Test Fixture - ATP Series

The ATP2020 fixture takes up little space on a table

Small Space - Easy to Use
The ATP fixture takes up only little space on a table. Its true parallel movement works smoothly and engages the PCB without much force. The cassette system makes it easy to set up a test for another type of PCB.

Basic Function
The test fixture has two basic functions. It fixes the PCB accurately on the test probes and then presses the PCB against the test probe springs. A high test probe spring pressure from many probes is compensated by a mechanical exchange in the fixture handle.

Cassette System
The cassette system has several advantages. It is very simple to switch between test of different types of PCBs. Simply lift away the cassette and pull out the retention gate. Then mount another pair of cassette and retention gate. Switching requires no tools and takes approx. 30 seconds.

Interface
A limited amount of electronic test equipment may be mounted in the cassette. To interface the cassette, the back panel already has punched holes for SubD9, 15 and 25 connectors. An aluminum back panel can be used for customer connectors. In the front panel holes for a start button and 2 LEDs are prepared. A micro switch indicates when the test probes are activated.

How to Operate
The fixture is operated by a handle that moves the fixture elevator smoothly without much force. When a PCB is tested a typical sequence looks like this:

• Place a PCB in the fixture
• Press the handle
• When the test is finished lift the handle
• Remove the tested PCB

Functional Test and Repair
The test fixture is intended for functional test. As the access from the topside is depending on the actual configuration it may also in some cases be used for investigation and repair of defective boards.

Overall Superior Test Solution
The ATP fixture offers an easy mechanical test solution. In many cases the cassette already has all the required mechanical work implemented. This feature comes along with

• Excellent ergonomics
• Only one movement to activate the test
  
• The fixture takes up little space
• Easy and fast to use
• Simple switch of cassette for test of another type of PCB
• The fixture is easy to move
• Low cost cassette system
• A cabinet suitable for built-in of electronic test equipment
• No need for vacuum connections

Fixture Sizes

The ATP fixtures are available in 2 sizes: The ATP2020 for PCBs up to 200 x 200 mm and the ATP2035 for PCBs up to 200 x 350 mm.

Front view of the ATP2035 fixture

Extension Cabinets

ATP2020 Fixture with Extension Cabinet

In cases where the available space in the cassette is exhausted more space may be achieved by an extension cabinet.

The extension cabinets are very flexible. To ease access to the interior the bottom and back panels may be dismounted. As the 1.5 mm aluminum back panel is flat it may easily be mounted in a milling or drilling machine to make holes for connectors.

When the fixture is mounted on the extension cabinet holes in the fixture, cassette and extension cabinet ensures that it is possible to access the test probes from the bottom  side. Even when a DUT (Device Under Test) is mounted in the fixture and power is connected. This facility is very much appreciated by engineers debugging a new test system or field engineers.

To make a tandem test system the extension cabinets may be joined by screws. Blind plates on the side of the cabinets may be removed to make space for interconnections.

Extension cabinets may also be screwed together side by side to make ekstra space for test equipment.

Docking Station

To avoid mounting cables when a cassette is exchanged the cable interface for the ATP2035 cassette can be substituted by a docking station. The docking station works like a large connector with up to 510 connections. Every connection can handle 3 amp. The heavy load from the connector pins is easy to operate because of the high mechanical exchange in the docking station.

In a typical test environment you can have all your test signals available in the docking station. When a cassette is configured for test of a PCB you just select the signals required for the actual test.

A standard cassette can be modified to interface the docking station by simply mounting an adaptor on the back panel of the cassette. The connections from the adaptor to the test probes or test equipment in the cassette must be prepared by the customer. The connector pins are either the solder cup or wirewrap type.

Cables from test equipment must be connected to the top plate of the docking station. When the docking station is ordered Torolex can prepare the top plate with the number and type of holes needed.