side approach mechanism

Many functional tests ideally include probing a connector of some kind. Traditional implementations take the machanical action of closing the fixture and translate this to the movement required to insert a probe into a connector on the DuT. The mechanism needs to be precise, and just the correct amount of compliant. The former is to align properly, the second is to prevent damage to the DuT and mechanism itself in case of a misprick.

The resulting mechanism requires a lot of maintenance. Misalignment events still often result in damage.

EVAjig's choice is to use a closed loop stepper motor to control the insrtion of the probes. The feedback allows the EVAjig to control the injection force and detect misalignment events before damage occurs. It can retract and try the approach procedure again or safely abort. The parameters can be controlled from within the testflow which, in the EVAjig ecosystem, can be changed from the online portal. Therefore, parameters can be optimized by the EMS.

The closed loop electric drive system also allows retraction of the mechanism when the testing is done. This means more freedom in the testflow.

EVAjig has implemented this side approach mechanism for testing the beursgadget of the E&Abeurs 2025. The beursgadgets were assembled by the visitors and thus we have encountered many misalignment events within the 1500+ tests. None of those events however resulted in any damage to the DuT or the EVAjig.