I'm assuming that the FPTS you seek is for bare board test. You do have many options in makers and models and perhaps it is best to weigh these out depending on the technologies of product and their quantities. And is testing all you want to do or would you like to integrate the FPTS with your grid testers and verification/rework loop? I had 7 FPTS in my board shop days, 6 of them were the MicroCraft EL6146s. It is a multi-faceted machine giving you extra support in verification avoiding potential disasters whereas a fixture just would not behave and produce erratic errors at the worst possible time. If it's for test purposes only, Probot and Mania offer very reputable machines as well. If it's speed and testing multiple boards and/or part numbers, the 16 head ATG A2 may be the way to go.

If it were not enough to have these options to consider, keep in mind the efficiency of any of these machines are dependant of the file driving it. The front end processing to create the test file must fully support the test requirements for the FPTS to run optimally and allow the best test options for a particular design. Good luck in your quest. If I can be of more help, please contact me.

Lavenir Technology Inc.

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Barry Gallegos

To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 9:52 AM

Subject: [TN] Flying probes

Good morning TechNet.

My Test department is asking for some Information on Flying Probes.

Any help or assistance would be appreciated.

please email me directly.

Barry Gallegos, PE

Western Electronics, LLC

1550 South Tech Lane

Meridian, Idaho 83642

Phone 208-955-9771