Introduction of the PinPoint UDA offers a brand new way of using PinPoints' capabilities and tools as part of a larger test solution. The UDA's 19" rack mount architecture allows system integrators and test departments to embed the Pinpoints' diagnostics and proven test capabilities in their dedicated repair solutions and contract-mandated test systems.

The Universal Design Architecture provides a rack mountable diagnostic sub–system solution that can be integrated into third–party test systems. It's the perfect solution for facilities with the need for diagnostic test to augment an already implemented Go/NoGo tester and as part of a facility wide solution to be delivered as part of a larger contract requirement.

When you add the feature–rich Extensible Markup Language (XML) to the mix, you bring a powerful and flexible external control bridge between other Test Operating Systems and the PinPoint UDA.

to see how the PinPoint UDA fits into your test and repair operation today.

With a majority of tests performed directly on a component, testing devices with clips is inevitable. Edge connector and functional test only allows you to get so close to the actual failed device. Add the shrinking size of passive components, and the reduction in available board real estate and you have a problem that just won't go away: Getting a test clip where it's needed with the space around an active device disappearing with each revision of the product.

'Back in the day' as my wife is famous for saying, clipping onto devices was a snap. Boards were populated with dual inline packages and leaded devices and components. Our options for clip styles included knife edge, duck bill and paint piercing pins. As the drive to miniaturization moved into the surface mount (SMT) package styles, our real estate around devices was reduced. SMT brought a host of testing issues to the table. Among the earliest challenges were designing a clip that reaches and holds onto the small leads associated with fine pitch devices (QFP, PLCC, etc) and should fit the small space between the devices on a PCB. These challenges are still here today. Newer packages, with reduced, smaller footprints (PQFP, SSOP, TSSOP, etc) some with tighter lead pitch have emerged over the years and remain a challenge to test.

Commercial adaptors provided early solutions to the issue. Product quality and life cycles varied with manufacturer. Multiple clips with their attached cables were needed since each design was suitable for a single device. However, many of the surface mount adapters would fail after only a handful of insertions and at times even damage the DUT.

The replacement cost for these adaptors not only adversely affected our budgets, but also provided inconsistencies that reflected poorly on the quality of our test equipment.

DiagnoSYS addressed these challenges to provide our customers with a high performance, robust design that is safe, easy-to-use and serviceable.

The latest range of adapters is precision milled and drilled, delivering a hard-wearing finish for years of service. Spring action, high performance micro probes make solid electrical connections to the device pins ensuring reliable and repeatable results, without damage to the DUT.

DiagnoSYS Systems offer Interface Test Adapters to fit CSOP, PQFP, TQFP, QFP, QFP-VQ, SSOP, TSSOP and QVSOP style packages. Underside probes are available for DIL/DIP, ZIP, SOIC,PGA and PLCC devices.

for specific pin counts and other package styles.

Its been a little over three months since the PinPoint Users Group meeting was held at the Wyndham Resort in Orlando. And what a meeting it was this year.

Over 50 attendees listened to sixteen presentations about test and the PinPoint II system. A lively set of questions at the end of each presentation added to the flow of useful information given (and received) over the two day meeting. Presenters from users addressed the implementation and use of the PinPoint in a variety of environments and tasks. Partners related their own experiences in creating TPS, both as a re-host and new program development. Part of the DiagnoSYS design Team (yes, Alleyn "Its not my fault" Hutt and Steve Marshall) and in–house support staff (Terry Harvell, Rob Profeta and Bill Barber) addressed development, software/hardware training and technical tips.

The session concluded with an open question and answer session where the attendees were free to give their suggestions to the assembled DiagnoSYS staff on improving the dynamic PinPoint II and ways of increasing the value of DiagnoSYS as a test partner.

One of the suggestions from this years meeting is already under way with a domain dedicated to the PinPoint Users Group - pinpointusersgroup.com. Notices will be sent from this domain with User Group and product announcements. Please add the domain to your white list to ensure delivery of Pinpoint Users Group messages.

We're already staring to plan the 2007 meeting, so keep an eye out for the dates in the next issue of eTest-talk.

to be added to the PinPoint Users Group list

Most of you know that DiagnoSYS offers a monthly Standard Training Class for the PinPoint II. Some of us know about the Advanced Training Class that is available by request. But did you know that we're working on a PinPoint II Maintenance Class?

Keeping your staff current on the PinPoint II increases the effectiveness of the entire operation. If you generate test programs, test boards or are responsible for maintaining the PinPoint II, you should consider an annual training visit to Kissimmee.

Here is the schedule for the Standard Training Class' for the rest of this year:

• August 14-18
• September 18-22
• October 16-20
• November 13-17
• December 11-15

Class size is limited.

Complete the form located on our web site at http://www.diagnosys-usa.com/schedule.html to request a specific class or download a Training Class Registration Form (http://www.diagnosys-usa.com/Training Class Registration Form 8-3-05.pdf)

The Spotlight is on DiagnoSYS' Wild Bill Barber, who followed in the footsteps of UK based Alleyn "It's not my fault" Hutt by adding "I didn't do it" to his name. The reasons behind the moniker rest with Bill, not to be told in this article.

Anyone coming to Kissimmee for training more than likely has met Bill as he toils on the support area working on test programs.

A recent newcomer, by DiagnoSYS standards, Bill joined the team early in 2004 bringing with him over 20 years of experience with the military (USMC) and associated government organizations. His most recent posting was with SPARWAR in Charleston.

I don't want you to think that Bill bailed from government service to take a more lucrative private industry job. The fact of the matter is that by joining DiagnoSYS, he gets to work with the PinPoint every day of the week (and evenings and even weekend sometimes). That's a challenge he could not pass up!

Like many former military people, Bill received his training during his years starting with the Navy A-School, continuing after his tour(s) at LSU, Trident Tech in Charleston and a variety of corporate training sessions. He's well equipped to handle most any issue that can arise with his Pace 2M Certification in soldering, as a Certified Sun FE, Certified Advanced Solaris Administrator and test set programming skills on the PinPoint and legacy Schlumberger testers.

Bill looks at each new project as a challenge with each new board bringing new opportunities to bring to a successful conclusion. I guess that's why he enjoys being part of the DiagnoSYS team and using the PinPoint daily.

One of the little known facts about Bill is that he's a Native American descendant from the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe. Maybe this explains why he likes landscaping, cultivating (cooking) herbs and cooking in his spare time. Bill is a former professional musician, a single father of Tera (who turns 22 this year) who owns and runs her own construction business in Summerville SC.

As Bill says - Semper Fi!