PCB test programs made directly from CAD data

An enhanced version of eM-Test Expert tool for best-in-class CAD-to-test applications for PCB manufacture allows clients to import CAD data and automatically create test programs.

Tecnomatix Technologies, the driving force in Manufacturing Process Management (MPM) software solutions, has released an enhanced version of its eM-Test Expert tool for best-in-class CAD-to-test applications.

Developed by Tecnomatix Unicam, eM-Test Expert v8G builds on the capability of FABmaster, a proven solution used within the electronics industry's most demanding manufacturing and test environments for over a decade.

eM-Test Expert helps manufacturers speed time-to-market by eliminating bottlenecks in their test processes.

It also increases productivity and performance by allowing clients to import CAD data and automatically create test programs in a fraction of the time required with traditional methods.

Applications cover 75 plus in-circuit test (ICT) procedures, flying probe, X-ray and AOI test equipment and systems.

New features include a Fixture Rules Advisor for optimising test requirements and calculating fixture costs.

Interfaces have been incorporated for the Optima inspection machines from Teradyne.

Time-saving enhancements include a Global Probe Offset tool for increasing flying probe test access on dense boards and a Variant Manager that makes it easy to use the same test fixture for variants of the same board on testers.

Technitest, a leading provider of test services to the electronics industry in Europe, has been using eM-Test Expert (formerly FABmaster) for more than 10 years.

According to general manager, Mr Denis Stevant, the software has significantly reduced costs and development time, while also helping to ensure high quality standards.

"As a test services provider, we receive extremely diverse CAD data from our clients, and eM-Test Expert works with these CAD files to analyse the testability of a circuit board.

In particular, it quickly identifies any problems related to test access necessary for in-circuit test," he said.

"The software also allows us to build the in-circuit test solution (fixture and program) for the wide range of equipment on which Technitest offers its test services.

eM-Test Expert has become an indispensable tool for our test engineering activity, and we look forward to the advantages to be gained from the new version as it helps us to streamline processes and bring ever higher-quality products to market faster and more efficiently.

Technitest uses the Design for Test (DFT) and programming solutions in eM-Test Expert to provide high-quality service to customers including industry leaders Genrad, Teradyne, Agilent, and others throughout Europe.

Commenting on the new release, Israel Levy, Tecnomatix Unicam CEO noted that eM-Test Expert has become an industry standard with more than 3000 seats at over 800 sites in some 30 countries.

"From its foundation in FABmaster, the software has seen continuous evolution every year since its introduction, making it another example of Tecnomatix Unicam's best-in-class PCB Assembly and Test solutions.

Tecnomatix Unicam, which markets the eM-Test Expert product and other eMPower Manufacturing Process Management solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tecnomatix Technologies.

Tecnomatix Technologies (NASDAQ: TCNO) is the driving force in Manufacturing Process Management (MPM).

Today's leading global manufacturers are adopting MPM solutions to expand revenue potential and reduce costs by enhancing manufacturing's ability to support the business strategy of choice.

These companies are using Tecnomatix eMPower MPM solutions to accelerate product introductions, shorten time to volume, and optimize production execution.

eMPower enables our customers to succeed with its collaborative, open platform and applications for defining, simulating, managing, and executing manufacturing processes across the extended enterprise.

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