ABI Electronics · Portable Board Diagnostic Systems
BoardMaster External Case
The full BoardMaster fault-finding platform in a portable external case, for the field as well as the lab.
BoardMaster External Case packs a complete set of SYSTEM 8 modules and test instruments into a portable case that connects to a PC over USB. It combines in-circuit and out-of-circuit functional tests, V-I signature comparison and several other techniques, so a faulty component can be found without a schematic. Labs and engineers who split their time between prototype checks, end-of-line test and on-site repair get a full test platform they can carry with them.
Overview
BoardMaster External Case is a universal board diagnostic system built into a portable external enclosure. It carries the widest instrument set in ABI's range and can troubleshoot almost any type of PCB. The design is modular: any combination of SYSTEM 8 modules can be fitted, and both analog and digital techniques are covered. The core modules are a 64-channel Board Fault Locator, a 64-channel Advanced Test Module, a 64-channel Advanced Matrix Scanner, an Analogue IC Tester, Multiple Instrument Station 4 and a Programmable Power Supply. Each 64-channel module can be expanded to 256 channels. The integrated instruments are a digital oscilloscope, digital multimeter, arbitrary function generator, frequency and event counter and universal I/O. Test techniques include digital and analog V-I in 2D and 3D, analog matrix V-I, digital IC identification, EPROM verification and short location. SYSTEM 8 Ultimate adds TestFlow management, graphical test generation and live comparison. The result is less time per board, lower cost, and higher availability and reliability of the equipment being maintained.
Key specifications
| System architecture | Modular portable external case, any combination of SYSTEM 8 modules |
|---|---|
| Board Fault Locator (BFL) | 64 digital test channels, expandable to 256 channels |
| Advanced Test Module | 64 channels, expandable to 256 channels |
| Advanced Matrix Scanner | 64 channels, expandable to 256 channels |
| Analogue IC Tester module (AICT) | 24 analog test channels |
| Integrated instruments | Digital oscilloscope, digital multimeter, arbitrary function generator, frequency/event counter, universal I/O |
| Test techniques | Digital and analog V-I testing (2D & 3D), analog matrix V-I, digital IC identification, EPROM verification, short location |
| Functional testing | Digital functional test (in-circuit and out-of-circuit), analog functional test (ICs and discrete components) |
| Power module | SYSTEM 8 Programmable Power Supply (PPS) module |
| Instrument station | SYSTEM 8 Multiple Instrument Station 4 (MIS 4) module |
| Software | SYSTEM 8 Ultimate Software with TestFlow management, graphical test generation and live comparison |
| Manufacturer | ABI Electronics (United Kingdom) |
Features
Digital and analog coverage
64 digital and 24 analog test channels give strong fault coverage on digital, analog and mixed-signal PCBs, which is what makes this a universal diagnostic platform.
V-I signature comparison
Digital and analog V-I testing in 2D and 3D plus analog matrix V-I compare a good board against the unit under test without a schematic and point to the abnormal component.
Modular architecture
The SYSTEM 8 design lets you combine Board Fault Locator, Advanced Test, Matrix Scanner, Analogue IC Tester and power modules to suit the application.
Expandable to 256 channels
Every 64-channel core module can be expanded to 256 channels, covering small repair jobs up to large, complex boards.
Integrated instruments
Digital oscilloscope, digital multimeter, arbitrary function generator, frequency and event counter and universal I/O are built in, so one case is a full instrument bench.
Portable field diagnostics
The whole instrument set travels in one external case, suited to prototype checks, end-of-line test and on-site repair wherever the engineer goes.
Typical applications
Field repair
Board fault diagnosis at the customer site
An engineer carries BoardMaster External Case to the customer's plant or equipment site, connects a laptop over USB and runs V-I scans, digital IC tests and voltage measurements on the faulty PCB. The equipment never has to go back to the lab, so the downtime waiting for a repair is much shorter.
Production acceptance
End-of-line functional test and QA acceptance
At the output end of an SMT line, technicians run an automated test sequence from the portable case on every finished board. The system issues a PASS/FAIL report and logs the measurements, so each board is checked against the design before the batch ships and fewer come back for rework.
Repair and overhaul
MRO of aerospace, defense and rail vehicle control boards
For aging avionics, shipboard radar control boards or train door control modules with no OEM drawings, technicians use BoardMaster's in-circuit tests and V-I signature comparison to find the failed part. That extends equipment life and works around component obsolescence.
Options and configuration
Tick the modules and options you need. We compile the configuration into a list and carry it into the quote request form so we can price it for you.
Standard equipment (included)
SYSTEM 8 hardware module options
Adapter and probing accessory options
Downloads
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