Electronic Design PCBA Assembly Embedded Control Solutions

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PCBA Testing and Inspection Services

Inspection tells us whether a PCB has been assembled correctly. Testing tells us whether it performs as intended.

Our testing processes combine automated inspection, electrical testing, programming and functional verification to help verify product quality.

Discuss Your Testing Requirements
HS engineers performing PCBA functional testing at a prototype test bench

Inspection Before Testing

AOI — Automated Optical Inspection

Detecting visible assembly defects including:

  • Missing components
  • Wrong components
  • Component offset
  • Solder bridges
  • Soldering defects

X-ray Inspection

For hidden solder joints and advanced packages such as QFN and CSP.

Inspection can identify:

  • Voids
  • Opens
  • Shorts
  • Solder joint defects
AOI inspection machine checking assembled PCB panels on the production floor

Electrical Verification

ICT / Fixture-Based Electrical Test

Where an ICT or dedicated electrical fixture is available, checks can include:

01Component Values
02Open Circuits
03Short Circuits
04Circuit Connections
05Electrical Parameters
Automated functional testing workstation

Programming & Engineering Configuration

Where required, we can integrate programming and configuration into the manufacturing process.

01MCU Programming
02Firmware Loading
03Device Configuration
04Serial Number Writing
05MAC Address Programming
Engineer reviewing PCB design and device configuration at a dual-monitor workstation

Functional Testing

Functional testing evaluates whether the assembled product actually performs according to its intended application.

Depending on the product, testing may include:

01Power-On Testing
02Communication Testing
03Sensor Testing
04Display Testing
05Input/Output Testing
06Functional Verification
Engineers performing powered functional testing on PCBA prototypes at a laboratory bench

Reliability & Stress Testing

According to project requirements, additional stress and reliability checks can be incorporated into the manufacturing process.

01Burn-In
02Temperature Testing
03Voltage Testing
04Load Testing
05Environmental Testing
Automated aging test machine in the testing area

Test Records & Quality Data

Where agreed, test results can be integrated into the manufacturing quality process to provide greater visibility into:

01Pass/Fail Results
02Defect Analysis
03Yield
04Production Trends
05Traceability
Operator inspection audit in the testing area

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test a PCBA?

Depending on the product: AOI after reflow, X-ray (AXI) for hidden joints, ICT or flying probe for electrical checks, and functional testing (FCT) to verify the product works as specified. The methods are complementary — the test plan is defined per product.

What does AOI check, and can it find all problems?

AOI uses cameras and algorithms to check visible features — component position, missing parts, offset, polarity, and solder joints. It has limits on joints hidden under QFN or bottom-terminated devices, which is why some products need X-ray as a supplement.

What is the difference between ICT and FCT?

ICT leans toward structure, electrical connectivity, and component parameters at test points. FCT focuses on whether the product actually works as required — I/O, power, communication, buttons, and sensors. The two are complementary.

How do you handle a defective assembly?

Rework restores a nonconforming solder joint, component, or assembly to specification under a controlled process; repair handles more complex issues such as damaged conductors, pads, or laminate structure. Both avoid shipping a nonconforming unit.

Is 100% inspection available?

Yes — where specified in the agreed inspection plan. AOI can be applied after reflow, while X-ray coverage, ICT, and FCT are defined per product based on package mix, test coverage, and functional risk.

Quality Is More Than Visual Inspection

Our testing capabilities help verify that your PCBA is not only assembled correctly but also performs as required.

Discuss Your Testing Requirements