PCB Testing & Inspection
Inspection looks for manufacturing defects; testing checks electrical characteristics or product behavior. The two are complementary. A quotation should state what will be checked, how failures are handled and what evidence accompanies the shipment.
Use optical inspection for visible features
AOI and manual inspection assess component presence, orientation and visible solder features. Their coverage depends on board access, programming and the inspection criteria. They cannot inspect all hidden joints or prove application-level operation.
Use X-ray where joints are hidden
X-ray helps assess solder connections beneath BGA and other bottom-terminated devices. Define the inspection scope and acceptance requirements before production. Interpret findings in the context of the package and application.
Specify electrical and functional tests
In-circuit or flying-probe tests require accessible nets and a defined test strategy. Functional testing needs a written procedure, firmware, fixtures and limits. Agree whether results are recorded per unit, per batch or only as pass/fail.
What to include in your RFQ
- Product acceptance criteria
- AOI and hidden-joint inspection coverage
- Test points and accessible nets
- Fixtures, firmware and power requirements
- Records, failure handling and retest process
Confirm the process limits, material availability and acceptance criteria in your project quotation. They depend on the design and the manufacturing facility.