Modular automated test equipment

Modular architecture · Automated PCB testing · Software-guided diagnostics · LabVIEW-based platform · Multiple test method support · Scalable configuration

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Product overview

What is modular automated test equipment?

The Modular Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platform is designed to simplify PCB fault diagnostics and improve operational efficiency. The solution integrates off-the-shelf measurement hardware with LabVIEW-based software for automated test execution and guided fault detection.

The system supports in-circuit testing and JTAG boundary scan methods, enabling comprehensive PCB testing and validation.

Product Specifications

  • NI-based hardware
  • LabVIEW software
  • COTS architecture
  • In-circuit testing
  • JTAG boundary scan
  • Modular design
  • Fault detection
  • Automated diagnostics
  • Data logging
  • PCB validation
  • Signal measurement
  • Scalable platform

Product features

Modular architecture

Scalable configuration supporting various PCB types and testing requirements.

COTS hardware

Reliable off-the-shelf test equipment for flexible deployment.

LabVIEW-based software interface

Automated test platform for test execution and diagnostics.

Software-guided fault detection

Guided diagnostics for faster troubleshooting and fault identification.

Test flexibility

Supports multiple PCB testing approaches.

Scalable platform design

Quick reconfiguration for different PCB variants and evolving testing requirements.

What the Modular Automated Test Equipment Can Do

Test Techniques

Diagnostics & Traceability

In-circuit test — detects component-level faults on PCB assemblies

Fault detection — identifies open, short, and component failures

JTAG boundary scan — verifies connectivity and device functionality

Automated diagnostics — software-guided fault identification

Functional testing — validates circuit performance and operation

Data logging — records test results for traceability

Signal measurement — monitors voltage and signal integrity

System validation — confirms overall PCB functionality

Why this product matters

Industry challenges

  • Black-box testing systems making fault interpretation difficult
  • Limited ability to test multiple PCB functionalities
  • Dependence on complex proprietary tools
  • Increased operational costs
  • Requirement for specialized training
  • High dependency on external suppliers
  • Slow testing cycles
  • Limited scalability for new PCB designs and testing requirements

TMCS solution

TMCS delivered a modular COTS-based Automated Test Equipment solution that combines measurement hardware, LabVIEW software, in-circuit testing, and JTAG boundary scan techniques to simplify PCB diagnostics and improve testing efficiency.

Benefits

Benefits of modular ATE

A scalable, software-driven approach to PCB diagnostics that reduces dependency, improves accuracy, and accelerates testing cycles.

Fast PCB fault detection

Reliable testing performance

Minimal manual intervention

Flexible test configurations

Reduced training requirements

Improved testing efficiency

Reduced dependency on external suppliers

Enhanced production reliability

Comprehensive PCB diagnostics

Applications areas

PCB fault diagnosis

In-circuit testing

JTAG boundary scan testing

Functional testing

Signal measurement

Automated diagnostics

Data logging & traceability

System validation

Technologies used

NI-based test hardware

LabVIEW software

In-circuit testing

JTAG boundary scan

Automated test equipment architecture

Signal acquisition & measurement technologies

Engineering-Driven Modular ATE for Complex PCB Systems

TMCS Modular Automated Test Equipment (ATE) offers flexible, scalable solutions for PCB and electronic system testing across automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. Built on NI PXI and LabVIEW platforms, it enables high-speed diagnostics, multi-variant testing, and seamless integration, reducing testing time, improving accuracy, and supporting field- and lab-level deployment.

Maintenance and testing teams often face significant hurdles when diagnosing PCB faults. Traditional black-box ATE systems offer minimal user interaction, making it difficult for operators to interpret results. Diverse PCB functionalities require different testing methods, increasing complexity and setup time. Complex test terminologies and procedures pose a steep learning curve for technicians, while multiple ATE systems are often needed to cover all test requirements. High dependency on external suppliers and OEMs further limits flexibility, increases downtime, and drives up maintenance costs, making efficient, accurate, and scalable PCB fault diagnosis a persistent challenge for production and field-level teams.

