ATE Solutions automated test systems

Flex 10 benchtop tester

Flex 10 is a compact benchtop platform for automated electronics testing. The manufacturer specifies a 600 × 360 × 660 mm enclosure and a normally fitted VPC S6 interface. It suits a work cell that needs a relatively small set of test resources.

A typical configuration may contain an embedded PC, a 5-slot PXI chassis, YAV relay cards and a programming module or JTAG controller. Include the required measurement functions, available bench space and the product connection method in your enquiry.

For an existing machine, attach its equipment list and fixture identification. This separates a complete tester requirement from a request to replace an individual installed component.

Flex 20 floor-mounted tester

Flex 20 is a floor-mounted system designed to keep its production-floor footprint small. It normally uses a VPC S6 interface and provides room for rack-mounted instruments and power supplies selected for the application.

Possible resources include an industrial PC with up to 13 expansion slots and a PXI chassis with up to 18 slots. These describe potential configurations rather than a fixed delivery package. State the instrument list, control interfaces and fixture arrangement required by your test plan.

For replacement work, identify the installed chassis, module revision and software driver. If several testers serve the same line, include the specific machine reference to avoid combining parts from different configurations.

Flex 30 modular test system

Flex 30 combines a compact floor-mounted arrangement with additional internal space. The manufacturer describes VPC G12 or G12X interfaces for routing a large set of mixed signals to the test fixture.

For a new system, define the instrument resources, signal groups and fixture access needed by the product. For an interface replacement, send its exact designation, module layout and photographs of both mating sides. The platform name alone does not identify the installed connector arrangement.

A useful spare-parts enquiry also includes the PXI chassis model, measurement-card list and the affected test operation. This helps distinguish an instrument problem from a fixture or connection requirement before a supply specification is prepared.

Flex 40 dual-bay system

Flex 40 is a dual-bay version of Flex 30 for applications needing more instrument space or larger fixture interfaces. The typical interface is VPC G12X, while possible resources include PXI, external instruments and custom modules.

A project brief should separate the computer, instrumentation bay, product interface and fixture requirements. Specify how operators load the product and what access is needed for maintenance. For an installed tester, provide the failed component reference and its position in the equipment schedule.

Test logs and the affected sequence step help identify the scope of the enquiry. They also support a clear distinction between replacing an instrument, renewing a fixture component and changing the overall test arrangement.

Flex 50 rack-format tester

Flex 50 uses a traditional 19-inch rack format for final testing of replaceable units. It can be configured with analogue, digital and mixed-signal test resources to match the product under test.

The manufacturer describes VPC interface options from the 12-slot G12 to the 75-slot 9075, together with cable connection solutions such as iCon. These are different interface arrangements, so the exact selection belongs in the project specification.

For cable enquiries, provide the connection drawing, connector identifiers, required length and signal list. For a rack instrument, include its model and mounting position. State whether existing fixtures and test sequences are to be retained when the hardware changes.

Flex measurement and switching modules

Flex Modules cover power, switching, multiplexers and matrices, RF, digital and analogue signals, cable testing and in-circuit functions. The modular approach allows the required resources to be assembled around a test specification and extended as the project develops.

For switching hardware, identify the board number, revision, used channels and load type. For measurement resources, state the ranges, accuracy requirements and control interface. Channel counts must come from the specific module documentation.

An expansion enquiry should also describe chassis space, power and software. When replacing an obsolete resource, provide its original documentation and the functions that must remain available in the test sequence.

Test fixtures and product adapters

ATE Solutions describes functional test boxes, bed-of-nails fixtures and vacuum or CAM-operated arrangements. Fixture choice depends on test-point access, contact density and production requirements.

For an individual contact part, provide its identification, dimensions, mounting detail and location in the adapter. For a complete fixture, supply board information, test-point data and mechanical constraints.

Explain how the operator loads the product and how many product variants the fixture must support. If an existing contact arrangement is unreliable, identify the affected position and product revision.

Separate contact elements, cables and mechanical drive parts in the request so that the required delivery scope can be reviewed without replacing unrelated assemblies.

Flexstand software and test results

Flexstand supports the creation of operator interfaces around TestStand and LabVIEW. FLEX TESTVIEW collects, stores and analyses production test results through a web interface. The hardware platform and software project therefore need to be considered together.

List the operating system, development environment, driver and licence versions in a software-related enquiry. If a computer or measurement card is changing, identify the dependent instruments and applications. Include the error message and the action that triggers it.

Confidential source projects and licence keys are unnecessary for an initial request; an anonymised log extract and component list are enough to explain the issue and define the next technical discussion.

Identify the required spare part

Start with the complete tester nameplate, followed by a clear close-up of the component label. Include the system designation, serial number, year and drawing position. Hardware revisions matter particularly for boards that look alike.

If no part number is available, add dimensions, an overall photograph and the component function. State the quantity and whether you need an assembly or an individual element. Keep original suffixes and identifiers unchanged.

A multi-item request works best as a table containing designation, quantity, machine reference and photo reference. This makes it easier to review the proposal and separate components belonging to different testers.

Define a new tester or upgrade

For a new tester, list the products and operations: power application, signal measurement, switching, programming and result recording. Then define expected throughput, product variants and fixture changeover.

For an upgrade, identify what must remain: adapters, programs, instruments and report formats. State the change separately, such as replacing a computer or adding a new product variant. Cabinet size alone does not define test capability.

Bench, floor-mounted and rack formats should be compared against resource requirements, fixture dimensions, operator access and production space. This turns a broad equipment enquiry into a delivery scope that can be reviewed against the actual test task.

Review the proposed delivery scope

Compare each proposal line with your request: designation, version, quantity and included items. For an assembly, clarify the cables, mounts and mating parts included. For software, specify the required version and operating environment.

If another version is proposed, compare documentation and its role in the test project. Review signals, control, drivers and fixture connections as well as dimensions. Keep the agreed list with the comparison record.

Before returning a modified tester to production, plan validation using a reference product under your own acceptance procedure. This separates correct installation from the quality of the product being tested.