PCB Tech - What is FCT testing?

FCT testing is a type of testing performed on a PCB during the manufacturing process. This test checks for short and open circuits in the PCB and verifies that the board is functioning properly. In addition, FCT is an important step in PCB quality control, usually carried out after the welding process.

Advantages of using FCT testing on circuit boards

1. Switching testing fixtures can test different models of FCT function testers. It is a testing tool that tests whether PCBA is qualified. It is divided into two parts: the main part and the testing fixture part. The main part includes a computer system and a signal sampling system, which are universal. The testing fixture part has fixed dimensions and is made with positioning holes according to different target test boards. The two are connected through flat cables. When testing different boards, you only need to replace the testing fixture and then call up the corresponding testing program on the computer.

2. Test parameters can be set: adjust, cancel, save new set parameters for different frequency conversion boards, and call them up.

3. The advantage of using functional testing fixtures is that if the same product is used, even if the workers do not have very skilled technology, they can quickly use the fixture to produce a large number of good products with fewer defects and low variability.

The FCT test on PCBA is called FCT. Its functions include voltage and current measurement and control, power factor, frequency and duty cycle, position determination, LED lighting, LED color, sound recognition, temperature and pressure measurement control, etc.

The function of FCT is to target the function of each circuit on the circuit board and check whether its function meets the specifications and open short circuits, accurately indicating the defective parts and the cause of the defect. Therefore, when the circuit board plug-in is welded, FCT inspection can be performed first to solve production problems such as testing interface input and output, testing power supply voltage and power, testing open circuit and short circuit wiring, simulating various signal control circuit boards, detecting whether the circuit board functions normally, dynamic function testing, automatic testing, and ensuring product quality promptly, to improve circuit board manufacturing and quality capabilities.

FCT is important as it helps to ensure that the PCB works properly and is free from manufacturing defects. In addition, this test can identify PCB issues before shipping to customers, which can save time and cost.

FCT testing has some benefits for PCB components.

1) FCT can improve product quality by detecting functional defects early in the manufacturing process.

2) It allows you to quickly and easily make design changes without incurring high costs.

3) FCT can save time by identifying potential issues with PCBs before shipping to customers.

Classification of FCT testing

According to different control modes, FCT testing can be divided into

1) Manual control function test

2)Test of semi-automatic control function

3) Fully automatic control function test

The earliest functional testing mainly relied on manual and semi-automatic methods. For some simple functional testing of the tested board, based on considerations of simplifying design and reducing production costs, we sometimes still use manual or semi-automatic testing schemes. With the development of technology, to save production costs, the vast majority of functional testing uses fully automated solutions. Another more common classification is based on the type of controller tested for functionality. In functional testing, we usually use control methods such as MCU control, embedded CPU control, PC control, PLC control, etc.

FCT testing is a circuit board dynamic function tester that treats the tested unit on the circuit board as a functional unit, provides input signals to it, and detects signals according to the design requirements of the functional unit. Improve the automation level of testing with advanced and flexible solutions. It greatly shortens the fault-finding time, making it the best method for quick repair and fault-finding.