The TMCS Modular ATE platform overcomes traditional PCB testing challenges by combining flexibility, reliability, and usability. Built on a COTS-based architecture, it uses commercially available components for easy maintenance and long-term support. Its all-in-one testing approach supports JTAG, Signature Analysis, RF, Flying Probe, ICFT, and OCFT methods. The modular design enables flexible expansion for multiple PCB types and test techniques. A LabVIEW-based user interface guides operators through fault identification, simplifying diagnostics, reducing errors, and improving throughput across production and field-level testing environments.

The TMCS Modular ATE distinguishes itself with a flexible, modular design that supports diverse test configurations and PCB variants on a single platform. Its all-in-one testing capability covers JTAG, Signature Analysis, RF, Flying Probe, ICFT, and OCFT, reducing the need for multiple systems. The LabVIEW-based intuitive interface guides operators through fault identification, while easy hardware replacement minimizes downtime. Multi-variant PCB support and a streamlined diagnostics process ensure efficient, accurate, and scalable testing across production lines, labs, and field-level environments.

The TMCS Modular ATE is ideal for a wide range of PCB testing applications across industrial, automotive, and aerospace sectors. It enables fault diagnostics across multiple PCB variants, ensuring accurate identification of defects. The system supports preliminary and advanced testing in R&D labs, as well as production-level PCB validation before deployment. Seamless integration with existing ATE and modular test setups allows maintenance and testing teams to expand capabilities, improve throughput, and reduce dependency on multiple test systems, making it a versatile, scalable solution for complex electronics testing environments.

Challenges in PCB Fault Diagnosis

Maintenance and testing teams often encounter:

  • Black-box ATE systems with minimal user interaction
  • Diverse PCB functionalities requiring different test methods
  • Complex test terminologies difficult for operators
  • Multiple ATE systems needed for different approaches
  • High dependency on external suppliers and OEMs

TMCS Modular ATE – Comprehensive & User-Friendly

 Our modular ATE platform addresses these challenges with:

  • COTS-Based System – Uses commercially available components for reliability and easy maintenance
  • All-in-One Testing Approach – Supports JTAG, Signature Analysis, RF, Flying Probe, ICFT, and OCFT
  • Modular Architecture – Flexible expansion for different PCB types and test methods
  • User-Friendly Interface – LabVIEW-based software guides operators through fault identification

NI PXIe Hardware Platform Powered by National Instruments PXIe modules, the system provides:

High-speed data acquisition and signal measurement

Seamless integration with LabVIEW for automated testing

Long-term maintainability with easy module replacement

Scalable and customizable architecture for evolving testing needs

Features That Make TMCS Modular ATE Stand Out

  • Modular design for flexible test configurations
  • All-in-one testing: JTAG, Signature, RF, Flying Probe, ICFT, OCFT
  • LabVIEW software with intuitive, guided interface
  • Reduced downtime through easy hardware replacement
  • Multi-variant PCB support under a single platform
  • Streamlined fault diagnosis process

Why Choose TMCS Modular ATE

Modular, Scalable Architecture

Quick reconfiguration for different PCB variants and evolving testing requirements.

Software-Guided Fault Detection

Faster troubleshooting through guided diagnostics instead of manual interpretation.

Multiple Test Methods on One Platform

In-circuit testing, JTAG boundary scan, and functional testing combined instead of run on separate machines.

Reduced Supplier Dependency

COTS-based architecture reduces reliance on complex, proprietary external tools.

LabVIEW-Based Software Interface

Automated test execution and diagnostics through a proven, industry-standard platform.

Lower Training Burden

Designed to reduce the specialized training typically required to operate black-box testing systems.

Where It Can Be Used

  • PCB fault diagnostics across multiple variants
  • Preliminary and advanced testing in R&D labs
  • Production-level PCB validation before deployment
  • Integration with existing ATE and modular test setups

Applications

Our Key Products

Fly By Wire Ground Tester

Compact PCB Tester

Related Services & Products

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Learn how TMCS can help improve PCB fault diagnosis, testing efficiency, and validation capabilities through modular automated testing solutions.

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