TIP #080: Add testpoints

Why? They are useful during debugging and they can be used during manufacturing and production test.

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- Robert

[maulik]

How can I add test point in my schematics? Please guide me about command in altium.

[guillepk]

Firmware staff should be consulted with in regard to test point availability; especially in cases where the firmware will be done from scratch (e.g. no pre-buillt linux). Debugging firmware or even a new device driver is a lot easier using protocol analyzers, logic probes, etc.

[razberik]

When I have space, I use THT testpoints. Test probe dont slip away from testpoint and I avoid shorting.

[Milenbg]

I am putting LEDs on every PSU, that indicates there is voltage near the testpoints, also the testpoints are named as the voltage or signal that should be there. For me is very helpful, when something does not work in production finding out the problem is much easier.

[xmenxwk]

I thought this video was about inbuilt testpoints feature in altium :(

[優さん-nm]

This video tells us about the testpoints, but we might want to measure the current on the supply rails as well right? What do we do about that?

[aliuzel]

I use test points
- 1K ohm resistor between the point to be tested and the test point node for low logic voltages up to 5V and a GND test point just close this voltage test point.
- 10K ohm resistor between the point to be tested and the test point node for high voltages higher than 5V (12V, 48V) and a GND test point just close this voltage test point.
- Direct connection on signal with very close GND test point. Specifically every clock signal.

[randypeeters]

Those design notes how are they pointed to the components???

[優さん-nm]

Are all the tips actually present on youtube or I have to pay for them?

[kennedyesharive]

How can I locate test point on mibile phone device pcb boards using schematics diagrams

[johalberto]

Excellent video, nice to greet you and congratulate you, I am your new subscriber to your channel, I have a question, I am starting to repair all kinds of electronic boards! The question is the following in the general design of any PCB. Are the PCBs the testpoints only placed on positive lines or are they also placed on negative lines? I ask because there are repair techniques for the detection of short circuits where voltage and amperage must be injected to detect the short on the PCB

[優さん-nm]

Where is it described how to create test points?

[LongNguyen-lvkd]

Hi Robert, I have a problem with test point. I created a circular test point as a schematic symbol, 1 circle and 1 pin. Then I create a circular pad 2mm x 2mm and designation is 1, same as pin 1.


I successfully compile the schematic and import into PCB. I can select any test point and move around freely on TOP layer. As soon as I flip any test point to BOT layer, I cannot move the test point anymore. It seems to lock deadly to 1 spot, cannot move with Edit-> Move-> Move Selection or Move Selection by X, Y. Have you seen this issue in your past? I'm using Altium 19.1.15.


Thank you.

[idefixable]

What is a good diameter for a test point (e.g. 1mm) or do you recommend a different size?

[LucaBuccoliniLB]

Hi Robert, thank you for your videos ;). I created testpoint as a simbol in schematic editor and then I link to the symbol a footprint made with a unique SMD 1mm round pad. I started to place the components and the TPs to the board but I notice that there are rule's violation regarding the TPs. I'm violating the rule about TP style because, being an assembly tespoint, I removed the tick on the "allow testpoint under component". If i place that tick the error disappear. I think Altium alert me because it treats differently the PCB component from the PAD and tell to me that the assembly-testpoint-pad is under the PCB component TPx. Any solutions?

[parwinder]

hi sir
i want to create test point in cadence orcad allegro
how can i creat single pin components
please suggest
thank you very much

[Iradho]

it should be more valuable if you explain how to insert testpoint from tools