Wolfgang,

     Even if your customer is using Cu-56 or AntiOx 106A Plus, we are
     talking surface thinknesses in the microns (10^9).  A typical Spear
     Point or Convex Probe should suffice in penetrating the OSP surface.
     An oxidized surface should still allow for continuity, considering its
     thickness to be in the microns.  Consider the following:

     1. Asks if the customer is using Vacuum assisted or Mechanical
        assisted ATE to probe PCBAs?  A mechnical assised ATE is always
        perferred in such cases.  Two birds with one stone theory, it also
        eliminates the need for soldermask covered vias (LPI) or tented
        vias (DF) from the component or solder side.


     2. Are test pins deflected appropriately so as not to interfere the
        Probe body to the Plunger?

     3. How old and what shape are the probes in?  Have they been bent
        severally or has contaminate increased the probe resistance?
        Basically what procedures do you have in place for maintaining
        probe reliability?


     A few avenues of thought.

     John Gulley
     Inet Inc.
     972-578-3928



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Subject: [TN] Entek boards / In Circuit Testing problems
Author:  Wolfgang Erat <[log in to unmask]> at Internet