Whenever possible a test point should be incorporated into the net which is merely a pad connected to the net for a probe to touch. Rex is correct that the probes can damage the vias. By using a separate test point you eliminate the need to involve the via during ICT test. The amount of real estate used by the test pads is usually not an issue on most of the PWBs we design.. Mark woolley -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rex Waygood Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:22 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] ICT over RoHS Via Taking the most unreliable part of a pcb (the vias) and repeated stabbing something sharp into them has always seemed to me to be something of a foolhardy occupation. Rex Waygood Technical Manager PartnerTech Poole Ltd Benson Road Poole Dorset BH17 0RY United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1202 674333 Fax: +44 (0)1202 678028 DDI: +44 (0)1202 338222 Mob: +44 (0)7887 997403 [log in to unmask] www.PartnerTech.co.uk -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eli Sarig Sent: 15 September 2008 16:59 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] ICT over RoHS Via Hi, Is there any different within the material type of the ICT probe, regarding the metal finishing of the PCB? If I must use the via as a test point, do I need to coat the ENIG annular ring with solder paste prior to reflow, in order to improve the surface for the ICT? Thanks Eli. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- The information contained within this e-mail and any attachments contained therein may be confidential and/or legally privileged and is for the use of the intended recipient only. If you are not the intended recipient please delete it from your system and notify the sender by return e-mail. The content of this e-mail may not be copied or disclosed to any third parties without prior permission from the sender. E-mail is susceptible to data corruption, interception, tampering and viruses. We do not accept any liability for any such incidents or any consequences thereof. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------