For testing PCBs, test engineers have a variety of options ranging from venerable in-circuit testers and flying probers to functional testers and the latest in embedded-instrument technology.

The limited access afforded to circuit nodes by PCBs densely populated with tiny components seriously challenges traditional PCB test strategies. But while optical and x-ray inspection can help fill ...

Editor Bill Wong takes a hands-on look at Sensepeek’s PCBite kit. PCBite consists of a metal base that works with spring-loaded magnetic standoffs and flexible arms with a magnetic base (see figure).

Those of us familiar with PCB work would agree that anything that helps hold probes secure and hands-free to components, traces, or test points is worth looking at. That’s where [2048bits]’ snap probe ...