Latching Relay Cards in Test Fixtures
Latching relay cards are essential components used in test fixtures to manage power distribution and control across multiple boards, especially when the tester lacks sufficient power supplies. These cards enable the test program to control which boards are powered during testing, ensuring efficient and effective operation.
Power Management with Latching Relay Cards
Latching relay cards are designed to provide power to multiple boards simultaneously. When the test equipment doesn’t have enough power supplies, these relay cards step in to distribute power where it’s needed. This allows the test program to selectively power up boards during the testing process, ensuring that each board receives the appropriate amount of power as required.
Custom-Built 6-Way Relay Cards
Forwessun custom builds 6-way relay cards in-house, which can control up to six boards per relay card. These cards offer flexibility and control within the testing environment, allowing multiple boards to be tested in parallel or sequentially, depending on the test requirements. This in-house customization ensures that the relay cards are tailored to meet specific client needs and fixture requirements.
Latching vs. Non-Latching Relays
The choice between latching and non-latching relays depends on the specific needs of the customer, the fixture, or the presence of a programmer in the fixture.
- Latching Relays: These relays maintain their state after being activated or deactivated, making them ideal for applications where power needs to be sustained without constant activation.
- Non-Latching Relays: These relays are typically used as a switch between programmers and the required probes. They ensure that the programming signal can be applied to the DUT without interference from the tester. Non-latching relays return to their default state when not activated, providing a temporary connection that is controlled during the test.
Custom Single and Dual Relay Cards
Forwessun also offers custom-built single and dual relay cards, which can mount one or two Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) relays close to the DUT probes. This setup is particularly useful in scenarios where short wiring is essential for accurate testing. These relay cards ensure that signals are transmitted efficiently, reducing the potential for signal degradation over longer distances.
Summary
Latching relay cards, whether latching or non-latching, play a crucial role in managing power distribution and signal control within test fixtures. Forwessun’s custom-built relay cards, including the 6-way, single, and dual relay cards, are designed to meet specific client requirements, ensuring efficient and reliable testing of multiple boards. By offering tailored solutions, Forwessun enhances the flexibility and effectiveness of the testing process, catering to diverse customer needs and fixture configurations.