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Your Questions, Answered
Arxtron Technologies is a Keysight Technologies solutions partner. We are highly regarded by our clients, and many businesses depend on Arxtron for our uncompromised services. We have a strong track record of delivering on time, every time. Our turnkey solutions and full-fledged management of projects have positioned us as a trustworthy, dependable, and credible source. Arxtron has a highly skilled team dedicated to providing our long-term partners with outstanding tailored services.
What does Arxtron Technologies do?
Arxtron Technologies specializes in developing innovative automation, robotics, and electronic testing solutions tailored for the manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare industries. We help companies optimize efficiency, ensure product quality, and reduce operational costs.
What industries do you serve?
We serve a wide range of industries, including electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and logistics, with a focus on improving testing and automation processes.
Where is Arxtron Technologies located?
We are headquartered in Mississauga, but we serve clients across North America and globally through our network of partners and remote support capabilities.
What types of testing systems do you offer?
We provide functional test systems, in-circuit testing, end-of-line testing, and customized automated test equipment (ATE) for various electronic products and components.
Can you customize your automation solutions to fit our unique needs?
Absolutely. Our team works closely with each client to design, develop, and implement custom automation systems that align with your specific production requirements and business goals.
Do you offer support and maintenance for your systems?
Yes. We provide ongoing support, preventive maintenance, and remote troubleshooting services to ensure your systems run efficiently with minimal downtime.
What software platforms or tools does your test automation integrate with?
Our solutions are compatible with industry-standard software platforms such as LabVIEW, Test Stand, Python, and C#, and we can integrate with your existing MES, ERP, or QA systems.
How scalable are your systems for growing production needs?
Our systems are designed with scalability in mind. Whether you're a small production facility or a high-volume manufacturer, we can expand and adapt our solutions to grow with your business.
What is the typical lead time for a new test or automation system?
Lead times vary depending on the complexity of the solution, but typically range from 8 to 16 weeks from requirements gathering to final delivery and installation.
How do we get started with a project at Arxtron?
Simply contact us through our website or email us at sales@arxtron.com. We'll schedule an initial consultation to understand your needs and provide a tailored proposal.
What materials do I need for a functional test request for quote (FCT RFQ)
As a minimum, CAD data in ASCII format, Schematics in searchable PDF format, Bill of Materials in excel, csv or text format and functional test implementation plan a.k.a. functional test plan are required.
If a functional test plan is not available, we would require a theory of operation document or any product functionality description documents so we can develop a test plan for you.
Also, if you have a pre-assigned budget, please share it with us so we can scope the solution within your cost requirements.
What is a functional test implementation plan a.k.a. functional test plan?
A functional test implementation plan is a document that describes in detail all the test steps in a given functional test application. Among other things:
- Required inputs for the test step
- Expected outputs for the test step
- Board or circuit conditions necessary for the test step
- Datalogging requirements for the test step
- Any other relevant comments for the test step
I do not have a functional test implementation plan available what should I do?
Many customers do not have the time or the resources to scope out the functional test specifications for their product. Our engineers will work with you based on your product schematics, theory of operation, coverage and budget expectations to develop a functional test implementation plan tailored to your needs and goals.
What is a benchtop function tester?
Benchtop functional test solutions are used for low complexity/low volume/low-cost applications. The simplest form of these stations is a computer controlling parts of the board test level (Boot sequence, test firmware execution etc..) through simple and available protocols (USB, RS232) as well as some of the switching to and from the instruments. The instruments (DMM, Scope etc..) and the inputs (Power, waveform generator) are set up manually. The instruments readings are collected by the operator (LED visual test, LCD reading, instruments reading etc..). The fixture interface (bed of nails) for these solutions is generally a HOLD-DOWN GATE mechanism (manual) and not vacuum actuated.
This type of solutions is suitable for low complexity/low density products and have the advantage of a lower cost because they use standard, non-controllable instruments available at the Contract Manufacturer (DMM, Scope etc..). The level of automation is kept to a minimum to save cost and real estate (housing of the instruments, standard PC vs. industrial PC etc..). On the other hand, test time tend to be higher due to handling and results collection.
What is a semi-automated /table top functional tester?
As the instruments control, product complexity and volumes increase, the semi-automated solutions become necessary. The software is more specialized (LabVIEW, Lab Windows CVI, Test stand etc..) and the operator generally only handles the boards and starts the test. There might be some limited operator intervention (visual LED test, LCD reading, pushbuttons/switches etc..) but can be eliminated if the budget allows using LED sensors, LCD reading modules etc. The fixture interface can be vacuum actuated and controlled automatically by the software. The instruments are software-controllable and are integrated inside the station and not accessible to the operator.
