Bed-of-nails testing is a single fixture on which the PCB/PWB is placed for
electrical testing.  Clam-shell uses 2 bed-of-nails fixtures to test the
board from both sides at once.  SMT boards can be tested using either type
of fixturing if they are properly designed for it.

If cost is your primary concern you may want to look into flying-probe
testing. This type of testing does not require a "hard" fixture so can be
less expensive.

Jeffrey A. McGlaughlin CID
Sr. Designer ( both circuits and patterns >;-{) )
Battelle Memorial Institute
Columbus Ohio
[log in to unmask]



-----Original Message-----
From: Rich Klecka [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2001 12:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [DC] Testing of PC Boards


What is the difference between bed of nails testing, clam shell testing,
and SMT testing?
I have a basic board that is ready for fabrication.  It is mostly
surface mount with some through holes.  It has both analog and digital
signals and no high speed.  Which test is best or least costly for this
type of board?


--
Rich Klecka,  C.I.D.
IPC Certified Interconnect Designer
Electronic Packaging Specialist
Fermilab
P.O. Box 500,  M.S. 307
Kirk & Wilson Roads
Batavia, IL 60510
[log in to unmask]
630-840-3880 Phone
630-840-8590 Fax
Work hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Central Time

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