Utilizing a Modular Test Interface to Reduce ATE Cost, Increase Efficiency
4th International Workshop - ITC 1996, October 1996

Abstract

This article outlines the use of a modular test interface in an ATE environment to significantly reduce ATE system cost and product test time. Other benefits include a marked reduction in operator-induced errors, station development time, and the elimination of duplicate test stations. The article details the implementation of the interface method in a production environment, and the test engineering effort involved. In addition, a section is dedicated to the discussiona of problem areas and lessons learned from utilizing this test approach.

Flying Prober Simplifies Testing
Test & Measurement World Magazine, November 1997

At Scientific Atlanta, we couldn't use an in-circuit tester (ICT) to test prototype PCBs. Prototype PCB designs change continuously early in the development process, so it's not feasible to design and build in-circuit fixtures and to generate test programs for each design. We had to isolate opens, shorts, and other manufacturing defects by hand. With the complexity and density of surface-mount-technology PCBs, we had limited success with manual troubleshooting--so limited in fact, that we often damaged or destroyed boards.

We recently solved out testing problems by purchasing a fixtureless manufacturing-defects analyzer (MDA), commonly known as a flying-probe tester. Using the flying-probe tester has proved faster than using manual troubleshooting methods, and have simplified test programming.

Prevent Your Test Station From Tipping
Test & Measurement World Magazine, November 1996

When someone either leans or sits on a worksurface installed on a test rack, a potentially dangerous situation exists. The downward force that is exerted could make the station tip over, possibly injuring someone or damaging the test equipment. Unfortunately, this occurrence is common.

To prevent such a scenario at your company, you should follow sound safety practices and guidelines for setting up and integrating test station racks The following tips should provide a reasonable level of safety without costing your company a bundle.

Spacecraft On-Orbit Deployment Anomalies: What Can Be Done?
IEEE Aerospace & Electronic Systems Magazine, April 1993

Modern communications satellites rely heavily upon deployable appendage (i.e. solar arrays, communications antennas, etc.) to perform vital functions that enable the spacecraft to effectively conduct mission objectives. Communications and telemetry antennas provide the radio frequency link between the spacecraft and the earth groundstation, permitting data to be transmitted and received from the satellite. Solar arrays serve as the principle source of electrical energy to the satellite, and recharge internal batteries during operation. However, since satellites cannot carry backup systems, if a solar array fails to deploy, the mission is lost.

This article examines the subject of on-orbit anomalies related to the deployment of spacecraft appendage, and possible causes of such failures. Topics discussed shall include mechanical launch loading, on-orbit thermal and solar concerns, reliability of spacecraft pyrotechnics, and practical limitations of ground-based deployment testing. Of particular significance, the article will feature an in-depth look at the lessons learned from the successful recovery of the Telesat Canada Anik-E2 satellite in 1991.

3-D vibration test system: powerful, unusual, international
TEST Engineering & Management Magazine, August/September 1992

During the early 1980s, the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) decided to begin the planning and construction of a wholly new, integrated environmental and structural test facility. This facility was specifically designed to handle the large satelittes of the future at NASDA's research and development center (Figure 1).

Experimental test method: multi-axis shock testing
TEST Engineering & Management Magazine, June/July 1991

For years, one of the most time-consuming aspects of shock testing has been the mechanical repositioning of the test article for excitation in other test axes, or for change of axial direction. Presently, a relatively new method of shock testing is being investigated in hopes that the technique will decrease the time required for shock testing to a fraction of that using conventional shock test methods. Multi-axis excitation, or multi-axis shock testing, is an evolving technique of applying multiple transient waveforms simultaneously to different Unit-Under-Test (UUT) axes. The method is actually an extension of multi-axis vibration testing. In fact, the achievement of multi-dimensional motions requires the use of a multi-exciter vibration system configured to perform shaker shock testing. The attributes of the technique include increased testing throughput, greater force-generating capabilities, and the application of transient waveforms in amanner that more closely approximates shock field data.