Ingun and iBtest are celebrating more than five years of collaboration

On February 24, we received Christian Noetzlin, representative of INGUN Mexico, at our facilities, who gave special recognition to iBtest for the commercial relationship that has been built and maintained over the years.

Pablo Robles, CEO, and Daniel Ruiz, CCO, were delighted with this detail and told how INGUN was one of the first companies to trust iBtest as a partner.

As a result, we have become one of its leading representatives at a national level. With a solid commercial relationship, we are the fastest and most reliable in all integrations with INGUN and have the most extensive stock of its products in Mexico.

We invite you to watch the video, learn the details and relive this moment.

Data transmission technology | OPCUA

This is a brief explanation of one of the fundamental aspects of the structure of an automated project applied to Industry 4.0, data transmission technologies, specifically OPC UA. It is essential in project development and in how its architecture is composed.

One of the most common challenges within the automation or specialized production industry is the ability to share real-time information from components and sensors within a production process.

In the manufacturing and especially the automation industry, selecting a protocol that suits our needs is a matter of utmost importance that cannot be taken lightly. We must understand the critical aspects of the project we are working on and the characteristics and strengths of each protocol used in the industry. Just like a language, the components of our project must communicate in the best possible way, ensuring zero loss of data and information that could be vital at a given moment.

This arises from the need for companies to carry out productive processes in pursuit of the ideal Industry 4.0. The main objective of industrial automation is for companies to achieve better results and ensure greater productivity.

All of this is achieved through a thorough reading of data and information and its corresponding analysis for correct interpretation so that decisions can be made to improve production or manufacturing quality.

Automating a production process allows us to maximize operational capacity. This is achieved through significant data and information exchange that serves strategic tasks and speeds up decision-making and approvals.

Currently, most devices can use almost any communication protocol, so we shouldn't have issues choosing a standard for the entire development. However, it's important to consider and investigate whether any of our instruments will use a specific communication protocol.

Some of the most used information transmission technologies in the industry are TCP/IP, Modbus, OPC Classic, OPC UA, Profinet, MQTT, Powerlink, CANopen, and ControlNet.

In this article, we will explore one of the most promising standards in the sector, the OPC UA standard, which offers certain capabilities that have brought numerous improvements and conveniences to the world of automation. These are two of the most used standards in automation, and they provide us with capabilities that we can leverage for the type of projects we need to develop. We will delve into the characteristics of each, as well as the advantages and disadvantages they offer.

Differences between OPC Classic and OPC UA

Going back in time, we find the creation of OPC (currently known as OPC Classic). A communication method that offered the capability to link components and systems using different communication protocols to transmit information.

OPC aimed to access all this data generated from a single place. However, this standard had some areas for improvement, such as using proprietary Microsoft technologies, which limited this communication. It was also prone to cyberattacks, lacking any integrated security mechanisms.

Therefore, we later had OPC UA, a revised and improved OPC standard designed to address some of OPC Classic's weaknesses.

Firstly, the data transmission protocol changed. From using Microsoft technologies, it moved to using TCP/IP connections (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which is compatible with various software systems, embedded systems, and other PC platforms.

Regarding security, OPC UA has integrated controls and devices that restrict who can access information, and it can authenticate and encrypt data from the start of the transmission.

Even compared to OPC Classic, OPC UA, thanks to its scalable design, allows us to expand our system to almost any type of equipment, from mobile phones to cloud applications. It is designed with a multi-layered architecture that can adapt to almost any resource limitation.

The OPC UA standard is not a protocol in itself but rather a data connectivity method that facilitates communication between equipment and control systems. It is capable of providing users with open and independent connectivity in data transmission.

It is expected to visualize OPC communication as an intermediate abstraction layer between the Data Source and the Data Client. This way, data can be transmitted without one knowing anything about the other, without forcing them to replace their protocols with OPC; their native protocols can be retained. Thus, the application can exchange information with the device without communicating directly.

Depending on the project needs, there are several types of OPC to use:

OPC DA (Data Access): Mainly used for real-time data transfer between control systems and field devices.

It is the most commonly used data specification, and almost any type of data can be established within it, from integer values or text strings to more complex objects made up of various data types.

Each item contains: Name, Value, Timestamp, Quality

OPC HDA (Historical Data Access): This OPC variant focuses on obtaining historical data stored in control systems, databases, or a remote terminal unit.

The analysis of these data can be used to measure trends, predict failures, and evaluate performance, among many other uses.

OPC A&E (Alarms and Events) focuses on monitoring and managing alarm configuration, event logging, and real-time plant condition tracking.

