Meaning
Consistency in high-volume electronic testing relies on the long-term stability of the hardware and cabling within the test fixture. When test jig drift occurs, gradual mechanical wear or temperature fluctuations alter the electrical path characteristics and distort the test results.
Physical Cause
Mechanical stress from repeatedly mating RF connectors introduces physical deformities that increase signal attenuation. Over thousands of board insertions, the internal contacts of the coaxial interfaces on the fixture degrade and create minor gaps. This physical wear causes test jig drift that mimics a failing production unit.
It leads to the false rejection of correctly assembled boards.
Calibration Interval
Periodic verification against a reference golden board represents the primary defense against measurement deviation on the assembly line. Running a daily diagnostic test checks the integrity of the signal path and alerts technicians to early signs of variation. It ensures that the measurement software recalculates path loss before drift exceeds the safety threshold.
Diagnostic Outcome
Failure to control this measurement variation reduces the production yield and increases rework costs. By tracking test jig drift over weeks of operation, factories can replace worn parts before they trigger line stops. This preventive maintenance keeps the factory running efficiently.
