Electronic Component Testing: Importance of Test Planning

Electronic Component Testing

• A set of specifications defining test methods for diverse components of computer and electronic systems is called an open test standard (OTS).
• Prototyping involves testing a new model or design unit to assess its viability.

Passive Electronic Components

• Passive electronic components are those that do not have the ability to control electric current by means of another electrical signal.
• Examples of passive electronic components include capacitors, resistors, inductors, transformers, and some diodes.
• Testing strategies for passive electronic components include characterization tests such as inductance, capacitance, resistance, impedance, dissipation factor, quality factor, leakage current, and insulation resistance.

Dynamic Testing

• Dynamic testing involves testing electronic components under various performance demands to validate new designs, improve manufacturing processes, and prove the quality of end products.
• Testing methods include static, dynamic, and fatigue testing in tensile, compression, and shear test modes.
• Mechanical testing is important to validate designs, improve manufacturing, and ensure the reliability of final products.

In-Circuit Testing

• In-circuit test equipment provides a useful and efficient form of printed circuit board test by measuring each component in turn to check that it is in place and of the correct value.
• Most faults on a board arise out of the manufacturing process.

Test Planning

• Planning is essential in electronic component testing to decide what test process to do.
• A test plan is a document that contains the objectives, resources, and processes for a specific test.

Testing Methods

• There are five basic testing methods used in manufacturing industries and repair shops of computer electronic components:
  • Automated Testing
  • Debugging
  • Inspection
  • Platform Testing