CheckSum Introduces New Test System for Combined Low-Cost In-Circuit and Functional Testing.

LOS ANGELES -- CheckSum, a leading supplier of circuit-board test and ISP programming systems, introduced a new Analyst test system at APEX (booth #2105) that combines in-circuit and functional test at low cost.

The new Analyst ems+ft is aimed at OEMs and contract manufacturers building power supplies, automotive electronics, medical electronics, industrial control modules, and consumer products whose test strategies are most cost effective when they can perform in-circuit and analog functional test on the same system.

The Analyst ems+ft enhances the low-cost advantages of the Analyst ems In-Circuit Test (ICT) platform with an integrated stimulus, measurement, and switching capability packaged in an integrated system. The result is built-in analog functional-test capabilities greater than those found on in-circuit testers priced twice as high.

An Analyst ems+ft equipped with 1000 in-circuit test points, 200 in-circuit/high voltage analog ("hybrid") points, and modular GPIB power supplies averages about $75,000.

"Extending our popular Analyst ems platform with functional-test capabilities delivers the flexibility and the low cost our customers have come to expect," stated John VanNewkirk, CheckSum's CEO.

"Virtually every in-circuit test job involves some level of functional test," VanNewkirk explained. "It may as simple as one or two voltage measurements or as complex as a lengthy sequence of parametric tests on the board.

"Traditional low cost in-circuit testers almost always include a method to power up the board, allowing the user to make simple voltage and current measurements using the tester's in-circuit measurement and switching subsystems.

"However, when more extensive functional testing is required, such as measuring voltages greater than 100 volts, applying a square wave to a section of the circuit or making a time domain measurement, many of these testers cannot perform these tasks. Where these testers often force the user to add on expensive instrumentation, switching and fixturing, the Analyst ems+ft is already prepared for the job," VanNewkirk concluded.

The Analyst ems+ft Functional Test Subsystem

At the heart of the functional side of the system is a second-generation, general-purpose functional test subsystem. This instrument includes a true differential digital multimeter, a counter/timer, a function generator for sourcing DC, sine and square waves, and digital I/O bits for logic sourcing, sensing and controlling external hardware and relays along with standard GPIB (IEEE-488) and USB 2.0 interface buses. CheckSum's open architecture allows easy integration with popular functional test software such as National Instruments LabView, LabWindows CVI, and Microsoft's Visual Studio.

On the switching side is the MPX2-50 ICT/high-voltage analog hybrid switch card, which provides 50 test points per card. Each test point is capable of handling up to 250VAC (RMS)--an industry first in a standard in-circuit test system.

The MPX-2 fits in the same cage as the standard MPX Module 200-point solid state switch card. The two switch types can be "mixed and matched" to meet customer requirements. Typical applications will range from verification of specified voltages, currents and frequencies at internal points on the board under test to final test of complete modules.

The Analyst ems+ft has already shipped to customers and is available now.

About CheckSum

CheckSum is a leading supplier of low-cost circuit board test and ISP device programming solutions--including systems, fixtures, and programs--to the electronics manufacturing industry. CheckSum has been delivering reliable, cost-effective, and flexible test solutions to OEMs and contract manufacturers for 19 years. With an installed base of over 3,000 test systems at more than 200 companies in over 40 countries, CheckSum helps customers ranging from automotive electronics manufacturers to global EMS providers reduce their total test and manufacturing costs and increase their manufacturing margins.

CheckSum is the only North American Automated Test Equipment (ATE) supplier to offer turnkey test program and fixturing packages solutions and an engineering-oriented approach to customer support, giving customers a cost-saving alternative to traditional ATE suppliers. Satisfied customers helped CheckSum win an Evaluation Engineering "Readers' Choice" award in the category of ATE and a "Best in Test" Honorable Mention from Test and Measurement World. For more information, visit www.checksum.com.