Testblox Launches Small Form Factor Multi-Vendor Platform for In-Fixture Functional Test
Playing-card-sized modules bring measurement, switching, power, communications and I/O into production test fixtures through shared hardware interfaces and software tools
Testblox AB, a new test & measurement company that focuses on reducing the size, complexity, and cost of functional test, today launched a new, multi-vendor platform for automated test. Nearly 40 commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) modules are available at launch, covering measurement, switching, power, communications, and I/O. The modules share a compact, playing-card-sized form factor, common interfaces, and a coordinated software workflow.
With Testblox, the fixture is the tester. No rack of instruments or extra floor space are required. The isolated modules reduce cabling and ground-loop risks. Shorter signal paths reduce resistance, noise and connection uncertainty, improving signal integrity. Testers are easier to replicate and maintain, and fewer parts and modular replacement simplify build, fault isolation and service.
Testblox AB has been formed by Pickering Interfaces, the UK company that designs and manufactures modular signal switching and simulation tools for use in electronic test and verification, and Wireflow, the Swedish developer and manufacturer of PCB test solutions. The Testblox multi-vendor solution draws upon three specialist engineering teams which are contributing to one common Testblox platform: Testblox AB has developed backplanes, software and selected I/O; Wireflow has delivered multifunction I/O and power supplies; and Pickering has provided switching and digital multimeters. All Testblox modules are designed and manufactured in Europe. The architecture and commercial model are designed to support broader qualified participation over time.
“Test engineers have wanted to bring instrumentation into the test fixture for years. Until now, the right tools haven’t been available together in a full-featured, platform combining compact instrumentation, tight integration, simple mechanics, and unified software,” explains Bo Ohrwall, CEO of Testblox AB. “Testblox brings all the pieces together, making in-fixture automated test a practical option for many test teams.“
Adds Johan Sandquist, CEO of Wireflow: “Wireflow has enormous expertise in PCB test, where repeatable results and reliable, long-term operation are essential. We formed Testblox with Pickering to bring together our test system expertise with Pickering’s product design capabilities to deliver a unified platform for in-fixture functional test. It’s a strong foundation, providing test engineers with a ready-to-use, production-ready platform without compromises.”
Testblox modules can be wired directly to exposed pins within the test fixture using standard D-Sub connectors, or can be slotted into a custom interface board, enabling direct, wire-free DUT (Device Under Test) interfacing. Module-to-backplane isolation helps reduce ground loops. Test engineers can discover, configure, troubleshoot, and monitor test systems over USB using Brygga, the Testblox test management environment. To automate tests, APIs are available for Python, C# and NI LabVIEW™.
Nearly 40 Testblox modules are available at launch, including a DMM, multiplexers, matrix switches, relays, DUT communication, multifunction, digital and analog I/O, a programmable PSU, and backplanes. All Testblox modules carry a three-year warranty along with a commitment to keep hardware available for at least 20 years.