An OPC architecture mainly comprises two OPC components, the OPC Client and the OPC Server. OPC Servers can be likened to translators, as they connect OPC clients and components to the world of devices and data sources. This communication is carried out bidirectionally, transferring information from the data source to the Client whenever requested.

Typically, these servers are integrated into the database itself. For example, in our setups, we almost always use PLC devices as OPC servers so that, in an integrated way, access to each of the data or objects stored in the information server can be manipulated directly from an OPC client without involving additional devices. The ability to use a PLC as an OPC server is commonly a feature of the device itself.

On the other hand, OPC Clients represent the data's destination. Their job is to initiate and control communication with OPC Servers through requests received directly from the application they are embedded in. In other words, when we have an application where we want to control data directly from an OPC Server, we need to integrate an OPC Client to enable communication with this standard.

InfoPLC.net. (n.d.). Guía para entender la tecnología OPC. Retrieved from https://www.infoplc.net/files/documentacion/comunicaciones/infoplc_net_guia_para_entender_la_tecnologia_opc.pdf

AES Global Services. (2024). Communication protocols in industrial automation. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from https://aesgs.com/blog/communication-protocols-in-industrial-automation

Strain Gauges Testing on Printed Circuit Boards

Do you know how much your PCB is warping?

Following the tests conducted on printed circuit boards, it is crucial to understand the deformation values to which the unit was subjected during the test. A "strain gauge" test, which involves using strain gauges, is recommended to ensure certainty regarding these deformations.

The main component in a strain gauge test is the strain gauge itself, which consists of a thin wire or film that changes its electrical resistance when stretched or compressed. This resistance change can be accurately measured and used to calculate the magnitude of the deformation.

Conducting strain gauge tests begins with cleaning and preparing the area where the strain gauge will be positioned. The strategic placement of the strain gauge is crucial in the test. It is closely related to the type of components present on the PCB and the maximum deformation obtained from a previous finite element analysis (FEA). Next, the sensors are routed and connected to the measuring equipment, ensuring the communication cables are free from any obstruction during the test. The next step is the application of the load, data recording, and analysis.

To address the initial question, I will highlight the importance of conducting strain gauge tests. They are an essential tool in engineering that allows us to understand, measure, and evaluate the structural behavior of a PCB under loads during testing.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us.

Do you know how much your PCB is warping? A "strain gauge" test, which involves using strain gauges, is recommended to ensure certainty regarding these deformations.

Avoid damaging your PCBA

Avoid damaging your PCBA board by correctly selecting sockets and test probes when designing a fixture.

The Fixtures design process at iBtest starts with direct collaboration with our client to understand their requirements and provide tailored solutions to each specific need.

Our engineers' high level of experience at iBtest enables them to respond quickly. Our close relationships with various suppliers also allow us to offer specialized attention with high-quality standards.

Among the solutions offered by the Fixture department at iBtest is manufacturing FCT (Functional Circuit Test) off-line Fixtures. Below, we describe the main guidelines engineers evaluate when designing a Fixture.

FCT Off-line Fixtures are focused on verifying the proper functioning of the components specified on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The design stage of FCT Off-line Fixtures begins with the appropriate selection of two fundamental parts, allowing optimal PCB testing.

As the first parameter, we will select the type of Socket, and lastly, the type of Test Probe will be chosen.

a) The spacing between the test points, as it conditions the type of Socket to use since there is a minimum distance (d) between two test points for mounting a particular Socket. The most common minimum separations between test points are:

b) The method that will be used to connect the Socket to the measurement instrument; the most common methods for connecting a socket are:

Wire-wrap connection: They have a square termination that can be used to wrap a small gauge cable.







Solder Cup connection: They have a small cup-shaped termination for soldering a cable.

Wired connection: They have a short cable at their termination that can be used to connect the Socket to the measurement instruments.


The selection of a test probe involves understanding its fundamental classification regarding the geometry of the test point to be contacted; the main types are:

a) PADs: These are flat test points on PCBs that can be contacted with aggressive and passive test probes.

b) PINs: These are terminations of components integrated into PCBs and can be contacted with test probes that help achieve better alignment. 

c) Posts: These are components found on a PCB, similar to PINs; hence, it is also appropriate to use self-centering test probes. 

d) Vias: Designated as the vertical contact that goes through the layers of a PCB. VIAs can be contacted using the sharp edges of the head shapes on the inner ring of the connection that goes through the layers or with a crown tip on the front surface of the VIA.

The correct selection of the parameters mentioned above allows for the customization of the design according to the requirements and needs of each client.

How to get the BUDGET you NEED for your project?

