Mechanics and adapter technology

Robust mechanics and pneumatically controlled opening systems enable flexible and reliable accommodation of different test specimens. Pneumatically controlled adapter hoods Modular adapter technology Flexible adaptation to different test specimens Suitable for manual and automated applications

Production and system integration

Standardized interfaces and the open system architecture enable integration into higher-level controllers, production lines and robotic solutions. Integration into existing production lines Connection to automated processes and robotic solutions Communication via ModBus, ProfiNET and OPC Use in fully automated, robot-assisted manufacturing processes

Inline Systems

Inline system for testing multiple printed circuit boards

MCD Elektronik's inline system enables efficient, asynchronous testing of multiple printed circuit boards in modern production environments

Up to four PCBs can be tested in parallel, ideal for applications in the automotive industry and Industry 4.0. Thanks to its robust, robotics-ready design and flexible interfaces, the system integrates seamlessly into automated production lines and increases throughput and process reliability.

Challenges and concept

MCD Elektronik's inline system enables the parallel and asynchronous testing of up to four printed circuit boards simultaneously. For modern Industry 4.0 manufacturing processes in the automotive and electronics industries, it combines high test throughput with flexible integration, modular adapter technology and a fully automatable test sequence.

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Blinker, Kamera, Heizung und Assistenzsysteme.

Inline Systems

Außenspiegel

Inline system for testing multiple printed circuit boards

Flexible inline system for complex printed circuit boards

Wide-opening, pneumatically controlled adapter hoods enable integration into robotic cells and automated production lines. Modular test and adapter technology and standardized interfaces such as ModBus, ProfiNET and OPC support seamless integration into existing test environments.

The system covers electrical measurements as well as communication, signal and functional tests. This increases test throughput, supports reproducible fault detection and improves process reliability when testing complex printed circuit boards in series production.

Parallel testing

Up to 4 test specimens

Test operation

Parallel & asynchronous

Integration

Manual to robot-assisted

Scope of testing and functions

The inline system combines parallel PCB testing, flexible adapter technology and standardized process interfaces for use in modern manufacturing environments:

Inline test system with multiple test stations

Overall view of the test stations

Multiple fixtures with adapter technology

Test adapter in the inline system

Detailed view of the adapter units

Pneumatics, fixture and contacting

Up to four printed circuit boards can be tested simultaneously and independently to increase test throughput in electronics production.

Parallel testing of up to four test specimens
Asynchronous test sequences for each specimen
High test throughput for electronics production
Reproducible testing in series production

Robust mechanics and pneumatically controlled opening systems enable flexible and reliable accommodation of different test specimens.

Pneumatically controlled adapter hoods
Modular adapter technology
Flexible adaptation to different test specimens
Suitable for manual and automated applications

Standardized interfaces and the open system architecture enable integration into higher-level controllers, production lines and robotic solutions.

Integration into existing production lines
Connection to automated processes and robotic solutions
Communication via ModBus, ProfiNET and OPC
Use in fully automated, robot-assisted manufacturing processes

Designed for high-volume testing processes

The combination of parallel and asynchronous testing, modular adaptation and automatable process integration enables high test throughput while allowing flexible adaptation to different printed circuit boards and production environments.

Test methods used and results

The inline system supports comprehensive electrical measurements as well as communication, signal and functional tests for electronic control units and complex printed circuit boards in the automotive and electronics industries.

Electrical tests

Voltage measurements

Current measurements

Resistance measurements

Electrical functional tests of complex printed circuit boards

Communication and signal tests

Testing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Testing GPS and GNSS

Audio tests for AM and FM

Testing complex communication modules and infotainment systems

Bus, software and display tests

Testing CAN, LIN and OABR

Integration of flashing processes

Testing display interfaces

Camera-based display testing

Process and quality evaluation

Increased test throughput through parallel and asynchronous testing

Reproducible fault detection

High process reliability in series production

Easy integration into automated and robot-assisted production lines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

The inline test system contacts up to four DUTs in parallel and asynchronously, performs electrical measurements, tests radio and communication interfaces and can also cover flashing processes, data transfers and display interface tests within a production line.

The test system performs conventional electrical tests such as voltage, current and resistance measurements. These measurements are used to verify supply paths, load behavior, contacting, component conditions and the electrical limits of the printed circuit boards. Radio and communication interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GNSS, USB, LIN, CAN and OABR are also tested.

The inline system is designed for the parallel and independent testing of up to four test specimens. The MCD TestMate software solution coordinates the individual test sequences and centrally manages test specimens, test sequences and measurement resources. This allows different flashing processes, communication tests and test sequences to be flexibly executed for each specimen. Shared measuring devices and test resources are assigned to the respective test processes as required.

The system was designed for manual operation with the option of automated robot operation. This is enabled by pneumatic opening and closing of the test adapters, widely accessible test nests and the integrated Modbus interface. Production can therefore start with manual operation and the system can later be expanded to automated processes as volumes increase. MCD software tools connect the systems to each other and to customer-specific MES solutions, enabling their use in Industry 4.0.

The inline test system can be expanded with little effort for new PCB variants or entirely new test tasks using interchangeable adapters, standardized interfaces and adaptable test sequences within the test software. In addition to type management and the targeted assignment of required measurement and test resources via “MCD TestMate”, additional measuring devices, power supplies, programming devices, sensors, generators, oscilloscopes or alternative hardware components can be integrated via MCD Toolmonitors.

KEY FACTS

Key facts at a glance

Test system

Inline test system / Automated test system / Functional test system

Handling

Manual to automatic / suitable for robotics

Concept

Multiple test bench / inline test system with multiple fixtures – up to 4 DUTs in parallel and asynchronously at 4 test stations

Test methods & scope

Electrical: voltage, current
RF / radio: frequency and RF signals, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Communication: communication signals
Programming: flashing / parameterization
Display and interface tests: display signals and interface testing

Components

MCD TestMate, PLC, pneumatic test adapters, Modbus, USB Hub 2.0, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth units