The latest fault diagnosis solution from ABI Electronics introduces a unique technique to increase test coverage, leading to finding more faults, quicker.
ABI Electronics has released a new and exclusive product for fault diagnosis in electronics, offering an innovative approach to power-off testing that is not available anywhere else on the market. ABI Electronics, a leading manufacturer of test and measurement equipment for the development, maintenance and repair of PCBs, has launched the SYSTEM 8 Advanced Matrix Scanner (AMS).
The equipment
Technically, the SYSTEM 8 AMS acquires the voltage v current characteristics of components under power-off conditions and stores them for analysis and comparison. These V-I signatures are directly related to the nature and condition of components, thus leading to finding faults such as incorrect components, damaged components or open and short circuits.
Unlike traditional V-I instruments however, the AMS is also capable of acquiring these signatures over a selectable frequency range, thus creating a “3D” signature – a totally unique analysis technique. By introducing a frequency sweep, and consequently increasing the fault coverage, the AMS is able to detect not only static damages or leaky components but also frequency dependent faults such as faulty or incorrect value capacitors and inductors.
Further options are available with the AMS to guarantee the best chances of finding faults. A multiple reference mode, known as Matrix V-I, acquires signatures with multiple references in order to increase the set of signatures for one given component (or PCB).
Although the AMS results can be analysed manually, the software offers automatic comparison features to speed up failure detection and reduce the amount of technical knowledge required for diagnostics. Test setups and results are saved in a TestFlow – a step by step sequence of tests with instructions, component datasheets and expected results – and the module becomes a complete fault-finding solution.
A major advantage of the AMS is that the component or PCB under investigation does not need to be powered up. This is particularly useful if assemblies are heavily damaged or if limited information (e.g. no schematics) is available to the user.
This solution is available with four probes for manual acquisition but also with 64 channels, allowing the AMS to scan complete PCB assemblies at the touch of a button. The number of channels can be increased to 2,048 for applications with high pin counts requiring a test fixture (bed of nails) or other connecting options (e.g. edge connector). Board level testing speeds up the fault-finding process but also widens the range of applications beyond repair and maintenance. In a manufacturing environment, for instance, PCBs need to be tested after the production line.
The company
The AMS is the latest addition to the popular SYSTEM 8 range, thus adding a new function to existing techniques such as digital/analogue in-circuit functional tests. SYSTEM 8 solutions are widely used and recognised around the world in fields such as telecoms, automotive, transport and heavy industry. They are also predominant in aviation and the armed forces as well as general maintenance businesses and the education sector.
With over 60 distributors worldwide, ABI Electronics is renowned for innovation in the field of test and measurement as well as for accessible equipment with a clear purpose.
Mathieu Bini, marketing manager at ABI, explains: “The development of the AMS was driven by a desire to offer a unique product to increase fault coverage, particularly for those who are already familiar with V-I testing. It is commonly known that the more different kinds of tests you do, the more chances you have of finding a fault. Adding a frequency sweep was therefore the next logical step”.
When asked about how this product places ABI on the market, he adds: “ABI has always had a reputation for ground breaking releases, dating all the way back to the 1980s in fact. The AMS is no different in that respect and its popularity since its launch at the Productronica exhibition in Munich has surpassed our expectations”.
Should we expect more from ABI in 2012? Mathieu concludes “Yes, definitely – we release new products every year. We are currently focusing on improving our customer’s experience with the software by offering a higher degree of flexibility and introducing online content. At the same time, our designers are hard at work with new projects but my lips are sealed…….. for now!”.
For more information, please visit www.abielectronics.co.uk or scan the code with your Smartphone.
