Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
Standard of Excellence: The Human Touch in an Automated World
The Government Circuit: Navigating New Trade Headwinds and New Partnerships
Smarter Design Means Smarter Test and Results
October 23, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Nolan Johnson speaks with The Test Connection Inc.’s Bert Horner about the pragmatic realities of life as a contract test company. To no one’s surprise, data is at the center of the business. As the conversation proceeds, however, Bert shares insight on how the data’s use is shifting inside his test services and with his OEM customers.
Nolan Johnson: From your point of view as a test services provider, which new equipment developments are most valuable to you right now?
Bert Horner: It would be the software tools for processing board level data for test development. Making that more user friendly allows test engineers who are not software developers to process information in a friendlier format.
Tools which allow limited access testing while still allowing a successful test on an assembly are another advancement we are seeing in the automated test. We relied on basic boundary scan because that was all we had. With high-speed digital, we can allow access. The big guys have all jumped on board with it, and now you're seeing some camaraderie or sharing of tools: A Corelis or XJTAG will work with a Teradyne or Keysight and an in-system programmer will work with a Seica or Takaya. We have more tools in the tool chest to work with.
Johnson: So, it’s very important to have the ability to interconnect devices through data protocols like CFX, JTAG, etc.?
Horner: Speaking as a test service, yes, the collaboration of the different test equipment manufacturers to help identify our challenges is key to see how their tools can help our jobs not only get easier but get better coverage.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the October 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
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
Datest Unveils Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI System
08/25/2025 | DatestDatest, a trusted leader in advanced testing, engineering, inspection, and failure analysis services, and the go-to destination for when your boards misbehave and your AXI line goes on vacation, is thrilled to announce the arrival of its newest diagnostic weapon: the Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI Inspection System.
Gardien Services Installs Customized G93 Flying Probe Tester – Largest Test Area in North America/Europe
08/24/2025 | Gardien GroupGardien Group is proud to announce the successful installation of a customized G93 Flying Probe Test Machine at a major manufacturer in North America. This cutting-edge system features the largest test area of any flying probe tester in North America and Europe, setting a new benchmark for PCB testing capabilities.
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.
MoU to Revolutionize Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Device Testing with AI-Driven Solutions
08/07/2025 | PRNewswireLightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices.
InTest Receives $2.6 Million Defense Industry Order
08/06/2025 | BUSINESS WIREInTest Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include semiconductor (semi), automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and safety/security, announced that it was awarded a $2.6 million order by a prime defense contractor.