indicates pass or fail for each board tested, it also takes measurements of various parts of the boards tested. Test data generated for each tested board is concluded with a pass or fail.
If all the test data is stored and archived, it can give valuable insights that can be used to better understand and evolve the existing manufacturing- and test processes and improve product designs.
We use the tool WATS from Virinco to help you gain new insights from your manufacturing data. By using WATS, you can quickly identify production yield issues, frequent test or product failures, poor test coverage or other performance problems, in real-time, directly through your web browser or mobile device. If you have problems in production it’s essential to find the root cause – WATS makes that easier.
If a board fails during PCB test and needs repair, the test report pointing out what failed is stored in WATS. Simply the scan the QR code of your PCB to reach it, now you know what failed and can repair the board.
Apart from given full access to all test data, WATS also gives you access to important KPI’s like first pass yield.
Label printers
In conjunction with programming and testing of the circuit boards, it is common that the test station also generates labels which may be put on the boards and on any packaging. These labels can contain for example product number, version, and serial number.
The type of printer used depends upon the expected production volume and also whether the printer is used for multiple test stations or if each test station shall have its own dedicated printer. We have used printers from Zebra with good result. They are durable and work without disruption. We have the process in place to quickly integrate the Zebra printers into the WireFlow test stations.
For designing labels, we use the BarTender barcode labeling software from Seagull Scientific. It is the leading software tool for creating labels and barcodes. WireFlow has the skill and experience to design your labels for you.
BarTender, the barcode labeling software.
GX43t Desktop printer
ZT410 Industrial printer
Sheet of labels
Test station with computer, barcode scanner, fixture and label printer.
Barcode scanners
To get individual traceability it is a good idea to add a barcode scanner to identify the board to be tested. We have had good experience using the Zebra scanners, for example the DS2200 series scanners.
Source controlsystem
When we design and configure your specific test station, we use a well-defined process to make sure all documents, drawings and software components are stored and version controlled in a safe place. For source version control we use Apache Subversion (SVN), and take daily backups of all data. We have long experience in configuration management, so you can feel safe in knowing your design files are in very good order, for any future needs.
Remote support tools
We assist you with the installation of the test system and support you at the production ramp up. It is common that a test system needs some tuning at the start of manufacturing to work flawlessly. Fine-tuning values for pass criteria is an example of such an activity. Once the system is in full operation, WireFlow can provide continuous support in case there is a need for updates due to new versions of the board or the software.
To enable remote support by our engineers, we install TeamViewer on the test computer. By using this tool, the WireFlow support team can do extensive trouble shooting and updating without travelling to your production site.
We provide support services on different levels depending on the required response time. We use a web-based support system where you can collaborate with our support team in the event of any problems. With access to the WATS test data our engineers can often very quickly pinpoint the root-cause to any problems.
Finally, our support team has a copy of the test system software running on a virtual machine in the WireFlow lab. This can be used to test upgrades etc. without requiring any access to the test station on the factory floor.