A fully automated functional test solution has all the advantages of a semi-automated solution plus the advantage of re-using the test station for different products. Only the fixture interface and the software application change for each product. This solution generally uses industry ATE hardware standards (PXI, VXI,GPIB). It has also the advantage of being expandable by adding more modules if needed should new products need them.
Also depending on the real estate needed for the instruments, the fully automated solutions can also be implemented on a tabletop type station.
What materials do I need for an Keysight3070 / Agilent 3070 / HP 3070 (Medical i3070) in-circuit application request for quote (ICT RFQ) or for development ?
As a minimum, CAD data in ASCII format, Schematics in searchable PDF format and Bill of Materials in excel, csv or text format are required. Optionally mechanical drawing, programming data files, Gerbers could be required depending on the application. If you are a first-time customer, we will need your target tester software and hardware configurations.
I am a first-time customer. How do I find my tester hardware and software configuration?
For the software configuration, you can type the command "codeword -l " in a Korn shell and take a snapshot of the result. You can also re-direct the result to a file by typing the command "codeword -l > filename ". You then need to send us the snapshot of the results or the file where you redirected the results.
For the hardware configuration, you can send us the tester config file located under "/hp3070/diagnostics/th1/ " directory in for UNIX controllers and under "C:/Agilent_ICT/diagnostics/th1/ " directory for PC controllers.
I am not comfortable sending my files by email do you have other alternatives?
We recommend that all products design data, schematics and any other confidential information be transferred through FTP. If you do not have your own FTP or other secure file transfer method, we can provide you with an account on our FTP site to use for data transfer.
Do you still support /develop UNIX application for 3070 tester?
Arxtron technologies supports and develop on all revision levels for both 3070 platforms:
- UNIX up to revision level 5.21
- PC up to revision level 8.10
I just upgraded my Keysight 3070 / Agilent 3070 (Medalist i3070) tester to PC? What do I need do in order to run my old UNIX application?
If you are keeping your UNIX controller, Arxtron technologies offers dual boot solutions (hardware Add-on) where you can use both your PC and your UNIX controllers and switch from one to the other seamlessly.
If you will be keeping only the new PC controller, we offer conversion services where we can upgrade your existing UNIX applications to run on PC.
What do limited access solution apply to?
Due to lack of real estate or to high board node counts, many products cannot achieve 100% access. Limited access solutions are a combination of DFT and development solutions to optimize the allocation of access and achieve the best coverage possible taking in account other test techniques in the production process.
Example 1: 1000 nets board has only enough real estate for 500 test points. Test strategy for the board includes X-ray test. Limited access solutions at the DFT level (also called test coverage optimization) will allow Arxtron to issue recommendations on which nets the 500 available test points should be allocated to achieve maximum test coverage in combination with the X-ray test technique.
Example 2: 9000 nets boards is fully accessible; however, the Keysight 3070 / Agilent 3070 /HP 3070 (Medalist i3070) tester can only accommodate up to ~5000 nets. Test strategy for the board includes X-ray test. During the ICT application development, Arxtron will apply a certain number of techniques to choose which 5000 on the board should be probed in order to achieve the highest test coverage possible in combination with X-ray test technique.
What is the turnaround time for a design for testability (DFT) report?
DFT turnaround time could be from 3 to 5 days depending on the product complexity and the level of DFT required.
What do you cover in your DFT report?
There are different DFT levels depending on the test objectives:
- Electrical DFT and topology analysis
- Mechanical analysis (Tooling pins, board thickness etc.)
- Access analysis (test point size, test point clearance, access coverage etc.)
- Fixture analysis (probe size, probe type, fixture type etc.)
- Test coverage prediction
- Test access optimization analysis (limited access techniques etc...)
- Board strain simulation
What materials do I need for a DFT?
As a minimum, CAD data in ASCII format, Schematics in searchable PDF format and Bill of Materials in excel, csv or text format are required. Optionally mechanical drawing could be required depending on the targeted DFT level. If you are a first-time customer, we will need your target tester software and hardware configurations.
What type of data file format do you need for ISP application?
