The new company has been formed by Pickering Interfaces, a British manufacturer of switching and signal simulation solutions, and Wireflow, a Swedish company specializing in test systems for printed circuit boards (PCBs).
At launch, the platform offers approximately 40 commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) modules, covering measurement, switching, power, communications, and input/output functions. These modules share a compact physical form factor, common integration interfaces, and a software environment designed to facilitate their configuration and use in automated systems.
Integrated Instrumentation in the Test Fixture:
The main feature of Testblox is its instrumentation architecture integrated into the test fixture, also known as the test fixture. In this approach, the modules required to perform measurements and control the device under test (DUT) are installed directly on the fixture structure. This configuration eliminates the need for an external instrument rack when the required functions can be performed by the available modules. The goal is to reduce the space occupied by the test system and simplify the connections between the instrumentation and the device under test. Compared to a traditional architecture with external instruments, the physical proximity of the modules can allow for shorter signal paths.
Compact Modules with a Common Format:
Testblox modules use a compact format comparable to the size of a playing card. Adopting common dimensions and interfaces allows for combining different functions within the same test architecture. According to the company, this standardization also facilitates the replication of test systems and the replacement of modules during maintenance.
Nearly 40 modules for measurement, switching, and power supply
. At launch, Testblox offers approximately 40 COTS modules.
The offering comprises various instrumentation and control categories:
- Measurement: digital multimeters (DMMs).
- Switching: multiplexers, switching matrices, and relays.
- Power: programmable power supplies.
- Inputs and outputs: digital, analog, and multifunction I/O modules.
- Communications: modules for exchanging information with the DUT (Device Unit Test).
- Integration: motherboards for housing and connecting the modules.
This variety allows for the configuration of functional test systems that combine electrical measurements, signal application, power supply, and device control.
The modular architecture also facilitates adapting a configuration to different products without necessarily developing all the instrumentation from scratch.
Direct connection to the DUT via D-Sub or interface boards:
Testblox modules can be connected directly to accessible pins within the test fixture using standard D-Sub connectors. Alternatively, they can be installed on a custom interface board designed to connect the modules to the device under test. This second option allows for certain connections without intermediate cables between the instrumentation and the DUT interface.
The choice between connectors and custom boards will depend on the physical arrangement of the contacts, the number of signals, and the electrical requirements of the application. Testblox notes that shorter signal paths can help reduce parasitic resistance, noise pickup, and uncertainties associated with wiring. However, the press release does not provide measurement results to quantify these improvements. Furthermore, the final accuracy of a test system will depend on the instruments used, the connections, calibration, and operating conditions.
Electrical isolation between modules and motherboard:
The platform incorporates isolation between the modules and the motherboard, a feature designed to reduce certain problems associated with ground loops. In measurement systems with multiple instruments, potential differences between electrical references can introduce unwanted currents and affect signal acquisition.
Brygga: Testblox's management and diagnostic software
has developed Brygga, a software environment designed for configuring and monitoring test systems. According to the company, Brygga allows for the detection, configuration, diagnosis, and monitoring of modules via a USB connection. These features facilitate the commissioning of modular systems and the identification of potential instrumentation issues. The software also provides a common access point for managing the various components of the platform.
APIs for Python, C#, and NI LabVIEW
to develop automated test sequences. These APIs allow you to integrate module functions into control and automation applications. Compatibility with various programming environments makes it easy to use in organizations that already have their own software for running functional tests. It also allows you to separate instrument control functions from the specific verification logic of each product.
Joint development by Testblox, Wireflow, and Pickering Interfaces:
The platform combines developments from three engineering teams. Testblox AB was responsible for the design of the motherboards, software, and certain input/output components.
Wireflow contributed multifunction I/O modules and power supplies, leveraging its expertise in PCB test systems. Pickering Interfaces developed the switching modules and digital multimeters. According to the press release, all Testblox modules are designed and manufactured in Europe.
20-Year Hardware Maintenance and Availability:
Testblox accompanies the launch of its platform with a three-year warranty for all modules. The company also announces a commitment to maintaining hardware availability for at least 20 years. This approach is geared towards industrial applications where test systems must remain operational for extended periods.
Applications in Functional Testing of PCBs and Electronic Equipment:
The Testblox platform is designed for automated functional testing systems used during the development, validation, and manufacturing of electronic products.
The combination of measurement, switching, power supply, and I/O allows for the construction of test fixtures to verify the functionality of electronic boards and assemblies.
Its compact architecture can be useful when instrumentation needs to be installed near DUT connection points or when replicating multiple test stations with a common configuration.
Testblox indicates that approximately 40 COTS modules have been available since the platform's launch.
