automated test development for pcbs

Automated test development ensures reliable, repeatable validation of every PCB we build—reducing defects and accelerating time to market. EI also partners with customers to design and develop custom automated test solutions tailored to their specific product needs.

embrace automated testing

Our expert test development team is here to support you, whether you need assistance or complete development of your testing process. By embracing automated testing, you’re not only enhancing the quality of your product but also optimizing your time significantly during the inspection phase. Let us help you streamline your testing procedures for greater efficiency and reliability.

Red electronic circuit diagram with branching lines from a central circle.

In circuit test development

Red electronic circuit diagram with branching lines from a central circle.

functional test development

our pcb engineering process

01.

Design Review

We collaborate early to review schematics and conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis—ensuring your layout is optimized for efficient, high-yield production.

02.

Prototyping & Validation

Our rapid prototyping services turn designs into functional units fast, enabling thorough testing, feedback, and early design validation.

03.

Pre-Production Optimization

We fine-tune materials, processes, and test plans to ensure a smooth transition from prototype to full production—reducing risk and ensuring scalability.

04.

Full-Scale Production Support

With engineering oversight, quality control, and documentation throughout, we scale up seamlessly while maintaining precision and consistency across every unit.

Applications for automated test Development for pcbs

medical

We develop automated test applications that validate medical PCBs with precision, traceability, and compliance assurance.

industrial

Our automated testing ensures industrial PCB assemblies meet performance and durability standards under real-world conditions.

energy

EI Micro’s custom test systems verify the reliability and efficiency of PCBs used in complex energy environments.

agriculture

We design automated tests to validate rugged, field-ready PCBs used in precision agriculture and environmental control systems.

EI Microcircuits builds high-layer count, high-performance assemblies for the emerging AI market. Our advanced SMT and quality systems ensure reliable, complex builds for HPC applications.

aviation

Automated test solutions at EI Micro validate aviation-grade PCBs for safety-critical functionality and flight-ready reliability.

military

We engineer test platforms that confirm military PCBs meet mission-critical performance and environmental resilience standards.

Security and Surveillance

Our automated testing verifies real-time functionality, reliability, and signal integrity for surveillance and security electronics.

our certifications

ISO 13485:2016 certified badge, AMTIVO logo, text "Medical Devices".
Logo for AMTIVO. ISO 9001:2015 Certified for Quality Management. Features a stylized "A".
A square badge with "AMTIVO" logo and "AS9100 D Certified Aerospace" text.
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hear it from our customers

"A delightful company to work with. Could not have done it without your expertise."

"EI excels in responsiveness, support and flexibility. I very much appreciate EI’s ability to adapt on the fly."

"I appreciate the work EI does most of all because it makes my job easier."

"Overall, EI does a great job in dealing with everything we throw at them. They are responsive and understanding of us, even though it may not always be the most reasonable of requests. As a buyer, I feel lucky to have a supplier that works with us like they do."

"Working on a project that had a board that was simply not manufacturable the way it was set up, EI went above and beyond to help with engineering and still met a very short deadline."

Two women in lab coats soldering components at a workbench in a factory.

Automated Test Development FAQs

  • What type of PCB test method should I use?

    Select the test method based on product complexity, expected volume, fault coverage requirements, design access, and lifecycle needs. Options can include flying probe, in-circuit testing, functional testing, or a combination of methods.

  • What is the difference between in-circuit testing and functional testing?

    In-circuit testing evaluates individual components, electrical characteristics, and circuit connections at the board level. Functional testing evaluates whether the completed assembly performs according to specified operating requirements. Many programs use both approaches to improve overall test coverage.

  • When should PCB test development begin?

    Begin test planning during the design phase. Early design-for-test review helps confirm test-point access, connector requirements, programming interfaces, fixture clearances, and other features needed for repeatable production testing.

  • When does a custom PCB test fixture make sense?

    A dedicated fixture can make sense when production volume, test time, repeatability, or required fault coverage justifies the tooling investment. For lower-volume or frequently changing designs, programmable test methods such as flying probe may provide greater flexibility.

Electronic Insights

Gold-colored printed sheets on a large press machine in a workshop

Overcoming the PCB Laminate Shortage: A DFM Guide

August 26, 2026
Meta description: Learn how to navigate the PCB laminate shortage with DFM, material planning, and production strategies from EI Microcircuits.
Person soldering a green circuit board on a workbench with tools nearby

PCB Material Selection Guide

August 21, 2026
PCB Material Selection impacts performance, reliability, and manufacturing. Learn key material considerations and applications with guidance from EI Microcircuits.
Blue circuit board overlaid on technical schematics with a central chip and small components

The Importance of PCB Layout

August 18, 2026
Learn how PCB layout impacts performance, manufacturability, testing, and long-term reliability with expert insights from EI Microcircuits.

let's talk

EI Microcircuits operates multiple climate-controlled facilities designed for scalability, technical excellence, and built-in disaster resilience—each fully equipped to support today’s most advanced electronic assemblies. Let us be the solution to your next project—Contact Us, Request a Quote, or Schedule a Tour today!

Contact Us Today

MANKATO, MN

1651 Pohl Road
Mankato, MN 56001
P: 507.345.5786

ST. PETER, MN

2011 Klein Street
St. Peter, MN 56082
P: 507.934.5722

MANKATO, MN

69 Power Drive
Mankato, MN 56001

P: 507.386.9160

*Each facility is configured to support your production needs. While maintaining continuity with each other in equipment, training and process control. All facilities share the same data center to allow for seamless manufacturing between locations.