MECHANICAL TEST PRESS FIXTURES
Compact, portable, all-inclusive, and easy to use. Single lever operation and 100% vertical compression make RTI’s mechanical test press fixtures an ideal solution for PCB, hybrid module, and high pin count device-level testing when complex test requirements cannot be met with a test socket and breakout board alone.
TEST PRESS FIXTURE DESIGN
Test press fixtures consist of a universal test press base and an interchangeable interface module. Our mechanically actuated press bases range in size from 5.5 inches to 20+ inches wide to fit on your benchtop while containing all components required in your test setup. The final fixture footprint may vary based on customer requirements, interface module size, and test press selection.
Small Mechanical Press Fixtures
Our smallest and most compact test press fixture for low-medium pin count devices and smaller PCB modules. The lid closes in two stages. First, the clamshell lid is brought to rest directly above the UUT(s). Second, the lid presses down vertically and evenly across the UUT ensure alignment and even pressure to prevent damage to the UUT and pogo pins array(s).
Large Mechanical Press Fixtures
Our most popular mechanical test fixture for testing high pin count devices, panelized PCB modules, and large complex PCB boards. The lid closes in one smooth vertical motion, traveling about 4 inches, and can contact test points or connectors on both the top and bottom side of the UUT.
Quick Swap Interface Modules
We design and manufacture interchangeable interface modules to meet your UUT footprint and other criteria based on your test application. The bed-of-nails style interface module is a UUT-specific design that routes signals from your UUT out to other components in your test configuration or directly to connectors of choice. Interface modules can be removed from the fixture base quickly and easily. This adaptability allows for rapid product changeover in engineering and production test environments.
Design Test Press Fixtures to Your Test Needs
Our test press fixtures are developed to be fully integrated test solutions that are ready for use as soon as they are received. You won’t face “Some assembly required” or “batteries not included” when working with RTI to develop a test press fixture solution.
Test press fixtures consist of a standalone base that is sized to your application and a removable interface module that manages all electrical interconnects incorporated into the working solution and aligns the unit under test (UUT) to the test points.
Common Press Bases
Test press fixture bases use robust stainless steel and ball-bearing linear guides for smooth vertical compression. This ensures consistent, repeatable, and reliable test results while preventing damage to the UUT or test probes during use.
Smaller test fixtures utilize a combination of clamshell and vertical guide designs while larger test fixtures are fully vertical.
Open Position
The lid sits at a 50˚ angle when the press is in the open state, giving the operator ample room to load and unload UUT(s) between test. The height of the interface module and length of standoffs on the lid impact this working area.
Resting Position
As the lever is pulled to close the lid, it first comes to rest in a horizontal position parallel to the baseplate. The standoffs installed on the lid sit above the UUT(s) without making contact and the UUT does not engage with the pogo pins.
Closed Position
As the lever is fully engaged, the lid travels 0.34” vertically on linear bearings to bring the fixture into a closed “test” position. This vertical travel applies even compression force across the UUT as the pogo pins are engaged.
Bed-of-Nails Interface Modules
Removable interface modules are the heart of the test fixture. They are responsible for fine alignment of UUT(s) at device loading, provide electrical contact to the bottom side of the UUTs during test, and include custom wiring or an adapter board to route signals to your test interface of choice.
A floating tray on the interface module holds and aligns the UUT(s) in a test-ready position above a bed-of-nails pogo pin array. Linear bearings with coiled springs on the interface module guide the floating plate and UUT(s) onto the pins as the fixture reaches test position. Floating trays on the interface module can also be swapped out if there are changes made to the UUT’s during the test process, eliminating the need to purchase entirely new modules for every iteration of a product design.
Complete Mechanical Test Press Fixtures Overview
Types of DUTs
- PCB modules and PCB Sub-assemblies
- Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices
- 5G, BLE, NFC, and other wireless TxRx devices
- Glass panel and touch sensors
- Gas, temperature, and pressure sensors
- Mechanically functioning assemblies
- Final assemblies with unconventional footprints
Suggested Use/Applications
- Programming devices installed on a PCB module
- Mid-volume engineering test of individual or panel PCBs
- Functional Test of sub-assemblies
- Final Test of complete products
- RF Shielded test environment
- Temperature controlled environment
Additional Design Options
- Single or Multiple test sites depending on UUT size
- Device pitches down to 0.6mm pitch centers
- Inclusion of driver components and test hardware
- Signal routing to connectors or test interface of choice
- Easily swapped out of reusable test fixture base
- Tight tolerance CNC manufacturing
- Test areas extend beyond the edges of the test press fixture base
Contact an Engineer
Design & Concept Gallery
MORE FIXTURE SOLUTIONS
Pogo Pin Blocks
Breakout test fixtures typically include a test socket and DUT board that route signals from your DUT to a connector or interface of choice. Transform your dedicated DUT board into a universal motherboard-daughterboard solution with pogo pin blocks that provide a board to board interface.
QUALITY GUARANTEE
Robson Technologies, Inc. interconnects, fixtures and systems are carefully designed, manufactured, inspected, and individually tested prior to shipment. In the unlikely case you find a defect in materials or workmanship, we will promptly repair or replace the component.
CONTACT US
Do you need help finding a test solution? Get in touch with an RTI Engineer!
OFFICE LINE
1.408.779.8008
rtisales@testfixtures.com
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