LTHD - Test pins for circuit testing of PCBs

    Most spring contact probes are being used in the field of printed-circuit-board test (Bare-Board-Test, In-rcuit-Test, Functional Test).The optimum head style plays a very important role. The renunciation of cleaning processes after the soldering plus the use of lead-free soldering tin in the p.c.b. assembly create a lot of difficulties for the contact. Fluxer resin remaining on the p.c.b-surface creates a non-conductive layer which only sharp and aggressive head styles can push through.
    The lead-free tin is much harder than leaded tin used to be, so it increases surface wear and reduces the life-time of the probe.Besides that the pure tin builds up oxides,which tend to stick on the gold surface of the spring contact probe. After a certain number of cycles this layer of oxides may result in mal-contact.
    We have developed a new plating which is called XXLonglife. The contact plated with XXLonglife is not only appr. 1000 time harder than a conventional gold plating, it is besides that repulsive or repellant against most contaminations - tin oxides included.Customers who are using XXLonglife-plated probes since one year now report that this is the optimum solution for leadfree soldering problems.Mainly the aggresive head styles like the dagger type for example are available with this plating option. Please ask us!

    Spring Contact Probes ("Pogo Pins") in ATE Test Fixture and Semicon Test Socket and Interconnecting Applications.

    Spring Contact Probes, also called "Pogo Pins" are the key products for the test fixture, socket or test contactor.
    Contact Probes are used in design and production of interconnecting contacts and fixtures for the test of bare boards and loaded boards.
    Fine-Pitch-Contacts fpr Test Sockets and Hybrids / ASIC's.
    Switching probes and Pneumatic Probes for Functional Testers.
    Spring Contacts for Battery Chargers, Docking Stations, Handheld Equipment, Mobile Phones and Radios as well as Interfaces and Backpanels.
    Our large standard range offers a solution for almost any of your requirements. For more complex applications we produce custom design contacts, even in small quantities - which is one of our strengths.

The list is showing all head-styles which are available in the series 07. The number shown right besides every picture is the part number used for ordering. Please replace the field "xx" by the spring force value you'd like to have.

Plunger makes contact to the UUT and to the BARREL.

IMPORTANT:
TIP STYLE or HEAD STYLE
The SHAFT
The BARREL is the guide tube for the plunger.
THE SPRING IS A HELICAL COIL SPRING. Creates the counter force to the plunger.

The design of a spin-crimp probe inside.

The plunger has a long and perfect guidance, which gives us a good "pointing accuracy".

2. Text Fixture

     Test Fixtures for test of loaded printed circuit boards for example as vacuumfixtures, for In-Circuit-Test or combinational test (ICT and FCT).
     Mechanically test fixtures as functional test equipment or high voltage final test.
     Automated and semi-automated systems, open/short-test of connectors and shells, with or without integrated staking.
     Test contacting of terminal strips.

3. Contact cleaning

A very important subject - too often disregarded - is the maintenance and cleaning of test probes. Not only that you can increase the life-time of a probe, which pays back as a direct saving. Beyond that you will find a dramatically reduction of pseudo-failures in the test field. We offer a number of certified special products which are listed in a separate catalogue. A little manual for probe maintenance is also available.

	Contact cleaning and enhancing treatments for optimum signal integrity: Oxid removing and preserving contact conditioners. Lubricants for electrical connections. Rejuvenating enhancers for highly valuable equipment in the audio technology, aviation maintenance, nautical instruments and many other applications.
	Dendrite Corrosion This picture is showing a typical DENDRITE corrosion which is "creeping" underneath the surface. Often this is the result of the use of FREEZER spray, that is used to cool down components during a hand soldering process. The Freezer creates micro-cracks which allow the OXYGEN in our atmosphere to reach the corrosive material like copper alloys etc., which are usually the base materials of contacts.
	BLISTER Corrosion But also scratches and cracks, often created by the so-called "wipe-efect" in connectors for example, can create tremendeous problems for contacts. Again, the oxygen in the air attacks the copper base material underneath the protective plated surface, dissipating through tiny little cracks in the surface. The slow process of corrosion results in this type of BLISTER corrosion, lifting up the Nickel and Gold plating and splitting them from the base material.

Cleaning with ProGold

Prevention and Repair
A good contact cleaning and enhancing solvent works in combination:
a) removes oxides
b) Protects the surface from oxygen by a thin layer

When the connector mating parts are disconnected, ProGold covers immediately the complete surfaces for full protection.
ProGold is able to tunnel through the plated surface (precious metals).
Scratches and grooves are filled up with the fluid, the contact surface is increased.
Surface layers of diferent metals are linked by chemical bonding.