Test Plan - 09/21/22

Owned by Logan Hartford
Last updated: Sept 24, 2022
2 min read

Post-Assembly

A series of checks to do after finishing assembling or receiving an assembled board:

Check all required components are assembled and DNP components are not assembled (R18*, C23, C24, C31, C32)
Verify components are oriented correctly (polarity, pin 1 designators, etc.)
Verify there are no bridges between parts/pins creating unwanted shorts
Verify general soldering quality - no stray solder, burns, etc., all pins and pads connected with enough solder

*R18 can be populated or unpopulated, it changes the behavior when the current is limited

Unpowered Tests

Things to check before powering on the board at all. This mostly involves checking for shorts with the multimeter’s ohmmeter.

Verify power rails are not shorted to GND or with each other
Verify EN/COMP/RT/ILIM/ILIMSEL/FB pins are not shorted to either GND or a power rail, unless it is supposed to be

Basic Powered Tests

The purpose of these basic tests is to verify the basic functionality of the board when powering it on for the first few times. When powering on the board for the very first time, supply the nominal expected voltage input for the board and start with a very low current output (i.e. 0.1A). This is to avoid any overheating or destructive failures from undiscovered issues. Once the first power on is complete and the power rail voltages and board temperatures are verified to be OK, the input power can be increased.

Power on board + touch test, verify components and the board itself does not get too hot
Probe power rails, verify correct voltage

Performance Tests

Performance tests are meant to measure, record, and analyze how well the board does what it was designed to do. For example, if your board includes some form of power regulation, such as a buck converter, it should be tested to see how well it performs with regard to stability, efficiency, etc. These tests are specific to every board, so the examples provided below may not fit exactly with your board.

Line regulation
Load regulation
Efficiency
Output ripple
Transient response
Measuring significant waveforms (i.e. SW, gate waveforms)
Output Overcurrent Protection (if we can)
Output Overvoltage Protection
Operating Temperature
Over Temperature Protection

Performance Testing Data: Performance Testing Rev2.xlsx

Definitions and Results: Performance Testing.docx

Issues:

Inductor footprint was created based on the wrong datasheet, this version of the board is not usable and other does not appear to be any drop in replacements
Electrical connections for the inductor are incorrect
Mechanical pad is treated as an electrical pad, electrical pads are shorted together