Connection of Test Probes

Test probes may be connected using different methods.

Soldering and Wire-wrap
The most widely used way to connect test probes is soldering I.e. a wire is soldered to the test probe and connected to test electronic in the fixture or a connector at the rear.

Connector PCB
In recent years another method which is growing is the use of a dedicated PCB soldered to the test probe sockets. The sockets may have a solder cup or a wire-wrap pin. The holes in the PCB should match the size of the socket terminal. The small holes for the wire-wrap pins make more space routing and components.

The dedicated PCB is very often used in two ways. It may either be used as a pure connector board. Connecting the test probes to connectors. Or it may be used to connect test probes to the necessary on-board test electronic.

Connector PCB Advantages

  • quick and reliable connection of test probes
  • good documentation
  • less wrong connections
  • better transmission of high frequencies
  • well defined impedances

 Connector PCB Disadvantages

  • use of time to design PCB
  • cost of PCB
  • difficult to replace socket
  • difficult to change wiring
  • difficult to add new test probe
  • difficult to mount new version of PCB
  • only access to one side of PCB