Budgets … that issue that sometimes pierces us since year after year they ask to cut the budget or continue with the same of past years, when the demand or the business goes in the opposite direction and we require of more budget to comply with the business.

Within the video an image is shown about managers saying that they do not understand why they do not advance faster if they have cut budgets, but in the end they are left with a single resource that cannot make things advance in the best way, this reflects the reality of many companies, in which by cutting budgets you can limit yourself to looking for suppliers that may have consequences in the future since they are not being the solution that the company required, but the one that for the pricing was available.

The video explains a series of steps for the process of requesting more budget, starting on how to know if an increase in the budget is really necessary or if it is not, to if required, how to make managers or decision makers can see this and approve.

We invite you to watch the video to learn about each of these steps, each one explained in depth by our CCO Daniel Ruiz.

Precision in the design of mechanical elements and structures in automation projects

In the industry, when executing automation projects, it is necessary to consider structures, moving parts, and fixing elements; this is known as the mechanical parts of the project.

Integrating mechanical elements into a project requires precision and a level of reasoning and understanding as the task demands it. This means that, from the presentation of the project by the customer, the design process, and the final adaptations, it is vital to consider all the variables that could affect the structure of a robotic cell, for example.

A robotic cell, as an example, is the construction base on which all the processes are carried out, and the rest of the electronic elements or the robots are assembled in a structure that must be designed according to the ergonomic, economic, and customer convenience, following established standards and considering the scope of the project.

In designing a suitable robotic cell, it is essential to reason the objective of the process that will be carried out; It is vital to consider adequate security points for the equipment, products, and, above all, for the people interacting with this equipment. By understanding these points, the process to follow is to go hand in hand with the design, the selection of materials, and the adaptation of spaces and structural reinforcements for optimal operation and safety.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the most used tool in iBtest to create the mechanical designs of the parts or structures that your project requires. Processes are carried out as previously mentioned, and, in addition, functionality and safety are always verified, considering the millimeter tolerances established and giving the importance that each point demands.

Would you like to know more? Contact us and tell us about your production challenges.

Test & Programming Fixtures

Programming and test fixtures are vital tools to ensure the quality of electronic products. These tools enable test products easily, quick and repetitive, and even make automated test. A good Test fixture improves testing efficiency and accuracy.

These devices hold electronic products while diagnostic, programming or validation tests are performed, are used to connect the product to test and measurement instruments, and are designed specifically for each product and production lines. 

Depending on the case, there are different test fixtures. Some of the most common are the following:

ICT Test Fixtures: These fixtures are used to test electronic components and product functions early in manufacturing. ICT test fixtures are used when you test the products to identify assembly and manufacturing problems and reduce production time.

Programming Test Fixtures: These fixtures are used to program product firmware and software at the manufacturing stage or in the field. Programming test fixtures are essential to ensure that the firmware and software are programmed correctly and that the product functions perfectly.

Functional Test Fixtures: These fixtures are used to perform diagnostic and available tests on the complete product. Functional test fixtures are essential to ensure the product functions correctly and meets customer specifications.

Programming and test fixtures are essential for manufacturing high-quality electronic products and reducing production times. By using them, manufacturers can increase efficiency and accuracy by automating testing processes. In addition, they can reduce costs since they detect problems early in mass production.

Cableando Ideas, a podcast about electronic manufacturing

Are you interested in the world of electronic manufacturing and technology? Would you like to know more about the industry's challenges every day and learn about the latest trends in the sector? If you answered yes, "Cableando Ideas" is for you.

This podcast seeks to be an essential information source for those looking to stay updated with the latest news and advancements in electronic manufacturing. Together with guests from the industry, they discuss various topics, from the production of electronic components to the logistical and technological challenges faced by manufacturers and suppliers.

Each episode packs valuable information, including interviews with industry experts, discussions on relevant topics, and a detailed analysis of the industry's challenges and the innovative solutions emerging to address them.

The podcast also covers the latest technology trends, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. Listeners can learn how these technologies adopt in the industry and how they impact how electronics are produced and distributed.

Whether you're interested in starting a career in the industry or want to keep up with the latest trends, listening to Cabling Ideas is a great choice.

Listen to it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Youtube.

🎙 Youtube:https://youtu.be/TgIy0TFa7M8
🎙 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/56TnCyjTzx60C3t6fWAdCX?si=bdtAmDSTTw2fj9ViGGlyCA
🎙 Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/cableando-ideas/id1624556453?i=1000602152725

THIS WAS THE FIRST iBtrainings OF THIS 2023

The iBtrainings are back to continue sharing knowledge with the entire community of our industry. This format has allowed us to continue connecting in person or virtually. We have concluded this first cycle of training focused on the ICT area, and we want to tell you a little about them. 

