Patent ID: 6292004
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method of testing a selected plurality of test points on a printed circuit board having a plurality of test points greater than the selected plurality, the selected plurality of test points arranged in an image pattern, the method utilizing a test fixture assembly having a plurality of spaced apart parallel plates defining a plate plane, wherein a plurality of test probes arranged in the image pattern extend through a plurality of said plates in a direction generally transverse to said plate plane and a first end of each test probe is in a position to make an electrical connection with an associated test point of the selected plurality, the method comprising the steps of:translating said image pattern of the selected plurality of test points into a grid pattern of a circuit board testing machine that is different from said image pattern, wherein said image pattern is translated into said grid pattern with a flexible circuit interconnect having a plurality of first test point contacts at a first end thereof and a plurality of associated second test point contacts at a second end thereof arranged in the regular grid pattern, each first test point contact at the first end of the flexible circuit interconnect electrically connected to an associated test probe, and each second test point contact at the second end of said flexible circuit interconnect electrically connected to and associated with the said associated first test point contact at the first end of said flexible circuit interconnect.