For most Flash memories and EEPROMs, a Motorola S-Record, Intel Hex or a binary format would be acceptable formats. For binary files, we might ask for specifications on start address. For Xilinx CPLDs and FPGAs, MCS, JEDEC and SVF (Serial Vector Format) formats are acceptable. For Altera, POF (Programmer Object File), SVF (Serial Vector Format), JAM and JBC formats are acceptable. If you are not sure, please contact us with the target device part number and we will help you determine which format is needed.
Do You support external Programmer's integration in Keysight3070/Agilent3070/HP 3070 Unix platform?
Yes, we support a wide variety of external programmers’ integration on both PC and Unix platforms. Our integration is fully automated and operator-intervention free. Multiple board versions/Firmware’s can be supported on the same application. Firmware loading into the programmers is also automated and does not need engineering intervention.
My Keysight3070/Agilent3070/HP 3070 application is in production and I have a new firmware; how do I proceed?
For most Keysight3070/Agilent3070/HP 3070 applications, a new firmware will require to be processed by Arxtron proprietary ISP data conversion tools to generate the new programming application. This conversion can be done in different ways: 1) Send the new firmware to Arxtron for processing. The new application files and installation instructions will be returned within 4 hours. This service (Direct ISP support) could be purchased with the original application or on a need basis. 2) The customer could buy the Arxtron ISP data conversion software and process the new firmware locally at his site.
What Agilent /HP 3070 related course do you offer?
Production maintenance and support (2days) - Focuses on maintenance personnel. Covers test system and fixture maintenance, it covers test system general hardware, and maintenance. Fixture knowledge and maintenance.
Production support training (3days) - Focuses on production support personnel. The course covers high level knowledge of the test hardware and software, simple debug, implementing simple ECO, fixture general knowledge, etc....
Combo of item 1 and 2 (3.5days) - Focused on maintenance/production support personnel.
Test application development(2weeks) - focuses on test application development personnel.
Design for testability (DFT) training - Focuses on OEM product designers, manufacturing engineers and test engineers. The course covers general introduction to ICT test techniques and DFT guidelines for ICT.
Custom training - The course and timing is developed as per customer needs. The most common are system and application diagnostics training, implementing simple ECO (caps/resistors), general 3070 interface introduction for test operators, advanced digital test and boundary scan, etc...; to scope the train Arxtron provides questionnaire to customer and reviews the needs before developing the course.
Do you offer on-site course?
We offer both on-site and off-site (@ Arxtron) courses. Depending on customer logistical needs and schedule, we can schedule the course to take place at Arxtron Technologies or at the customer site.
If I choose on-site course, would you need access to my Agilent 3070 tester and program?
For most courses, we have hands-on labs that require direct use of the tester by the students or at least a visual access to different parts of the tester. Contact us to know what type of tester usage is required for the course you are planning to take.
What Agilent /HP 3070 related course do you offer?
Production maintenance and support (2days) - Focuses on maintenance personnel. Covers test system and fixture maintenance, it covers test system general hardware, and maintenance. Fixture knowledge and maintenance.
Production support training (3days) - Focuses on production support personnel. The course covers high level knowledge of the test hardware and software, simple debug, implementing simple ECO, fixture general knowledge, etc....
Combo of item 1 and 2 (3.5days) - Focused on maintenance/production support personnel.
Test application development(2weeks) - focuses on test application development personnel.
Design for testability (DFT) training - Focuses on OEM product designers, manufacturing engineers and test engineers. The course covers general introduction to ICT test techniques and DFT guidelines for ICT.
Custom training - The course and timing is developed as per customer needs. The most common are system and application diagnostics training, implementing simple ECO (caps/resistors), general 3070 interface introduction for test operators, advanced digital test and boundary scan, etc...; to scope the train Arxtron provides questionnaire to customer and reviews the needs before developing the course.
Do you offer on-site course?
We offer both on-site and off-site (@ Arxtron) courses. Depending on customer logistical needs and schedule, we can schedule the course to take place at Arxtron Technologies or at the customer site.
If I choose on-site course, would you need access to my Agilent 3070 tester and program?
For most courses, we have hands-on labs that require direct use of the tester by the students or at least a visual access to different parts of the tester. Contact us to know what type of tester usage is required for the course you are planning to take.
You can contact us at:
Arxtron Technologies Inc,
245 Matheson Blvd Unit 6,
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 3C9,
Canada
Phone number: +1 905-238-1635
Email: sales@arxtron.com
Hours: MON-FRI, 8.30am to 5.30pm EST
