PCBA Testing in Automotive Electronics

Introduction

With the rapid development of automotive electronics technology, PCBA processing is more and more widely used in the automotive industry, such as in-vehicle control systems, infotainment systems, automatic driving assistance systems and other core functions. However, due to the high reliability and safety requirements of automotive electronics, the role of PCBA testing in automotive electronics is crucial.

I. The requirements of automotive electronics on PCBA testing

Automotive electronics is a complex environment, harsh working conditions, PCBA needs to withstand high temperatures, vibration, electromagnetic interference and other extreme working conditions for a long time. Therefore, PCBA testing must meet the following requirements:

• High reliability: to ensure that the circuit board in a variety of extreme environments, stable operation, to avoid failure.
• Security: PCBA directly affects the car’s braking, steering and other key systems, testing must meet the automotive industry standards.
• Durability verification: long-term stability testing is required to ensure that the PCBA in the automotive life cycle to maintain normal operation.

II. The key application of PCBA testing in automotive electronics

1. Power control system testing

Power control system is the core component of automotive electronics, and its testing mainly includes:

• Functional testing: to ensure that the PCBA can correctly control the engine, transmission, battery charging and discharging.
• Temperature and environment test: simulate high temperature, humidity and vibration environment of the engine to verify the durability of PCBA.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test: Prevent PCBA from malfunctioning due to electromagnetic interference and ensure stable signal transmission.

2. In-vehicle infotainment system testing

Modern cars are equipped with complex infotainment systems, including centre control screens, in-vehicle navigation, audio systems and so on. PCBA testing of these systems mainly involves:

• Audio and video signal testing: to ensure stable audio and display signal transmission without interference.
• Interface test: Stability test of USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other connection functions.
• User interaction test: test the response speed and accuracy of touch screen, voice control and other functions.

3. Automatic Driving and ADAS System Testing

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and automatic driving system involves multiple PCBA control modules, such as camera, millimetre-wave radar, LiDAR, etc.. Key tests include:

• Signal Processing Test: Verify the PCBA’s ability to process sensor data such as camera and radar.
• Data communication test: Ensure that the PCBA transmits data error-free in the in-vehicle LAN (CAN, LIN, FlexRay).
• Extreme environment test: test the working performance of PCBA in low temperature, high temperature, rain and fog and other complex working conditions.

4. Telematics System Testing

Smart Internet-connected vehicles need to achieve data interaction through 5G, V2X (vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure communication) and other technologies, and the focus of PCBA testing includes:

• Wireless communication testing: verifying the stability of Wi-Fi, cellular networks (4G/5G), and V2X signals.
• Data encryption and security testing: Ensure PCBA communication security to prevent hacking.
• Remote diagnosis and OTA upgrade test: test the ability of PCBA to support remote troubleshooting and software updates.

III. The test methods of automotive electronics PCBA

1. In-Circuit Test (ICT)

In-Circuit Test (In-Circuit Test) through the probe to detect the quality of welding, resistance, capacitance, inductance, and other parameters on the PCBA, suitable for automated testing of mass production.

2. Functional Test (FCT)

Functional Test (Functional Test) simulates the actual working environment of the PCBA to verify the board’s functional performance in the automotive system, such as control signal input and output, current consumption, power management, and so on.

3. Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT)

HALT testing simulates the long-term use environment of PCBAs through extreme temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. to identify potential reliability issues.

4. X-ray Inspection (AXI)

AXI (Automated X-ray Inspection) is mainly used to detect the welding quality of BGA, QFN and other package components, to avoid defects such as false soldering, bubbles and other defects affecting the reliability of automotive electronics.

Conclusion

PCBA processing is becoming more and more widely used in the automotive electronics industry, and PCBA testing is crucial as a key link to ensure product quality and safety. From power control, autonomous driving to in-vehicle infotainment system, PCBAs of different functional modules need to be strictly tested to meet the requirements of high reliability and safety. With the development of intelligent connected cars, PCBA testing technology will be continuously upgraded to provide more efficient and intelligent quality assurance for the automotive electronics industry.

Company profile

Zhejiang NeoDen Technology Co., LTD., founded in 2010, is a professional manufacturer specialized in SMT pick and place machine, reflow oven, stencil printing machine, SMT production line and other SMT Products. We have our own R & D team and own factory, taking advantage of our own rich experienced R&D, well trained production, won great reputation from the world wide customers.

We believe that great people and partners make NeoDen a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that SMT automation is accessible to every hobbyist on everywhere.