In the context of electronic board production (PCBA – Printed Circuit Board Assembly), the test jig is an essential equipment used to validate the electrical and functional operation of products during manufacturing.
Definition of Test Jig
A test jig (also called “test jig”, “test fixture”, or “test fixture”) is a mechanical structure designed to facilitate quick and repeatable electrical connection between the test system and the electronic board to be verified. It ensures that all contact points — such as connectors, test pads, and pins — are accessed accurately, without damaging the product.
Purpose of the Test Jig
The main objective of the test jig is to enable automated and repetitive testing with safety, efficiency, and consistency. It is used in the following contexts:
- Functional Test (FT): Checks if the board functions correctly under real operational conditions.
- In-Circuit Test (ICT): Measures individual electronic components mounted on the board.
- Boundary scan / JTAG test: Used when physical access is limited.
- Firmware programming: Via interfaces such as UART, USB, I²C, SPI, etc.
- Optical or camera tests: The jig can include guides or supports to ensure correct positioning during visual inspections.
Main Components
A typical test jig may include:
- Mechanical base in aluminum, acrylic, or industrial polymer.
- Pressure pins (pogopins) for temporary electrical contact.
- Positioning guide for the board (with or without fixing pins).
- Pressure cap or lid with springs or pneumatic actuation.
- Presence sensor of the DUT (Device Under Test).
- Safety interlock, to prevent tests without proper fitting.
- Interface with the test system (USB, GPIB, Ethernet, etc.).
Benefits
- Reduction of test time.
- High repeatability and reliability of results.
- Better ergonomics for operators.
- Ease of automation of the production line.
Application Examples
Companies in sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, medical devices, IoT, and aerospace use test jigs to ensure the quality of their products before delivery to the customer.
How AJOLLY Testing supports your test jig project
AJOLLY Testing designs and manufactures custom test jigs for industrial, laboratory, and production applications in various sectors: electronics, automotive, telecommunications, energy, medical devices, sensors, and IoT. Our support includes:
- 🛠️ Precision mechanical engineering, with custom 3D designs for integration with specific benches and equipment
- 🔌 Contact interfaces adapted to the product: industrial connectors, pogo pins, sensors, optical fibers, actuators, RF, pressure, etc.
- ⚙️ Modular and scalable solutions: manual, pneumatic, electric, or motorized jigs
- 🧪 Suitability for different types of tests: functional, dimensional, electrical, optical, hydraulic, RF, environmental
- 🔧 Integration with measurement and automation systems: TestStand, LabVIEW, Python, C#
- 📏 Compatibility with laboratory, R&D, production line, or clean room environments
- 🧩 Support from concept to final manufacturing and installation, including validation and technical documentation
We combine multidisciplinary knowledge in mechanics, automation, and metrology to deliver robust and tailored solutions, meeting the highest requirements of reliability, repeatability, and safety.