Rotating Probe: What Are the Types of PCB Probes?
Release date:
2022-09-21
Rotating probes are highly effective for penetrating rosin, oxide layers, and environmentally friendly boards. The principle is that the needle is made of hardened steel; when pressed two-thirds of the way, it typically rotates 90 degrees, enabling it to pass through barrier layers and reach the target measurement point with precision. So, what types of rotating probes—PCB probes—are available?
Rotating Probe: What Are the Types of PCB Probes?
Rotating probes are highly effective for penetrating rosin, oxide layers, and environmentally friendly boards. The principle is that the needle is made of hardened steel; when pressed two-thirds of the way, it typically rotates 90 degrees, enabling it to pass through barrier layers and accurately reach the measurement point. So, what types of rotating probes—PCB probes—are available?
Rotating Probe: What Are the Types of PCB Probes?
1. ICT probe
Common pitch sizes are 1.27 mm, 1.91 mm, and 2.54 mm; typical series include the 100 series, 75 series, and 50 series. These are primarily used for in-circuit testing and functional testing. ICT and FCT tests are widely employed to evaluate bare PCBs.
2. Double-ended probe
Used for BGA testing, it features a tight fit and demanding manufacturing standards. Typically employed to inspect IC chips such as those found in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and communication‑grade ICs. The probe tip diameter ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.58 mm.
3. Switch the probe
A single probe of the switch carries two current paths, enabling the circuit to operate in both normally open and normally closed modes.
4. High-frequency probe
It is used for testing high-frequency signals, featuring a shielding ring; however, it can also perform measurements up to 10 GHz and down to 500 MHz without the shielding ring.
5. Rotating probe.
It generally has low elasticity due to its high permeability and is typically used for OSP‑treated PCBA testing.
6. High-Current Probe
The probe diameter ranges from 2.98 mm to 5.0 mm, and the maximum test current can reach 50 A.
7. Battery Contact Probe
It is typically used to optimize contact performance, offering excellent stability and a long service life. It is widely employed in the contact areas of mobile phone batteries, SIM card slots, and common charger connectors.
Rotating probe: What is the four-probe pen testing method used in a four-probe resistivity meter?
Generally, there is no need to disassemble the probe to replace the steel needle; simply remove the needle to be replaced and install a new one. If a broken needle remains in the hole, it will be difficult to extract without disassembly, and you must follow these steps:
1. First, loosen the set screw on the side of the pen’s tail end, then gently remove the rear aviation connector. As you rotate it, ensure that the probe rotates in sync to prevent twisting, wire breakage, or short circuits.
2. Gently unscrew the probe, then carefully remove the copper plate, remembering the arrangement of the seven insulating shims (one shim between each of the four copper plates, and two shims on the outer side of each of the two end plates). Finally, extract the broken needle from its copper‑plate retaining socket.
3. Special attention must be paid to ensuring that the copper strips are not misplaced when removed. The copper strips should be arranged in the same order as the four wires—green, red, yellow, and black—connected to the aviation connector’s four pins (1, 2, 3, and 4). Furthermore, the copper strips must be crossed in a wide‑wide configuration to prevent short circuits.
4. During installation, gently insert the copper shims and insulating washers into the probe in the same sequence as during disassembly; first tighten the probe, then connect the tail‑end aviation connector and secure the small screw.
5. Attach the needle, ensuring the needle’s tail is oriented correctly; the needle tip serves as the probe.
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