During the PCB production process, to ensure product quality, PCBs must undergo rigorous electrical testing before shipment. Flying probe testing and test stand electrical testing are commonly used testing methods, so how should you choose?

Flying Probe Testing
A flying probe tester uses 4, 6, or 8 probes to perform high-voltage insulation and low-resistance continuity tests (testing for opens and shorts) on PCBs without the need for a test fixture. Using automatic optical focus positioning, the test process and fault points can be monitored in real time.

Advantages: 1. High test density, with minimum pitches down to 0.05mm or even smaller. 2. Reduces fixture production time, improving sample production and shipping efficiency. 3. No fixture costs, resulting in lower testing costs. Disadvantages: 1. High test probe breakage rate. 2. Prone to skipping when testing thin boards. 3. Suitable only for prototyping. 4. Unable to test withstand voltage, resulting in higher risks when testing high-layer, high-density boards.

Test fixture electrical testing
Test fixture testing relies on a test fixture (i.e., a fixture) to test for shorts between different PCB traces, opens from the same PCB net to individual pads, and open vias. It can also perform dielectric strength and impedance testing. Compared to flying probe testing, it simply prepares all the probes corresponding to the test points on the circuit board at once. During testing, a single pressure from the upper and lower ends verifies the entire board.

Advantages:
1. High test accuracy
2. High test efficiency, shortened testing time
3. One-time fee, no additional charge for return orders
4. Convenient for future repairs
Disadvantages:
1. High initial production cost
2. Not suitable for prototype testing

Conclusion
Now that you understand the pros and cons of each, do you know how to choose? In general, flying probe testing is more suitable for prototypes, while test stands are suitable for testing mass PCB production. Choose the right one for your specific needs.