Interactive nonlinear optimization-based method for correcting the pin probe position in printed circuit board electrical inspections

Pin probe inspection methods have been widely used in printed circuit board electrical inspection. Due to the miniaturization of electronic devices, the positioning of inspection jig (called probe jig) is very important for precisely conducting pattern tests of wiring on PCBs. This article newly develops a probe jig position correction algorithm that automatically calculates optimal correction amounts of a probe jig through interactive processes between an operator and the system. In the proposed method, optimal correction amounts of a probe jig are calculated by nonlinear programming techniques. The proposed algorithm is installed into real PCB inspection machines. It is shown that the proposed method significantly reduces the setup time for PCB inspections.