Bigfoot PCB Functional Test Fixture
Large-format PCB functional test fixtures for production environments
RTI’s Bigfoot test fixture is engineered for functional testing where the test setup must support complex electrical and mechanical requirements within a single unit. The fixture offers both single-board testing and board-to-board stack-ups when dependency boards are part of the functional test equation. Bigfoot incorporates your connectors of choice to interface with your test program so setup and use is quick and easy.
Bigfoot PCB Functional Test Fixture
Large-format PCB functional test fixtures for production environments
RTI’s Bigfoot test fixture is engineered for functional testing where the test setup must support complex electrical and mechanical requirements within a single unit. The fixture offers both single-board testing and board-to-board stack-ups when dependency boards are part of the functional test equation. Bigfoot incorporates your connectors of choice to interface with your test program so setup and use is quick and easy.
Bigfoot Overview
Bigfoot test fixtures are designed for functional testing of large-format PCBs and complex electronic assemblies. They support larger board sizes, higher pin counts, and test requirements that extend beyond standard test presses or fixture kits.
At its core, Bigfoot combines bed-of-nails interface with board-to-board connectivity and integrated components within a single benchtop fixture. These components can include power supplies, device programmers, dependency boards, signal routing boards, and more. The fixture cable-connects directly to your test equipment to support operational testing and signal validation performed by your functional test software.
Bigfoot fixtures utilize a vertical compression architecture with a 2-stage cam-driven over-clamp lid. This design enables reliable engagement across thousands of pogo pins while maintaining alignment and signal integrity, ensuring consistent electrical contact in high-force and high-density applications.
Bigfoot fixtures are highly configurable to match specific test requirements and can be built to include:
- High-speed board-to-board connector savers to protect high-use interfaces and extend connector life
- Bed-of-nails interface with floating alignment plate for accurate board positioning
- Topside and backside probe access for full board coverage
- High-power contacts for power delivery
- Front-facing connectors, status indicators, and information displays for operator access
Additional integration options can include:
- Cooling systems with fans and airflow control
- Access to external interfaces such as RJ45, fiber, and more from the fixture face
- Internal mounting for subassemblies such as SSDs or peripheral hardware
- Mechanical actuation of switches and buttons located on the UUT
- Side and rear panel connections for external equipment and system integration
- Lockout and interlock systems to prevent operation unless the fixture is fully engaged
- Enclosure options including sheet metal or semi-custom housings
- Andon indicator lights for fixture status and operator feedback
Bigfoot fixtures are commonly used in data centers, networking, telecommunications, and other high-performance applications where large boards and complex electronics assemblies must be validated under real operating conditions.
Have a large PCB or complex test requirement? Request a quote or download the Bigfoot infosheet to get started.
Getting Started with RTI
A working solution starts with a working understanding
The following customer supplied information is required to ensure RTI meets an on-time schedule and provides an error-free test fixture solution. Incomplete data packages required at the time of design will cause project delays and significant changes to scope of work may result in an order that cannot be completed. RTI can provide a mutual NDA or fill out your company’s mutual NDA if necessary, before exchanging any sensitive information.
Information required at time of quote:
An RTI Applications engineer will review each Statement of Work (SOW) and define any additional special features before submitting a quotation. The quote provides a detailed description of design and test requirements and includes essential information needed to satisfy these requirements.
- Minimum center to center spacing, pad size, and number of test points
- Alignment features available on the DUT
- Special test probes required
- Internal routing or wiring
- Intended interface with tester
- Type of fixture base platform and modifications
- Inclusion of sub-assemblies and other components
- Environmental and operational emulation requirements
The RTI Applications Engineer will request additional details about this essential information if not covered in your original SOW.
Information required at time of design:
RTI’s mechanical and/or PCB design engineers will require technical drawings, sample(s) of the Unit(s) Under Test, and access to any other customer provided components that need to be included in the final product.
Files should include the top layer and/or silkscreen layer to identify installed components and relative positioning. Files should be combined and compressed in .zip format when possible and emailed to rtisales@testfixtures.com. Contact RTI if the files are too large to send via email.
Accepted File Types:
- GERBER files that include top/bottom silkscreen and any layers of interest
- 3D STEP format
- CAD in .dwg or .dxf format
Additional Information and Samples:
- A sample device (assembled) might be needed at time of design.
- A sample device (non-functioning okay) will be needed at time of production for multi-point quality assurance prior to shipping.
View additional fixture examples below. Click any image for a closer look.
