PCB Electrical Testing
Verify the bare board against an approved connectivity baseline. Define continuity, isolation, test coverage and traceable results before the fabrication order is released.
Check connections before components are added.
Bare-board electrical testing evaluates intended connections and unwanted connections between conductive networks. Flying-probe equipment addresses the unpopulated board; it is distinct from an assembly’s operating test. Specialized measurements depend on the tester and selected configuration. [S14] [S15]
For your GlobalWellPCB quote, identify the approved test-data source and the required continuity/isolation criteria. Where available, supply the design netlist independently of the manufacturing artwork so the intended connectivity can be compared with the prepared test data.
Choose the method around the board and order.
The matrix below is a method-selection guide. It does not promise a particular tester, throughput, voltage range or included test option.
Scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.
| Review area | What to evaluate | What to agree |
|---|---|---|
| Flying-probe testing | Moving probes contact accessible locations without a dedicated full nail-bed fixture. [S14] | Review access, board support, program preparation and cycle time. |
| Fixture-based testing | A dedicated contact fixture can suit repeated production with stable geometry. | Confirm fixture cost, ownership, maintenance and revision control. |
| Continuity | Check that the intended conductive paths meet the agreed resistance criterion. | State thresholds, endpoints, netlist revision and contact-validation rules. |
| Isolation | Check separation of the specified networks under the agreed test conditions. | Define voltage, resistance limits and the net-pair coverage/adjacency rules. |
| Special electrical checks | Kelvin resistance or high-voltage testing may need a separately configured method. [S15] | Do not assume these are included in an ordinary continuity/isolation test. |
| Retest and records | Retest suspected contact issues or authorized repairs under a controlled rule. | Retain original failures, final disposition and the applicable test-program identity. |
Tell us which features need inspection, your sampling requirements and the reports you need. We will confirm these details in your quotation.
From a clear requirement to a documented decision.
- 01
Establish the design baseline
Match fabrication revision, layer data and the approved netlist. Resolve inconsistencies before generating the production test program.
- 02
Approve the test plan
Confirm method, thresholds, coverage, fixturing or support, and any excluded structures. Name the required report and identification scheme.
- 03
Test and investigate findings
Separate product defects from contact or setup problems using the agreed procedure. Do not alter acceptance limits simply to remove failures.
- 04
Release the identified lot
Link the final results, authorized repairs and retests to the shipped boards or lot. Keep any limitations visible in the release documentation.
The test record should explain the pass.
Specify the report detail you need at quotation. A lot summary, unit-level result file and raw diagnostic record are different deliverables.
- Program identity
- Part number, board revision, design/test-netlist source and test-program version.
- Test conditions
- Continuity and isolation criteria, voltage where relevant, method and stated coverage.
- Result traceability
- Lot or unit identifier, test date, quantity and final pass/fail disposition.
- Exception history
- Original failures, contact rechecks, authorized repairs, retest results and accepted exclusions.
Continuity is not controlled-impedance verification.
A DC connectivity check does not measure the transmission-line impedance of a signal structure. Request an agreed TDR method separately. Electrical testing also does not replace dimensional, visual or material checks in the bare-board acceptance plan. [S16] [S01]
PCB Electrical Testing FAQs
Find answers about inspection methods, reports and approvals before placing your order.
Is this the same as testing an assembled PCB?
No. This page covers conductive networks on an unpopulated board. A populated assembly has components and parallel paths that require a different electrical test strategy. [S14] [S27]
Is flying probe always the least expensive choice?
Not necessarily. Program effort, accessible points, board count, repeat orders and fixture cost affect the comparison. Request project-specific pricing rather than using a universal quantity threshold.
What test voltage and resistance limits should be used?
State the applicable contractual requirements and agree the settings for the board. Do not treat a commonly advertised value as a universal rule for every construction.
Does testing every board mean every possible fault is covered?
No. Unit coverage and fault coverage are different. Ask which nets, net pairs, access points and characteristics the approved program actually evaluates.
Can the same program be reused after a revision?
Only after reviewing the change and validating the applicable data, access and fixture geometry. Keep the test program linked to the actual fabrication revision.
Can I request IPC-9252 in the order?
Specify the document and revision required by your contract and confirm applicability with the manufacturer. The official IPC revision table lists IPC-9252 as no longer maintained; do not describe it as a newly updated universal mandate. [S03]
Technical references
- [S01]IPC / Global Electronics Association — Electronics certification programs
- [S03]IPC — Standards revision table
- [S14]Mycronic / atg — A9 bare-board flying-probe system
- [S15]Mycronic / atg — Automated A9a bare-board test system
- [S16]Polar Instruments — Controlled impedance fundamentals, AP120
- [S27]Teradyne — TestStation Systems: In-Circuit & Functional Production Test Platform (PDF)
Explore the inspection and testing references below. Include the applicable standards, acceptance criteria and required records with your enquiry so we can confirm the inspection plan for your board.