Design method of a modular electronic printed circuit board testing system

Abstract

The failure rate of the printed circuit board electronic testing process is higher than acceptable at a Lenze Americas factory. This thesis will understand the root causes of failure, and use system engineering methods to decide what course of action should be taken. A Tradespace analysis is used to help decompose some of the complexity into a visualization that simplifies the decision process. The Tradespace analysis suggests that more utility can be achieved by upgrading the design of existing test fixtures versus purchasing off of the shelf solutions. The second phase will identify a design concept, offer specific design solutions, and finally a fully designed system that is capable of improving the performance of the test fixtures in electronic board test area by 50%. The system is then upgradable with in-line conveyors to run autonomously decoupling the operator from the process.