-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
Gardien Rolls out 4-Wire Kelvin Upgrade Kit
November 29, 2019 | Gardien GroupEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Gardien is keenly aware that to achieve optimum productivity, businesses need to be up to date with industry demands.
Keeping that in mind, the Germany R&D team combined technology with engineering knowledge and rolled out the 4-Wire Kelvin upgrade for existing (and compatible) flying probes. This news would be welcomed by the industry as a smooth way to take their existing equipment to the next level, without high investments.
The 4WK Upgrade Kit includes the required hardware needed for the upgrade. The option can be installed on existing compatible flying probes, thus prolonging their useful life.
Holger Kern, Gardien Europe Managing Director, was very pleased with the R&D team.
“Higher accuracy in measurements was a requirement we ourselves encountered in our global service centres. My team rose to the challenge and devised this ingenious upgrade that is backwards-compatible with most of the over 120 flying probes the Gardien Group operates today.” Said Kern. “It was important, that the flying probes can continue to be used for standard electrical testing as well. The change over from regular testing to 4WK testing and vice versa takes mere minutes.”
Roland Valentini, Group COO, enthusiastic about the latest offering from Gardien, said he is “very sure it will be well received by the industry.” He added, “This skilful upgrade comes at a time when businesses are running on tight budgets. The affordability of this upgrade will keep businesses one step ahead, by getting more out of their existing equipment. To further support our customers, the Upgrade Kit comes with an Introductory 15% discount for orders placed until 31 December 2019.”
About 4-Wire Kelvin
The 4-Wire Kelvin test is a method of measuring continuity resistances, where contact and lead resistances are minimized, so that a high-resolution measurement can be taken. This easy and affordable upgrade allows greater accuracy and better resolution in measurements.
About The Gardien Group
The Gardien Group (www.gardien.com) has been offering independent and unbiased QA solutions since 1981. We are recognized for our emphasis on technical excellence, comprehensive client support and high standards. We have professional, skilled and committed teams led by forward-thinking leaders who set high performance standards. With 18 service centers across Asia, Europe and North America, we bring our expertise to you wherever you might need it.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Top Business Groups Urge Congress to Extend, Expand Successful Semiconductor Tax Credit
05/14/2026 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and a broad coalition of 17 other top business and trade groups in a letter urged Congress to extend the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC) – a highly impactful tax credit for chip production that is set to expire at the end of this year – and expand it to cover semiconductor design and other critical R&D activities.
New Courses: Advance Your Electronics Expertise in June and July
05/14/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationStay current with design, manufacturing, and quality standards by enrolling in one of these online instructor-led courses starting in June and July from ElectronicsU at the Global Electronics Association, designed to help professionals at every level sharpen their skills and advance their careers. These live, expert-led sessions combine flexibility with real-time interaction, allowing participants to learn directly from seasoned industry professionals while collaborating with peers worldwide. Access to all applicable IPC standards is included in the courses.
The Journey from Dilution to Zero Liquid Discharge
05/11/2026 | Richard Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringIf you’re familiar with the PCB industry, and a little long in the tooth like me, you may remember the cry, “The water board is here!” (or an equivalent authority). This was the signal for a frantic but regularly rehearsed exercise to turn on all the rinses. This anecdote demonstrates that in the early days of PCB production, prevailing practices revolved around a “dilution is the solution” mentality, in which manufacturers used copious amounts of water to dilute contaminants before discharging them into regulated municipal wastewater systems or natural water bodies.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.