SPI and AOI
Find paste, placement, polarity and visible workmanship issues close to the process step that created them.
PCBA value-added service / inspection and test
PCB Assembly Testing Services
PCB testing services and PCB functional testing connect inspection, electrical verification and product validation to the defects and product risks that matter for the released assembly. The test route is selected from access, coverage, limits, fixtures and the evidence required at delivery.
SPI / AOIProcess visibility
AXIHidden joints
ICT / Flying probeElectrical opens
FCTProduct behavior
At a glance
What Are PCB Testing Services?
PCB testing services verify an assembled board at different stages and levels. SPI and AOI examine visible process conditions, AXI can inspect hidden solder joints, ICT or flying probe checks electrical connectivity, and functional testing evaluates the product behavior defined by the customer.
Engineering choices
Select the test method from the failure mode.
PCB testing becomes useful when each method has a defined question, access condition, limit and result record rather than being listed as a generic equipment inventory.
AXI / X-ray
Inspect BGA, QFN, bottom-terminated and other joints that optical methods cannot see directly.
ICT or flying probe
Verify nets, shorts, opens and selected component or electrical conditions using the defined access strategy.
FCT and functional test
Apply the customer procedure, fixture, stimulus and pass/fail limits that represent actual product behavior.
Technical reference
PCB Testing Services Reference
The table maps common PCB testing methods to the question they answer. The final plan remains specific to the board, fixture, software and acceptance criteria.
PCB Testing Services Reference
Provide test points, fixture concept, software, limits, sample scope and result format when requesting ICT or functional testing.
| SPI | Solder-paste volume, position and print consistency before placement |
|---|---|
| AOI | Visible placement, polarity, solder and workmanship conditions after assembly |
| AXI / X-ray | Hidden solder-joint and void-related inspection for packages such as BGA and QFN |
| ICT | Electrical connectivity and selected component or net checks with a defined fixture and access plan |
| Flying probe | Lower-volume electrical access when a dedicated bed-of-nails fixture is not the right route |
| FCT | Customer-defined product behavior, interfaces, limits and pass/fail sequence |
| Programming | Approved image, device list, interface and version record tied to the tested build |
| Evidence | Inspection, electrical, functional, rework and disposition records returned to the agreed scope |
Design context
A test name is not a test specification.
“Functional test” only becomes executable when the fixture, software, stimulus, measurement limits, operator steps and result format are defined. The review keeps the test requirement connected to the released hardware revision.
- Map each test to a product or process risk
- Confirm access, fixture and programming inputs
- Define limits, sample scope and retest rules
- Tie results to board, panel and revision records
Engineering review
What the PCB Testing Review Should Close
The test plan should be buildable, repeatable and useful to the people making the release decision.
Inspection coverage by package risk
Test-point and probe access
Fixture, software and programming inputs
Limits, sample and retest scope
Result format and traceability
Failure disposition and rework boundary
Practical fit
Where PCB Testing Services Fit
Use a layered test plan when the product risk cannot be controlled by final visual inspection alone.
Fine-pitch and BGA assemblies
Combine visible inspection with AXI or X-ray where joint access is hidden.
Industrial and power boards
Add electrical or functional checks around interfaces, controls, power paths and safety-related behavior.
NPI and repeat production
Use early tests for learning, then retain the approved coverage and evidence for recurring builds.
Frequently asked questions
Questions that shape the pcb assembly testing services route
Use these PCB testing answers to distinguish inspection, electrical testing and product-level functional validation.
What are PCB testing services?
PCB testing services verify assembled boards through process inspection, hidden-joint inspection, electrical testing and customer-defined functional testing selected from the product risk and acceptance plan.
What is the difference between ICT and functional testing?
ICT focuses on electrical connectivity and selected component or net checks with defined access. Functional testing applies the product behavior, fixture, stimulus and limits specified for the assembly.
Do all PCB assemblies need ICT or FCT?
Not necessarily. The appropriate combination depends on product risk, volume, test access, fixture economics, software readiness and the evidence required by the customer.
Can you provide flying-probe or functional testing for low-volume PCBA?
Both can be evaluated for low-volume builds when the board access, test procedure, limits and result requirements are available. The quote confirms fixture and setup needs.
Related pages
Link testing to the assembly process that creates the evidence.
Connect PCB testing services to SMT, THT, low-volume, high-volume and turnkey assembly routes.
PCB Assembly
PCB Assembly Capabilities
PCB assembly capabilities for SMT, THT/DIP, BGA, QFN and mixed technology, with 01005 placement, inspection, testing, 24-hour quote targets and PCBA lead times.PCB AssemblyThrough-Hole PCB Assembly (THT)
Through-hole PCB assembly service for connectors, relays, transformers and high-mass parts, with wave, selective or hand soldering and test planning.PCB AssemblyLow-Volume PCB Assembly
Low-volume PCB assembly for prototypes, pilot runs and small-batch PCBA, with component sourcing, SMT/THT, inspection, testing and a path to repeat production.PCB AssemblyTurnkey PCB Assembly
Turnkey PCB assembly services with component sourcing, PCB fabrication, BOM control, SMT or THT assembly, programming, inspection and agreed test evidence.Define the PCB Testing and Functional Test Plan.
Share the test points, fixture concept, procedure, limits, software, sample scope and required report format for a PCB testing services review.