DLL development for 3070, C#, and Python integration

This training focused on developing DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) for ICT test programs (In-Circuit Test) in the specific context of the 3070 platforms and their implementation in the C++ C# and Python programming languages.

DLL development allows you to create reusable code modules that can call from different test programs. This tool provides flexibility and efficiency in developing and maintaining ICT test programs.

You can natively use the popular C++ language and extend the flexibility using several of the most modern and well-known languages for this development: C# and Python. These languages allow you to implement test programs effectively using their features and functionality.

CAD Compare VS Board Directory using Testsight

CAD files and Board Directory are not just tools but crucial information about the PCB. The tool itself is Testsight, which helps us compare the information contained in the CAD with the information in the Board Directory. Testsight is software designed to facilitate the creation of ICT test fixtures on various platforms such as 3070, flying probe, and Gedrad. In addition, it has unique features that allow us to perform DFT (Design for Testability) analysis and manage revisions efficiently through the Revision Manager.

In electronics, device programming is critical for firmware loading and embedded device configuration. One tool used in this task is the flash runner 2.0 programmer, which offers a reliable and efficient solution for programming a wide range of devices.

Flash Runner 2.0 is a universal programmer that allows fast and accurate programming of different microcontrollers, NOR, and Nand memories. It provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that will enable developers to upload and verify firmware content efficiently. In addition, it offers broad compatibility with various communication protocols, such as JTAG, SPI, I2C, and UART.

Boundary Scan Manufacture Test Capabilities

It makes it possible to verify the connectivity of the pins of a component, the presence and correct communication of the connected devices, detect short circuits and resistances, and evaluate the operation of the integrated logic circuits that integrate this technology or interact with them. It also allows the programming and diagnosing programmable devices, such as microcontrollers.

Its ability to perform pin-level connectivity and functionality testing on components and ICs enables non-intrusive problem detection and improved efficiency in the production process.

We invite you to register at the following link to be among the first people to know about the following free training schedule: https://forms.gle/pDpoQSb9CfbTG4Yb6

Welcome to our new site!

The answer would typically be that it is a symbolic act to celebrate the official opening of a new building, project, etc. However, for iBtest, beyond the event itself, it represents the culmination of a dream and, simultaneously, the beginning of a new adventure; the venture that began with five engineers today are crossing borders.

On June 12, 2023, the iBtest team celebrated a new achievement: the iBtest site opening in El Paso, Texas, US. A meeting was organized where different clients from the northern zone of Mexico, US territory, partners, business partners, and collaborators were invited.

Some companies and their clients attended the event: Creston, Flex, and Neo Tech. And one of the partners that participated was Keysight Technologies.

The meeting pleasantly took place. It began by offering a friendly cocktail where the guests chatted and caught up, then the buffet table was opened, and the guests tasted a very Texan menu, alluding to the new place where the iBtest site.

Once everyone had eaten and had a few pleasant moments, the ribbon was cut, and the General Director of the United States of America participated with a few words: Rodrigo Ruiz, CEO & Founder: Pablo Robles, VP of Business Development: Oscar Canales and as a guest Special: Ivan Farias from the Creston company.

After six years of changes, learning, and satisfaction, iBtest, a 100% Mexican company, faces a new scenario, the opening of its first office in the United States, the beginning of a new stage that shows us that when people come together In search of innovation and growth, unimaginable things happen.

Save time in maintenance intervention or application failure. 
Less effort to have your equipment updated.

Usually, the ICT elements and fixtures are not enough to:

For more information pleas send us an email to sales@ibtest.com

ICT Accesories

IN A MASS PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT, R&D AREAS OR LAB APPLICATIONS PRE-PROGRAM YOUR ELECTRONIC CARDS WITHOUT COST AND REGRETS.

What happens when you don't have a in-system programmer?

UNIVERSAL

SPEED

FLEXIBLE

RELIABILITY

Find the in-system programmer you need with one of our partners

To find out more, visit  SMH Technologies website or contact us at sales@ibtest.com

Here we leave you the link to download the content from our website. We hope you enjoy it!
iBtest developing Mass Production environments without stress.

In-System Programming

Save time by quickly moving from CAD import to test, maximize your ICT resources and complete your test development projects faster

Translate the information from the CAD into the import that your station needs (AOI, ICT, X-Rays)

Confidently transmit your changes report

Reduce your bill of materials (BOM) generation time

Better traceability of the performance of your PCBs

Compare and translate CAD files with ease

DeMille Research

Cad Tools

SWD Scripts, Systems and Plugins for MANUFACTURING

STREAMLINE, GROW AND EVOLVE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND LEAVE WHAT CAN BE RESOLVED BY SOFTWARE.

