How to Perform Low-Current Measurements on PCBAs

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In-Circuit Tester
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In-Circuit Tester
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Integrating a source measure unit into the in-circuit tester

Performing low-current measurements on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) requires a precise low-current measurement instrument, such as a digital multimeter (DMM) or source measurement unit (SMU). These instruments must simultaneously measure voltage and current with high resolution and effective noise filtering. However, to conduct low leakage current testing during the in-circuit test stage, integrating an SMU into the in-circuit tester (ICT) is essential for achieving enhanced precision.

Integrating an SMU into the ICT requires establishing an interface and connecting the tester to the specific nodes on the device under test. Consequently, configuring the SMU involves setting output voltage, current parameters, and the desired measurement range. Test engineers also need test plans for both hardware and software test automation. Crafting a new test plan for each type of board ensures accurate testing.

ICT low current test solution

ICT low current test solution

Low-current measurement in an ICT system requires the integration of a source measure unit. The Keysight ICT low current test system simplifies this process with the OpenTap plugin and the dual-channel Keysight B2912B precision source / measure unit. The OpenTap plugin automates test generation in four steps using the provided board file and parameters, managing all necessary calculations, and displaying results directly. Integrating the SMU via the ICT tester reduces manual input, enhancing efficiency. The Keysight i3070 7i incorporates these advancements, providing a streamlined and flexible solution for low current testing.
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