Functional Test
Functional Test
Functional Test is often needed as a proof that the assembly or unit conforms to specification. However, as a production test tool it is poor. Cheap to set up, but costly to operate due to test times and fault finding. Test rigs are often not fit for purpose, break down often and can’t cope when a faulty assembly is plugged in.
Ideally functional test should be part of a test strategy and the last phase of the production line i.e. Other forms of PCBA testing should be used initially to ensure boards are free of assembly errors and then tested functionally as a unit to ensure the item meets specification.
Functional Test at a glance
Set Up Costs
- Normally one of the lowest as it tends to be your equipment made into a rig
Speed
- OK to Poor test speed
- Many minutes normally
Coverage
- Excellent
- Depends on how much you specify
Operator Level Required
- OK
- Technical knowledge is normally needed
Fault Finding
- Poor
- By far the biggest weakness
- Most functional testing gives a pass or
fail result with no help offered for fault finding
Running Cost
- Low cost of ownership, but a high cost due to operator level and fault finding issues
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