Do you spend many hours organizing data that a station throws at you? Are you stuck in semi-manual data emptying processes? Your processes and solutions not standardized and structured?

STOP WASTING YOUR TIME. Improve quality & productivity

When it comes to mass production, it takes longer to translate data such as efficiency indicators, failures, traceability... than simply seeing them in a graph. At iBtest we have a team of software engineers with manufacturing experience who help you standardize and digest this information so you can make decisions in real time.

To find out more contact us at sales@ibtest.com

Standardized SWD Solutions

Save your time, say goodbye to connection diagrams and false contacts.

Lost in the mess...

Modularity

Maintenance

Perfomance

We know how tedious it is to find a missing cable or to find a bug without knowing where it i

Mass Interconnect

For more information, visit the MACPanel website or contact us at sales@ibtest.com

Do you want to know more about these products?

Mass Interconnect Solutions

RELIABILITY GENERATED THROUGH PROGRAMMABLE INSTRUMENTS

INSTRUMENTS FOR MESUREMENT Y BOUNDARY SCAN

YOU DID NOT FIND AN INSTRUMENT AND PROGRAMS ON AN ARDUINO

YOUR INSTRUMENTS DO NOT DISCIPLE HEAT WELL

Are you dealing with one or more of the following problems?

We can make you a customized product according to your product testing needs.

Instruments

Reduce the probability of defects due to product handling without losing testing integration expertise and bring your end customer precisely what they require.

Facilitate the operation of your plant and forget about unforeseen events on a day-to-day basis

For more information, visit the 6TL website or contact us at sales@ibtest.com

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THESE PRODUCTS?

In-Line FCT Stations

Training

Improve your performance and how you do the things you do.

On-Site training

On the job training

iBtraining

Hello, your learning path starts here.

Now that you can access this exclusive content, we invite you to save your place at the training you're interested in. Remember that the training sessions are subject to a minimum number of participants, and the price is per seat.

Thanks for your interest.

The lack of knowledge to face problems that arise in the day-to-day causes a loss of time and money. iBtest has specialized engineers with experience in the field and a pedagogical approach to facilitate knowledge acquisition so you can solve problems yourself.

FUNCTIONAL TEST

Minimize problems and save your time through flexible, scalable, and validated test stations.

What is the real cost of your test stations?

If you feel identified with any of these questions, contact us.

EOL Testers

FVT Testers

Vision or Inspection

Flashing or Programming

We know how frustrating it is to have to reduce costs, downtime
and increase yield without having a flexible solution that fits your conditions.
At iBtest, we gain experience day after day together with our clients and partners:

Some functional stations do not have source code, documentation files, or general and maintenance information, tying your hands when for support and modifications. At iBtest, from the beginning of the project, we make agreements with you so you can count on the needed information, and we advise you so that you have flexible, scalable, and robust solutions that allow you to optimize development time and production changes.

IN-CIRCUIT TEST

Development of ICT Turnkey Solution (Test Program + Fixture) stable and reliable.

SAVE YOUR TIME WHEN INTRODUCING YOUR IN-CIRCUIT TEST PROCESS AND DURING THE WHOLE PRODUCTION PROCESS.

Have you detected these problems in your ICT process?

If you identify any of these issues in your test applications, we can support you with developing reliable ICT tests. Talk to one of our engineers, and we will advise you on improving your electrical testing.

In-Line and Off-Line Fixtures

x1149 application development

LED tester integrations

Flash Programming Integrations

Cobot integrations

Customized test integrations

SOLUTIONS

ICT tests are often unstable; sometimes, they pass and sometimes fail. We deliver a test program application and adapter in a stable, accurate, and reliable way, backing it up with an external study that guarantees its stability to save downtime in your ICT process.

Hi!
Here we leave you the link to download the content from our website. We hope you enjoy it!
iBtest developing Mass Production environments without stress.

TEST FIXTURES

SAVE TIME IN THE VALIDATION BETWEEN YOUR FIXTURE AND YOUR TEST SYSTEM.

HAVE YOU FACED THESE PROBLEMS WITH ANY OF YOUR FIXTURES? 

FCT Off-Line Fixtures

FCT In-Line Fixtures

RF Fixtures

Manual Clamping Fixtures

We know how difficult it is to receive a brand-new fixture that needs to be adjusted (E.g. internal shorts, to fit well in the nest, etc.). At iBtest, we bring you the best fixture kits at PCBA level with the help of expert engineers on In-Circuit & Functional Tests, achieving the best delivery times and technical eventualities.