How to Design Your PCB Test Coupon and What You Can Test

The goal for any test coupon is to accurately catch the intended stackup of your board and facilitate accurate interconnect impedance testing. There are a number of ways to do this. In a test coupon for c… See more

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FAQs about How to Design Your PCB Test Coupon and What You Can Test Coupon?

Do you need a test coupon for a PCB?

Test coupons are highly recommended for PCB designs that require high reliability, complex designs, or high-speed signal traces. However, for simpler PCB designs, other testing methods may be sufficient, such as flying probe testing and in-circuit testing. ...

What are the different types of PCB test coupons?

Some of the most common types include: Impedance test coupons are used to verify the impedance of the PCB’s controlled impedance traces. These coupons typically include a series of traces with varying widths and spacing, allowing manufacturers to measure the actual impedance values and compare them to the design specifications. ...

How do I design a PCB test coupon?

When designing PCB test coupons, there are several factors to consider to ensure that they provide accurate and reliable results: Coupon Size: Test coupons should be small enough to fit within the available space on the production panel but large enough to accommodate the necessary test features. ...

What are PCB coupons?

These are small, specifically designed pieces of PCB that undergo various tests to simulate real-world conditions, ultimately ensuring the performance and reliability of the board. While PCB coupons are a standard in many industries, their application is particularly important in PCB design and manufacturing. ...

What is the difference between a PCB and a coupon?

At the time the artwork is produced, the same aperture code used for the controlled impedance traces is used to produce the test traces on the coupon. The coupon is fabricated at the same time as the main PCB so the coupon will exhibit the same impedance as the PCB. ...

Why should PCB fabricators include test coupons in the manufacturing process?

By including test coupons in the manufacturing process, PCB fabricators can: Monitor Process Consistency: Test coupons help manufacturers ensure that their production processes remain consistent and within acceptable tolerances. This is especially important when dealing with high-volume production runs or complex PCB designs. ...