How to Build a Pogo Pin Testing Jig with Extra-Long Headers for Breakout Boards

Testing Jigs: How Extra-Long Headers Can Help You Test Your Circuit Boards

As a designer or engineer, one of the most important stages of your work is testing. Testing lets you know if your design is working the way you intended it to, and if there are any flaws that need fixing before mass production. However, testing can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when you have to solder headers onto each board you want to test. Fortunately, pogo pin testing jigs can help you test your boards efficiently and with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll look at how you can use extra-long headers to create a powerful testing jig that will make your testing process a breeze.

What Are Pogo Pins and Pogo Pin Headers?

Before we dive into testing jigs, let’s quickly define what pogo pins and pogo pin headers are. Pogo pins, also known as spring-loaded pins, are tiny pins with spring-loaded tips that make electrical contact with the board they are testing. Pogo pins are used in place of traditional test points, allowing you to test a board without having to solder test points onto it. Pogo pin headers are a specialized version of traditional headers that are specifically designed to hold pogo pins. They allow you to connect your test probes to your pogo pins and test your board without having to manually connect each pin.

What Is a Pogo Pin Testing Jig?

A pogo pin testing jig is a device that holds a board in place and allows you to make contact with the board’s pogo pins. It’s typically made up of a mounting plate, a pogo pin header, and a set of spring-loaded pogo pins. The pogo pins are positioned in such a way that they make electrical contact with the board’s pogo pins, allowing you to test the board without having to solder headers onto it. Testing jigs are particularly useful if you need to test multiple boards, as they can speed up the testing process significantly.

How to Build a Pogo Pin Testing Jig

Building a pogo pin testing jig can be quite simple. Here’s a quick guide to building one using an extra-long header:

1. Determine the Number of Pins Needed

The first step is to determine how many pogo pins you’ll need to test your board. This will depend on your board’s layout, but you should be able to get a rough idea by looking at your schematics or layout files.

2. Select an Extra-Long Header

Once you know how many pins you’ll need, you should select an extra-long header that’s long enough to accommodate your pins. Extra-long headers are typically around 20mm long, but you can find them in various lengths depending on your needs. You’ll also need a pogo pin header to hold your pogo pins.

3. Mount the Extra-Long Header and Pogo Pin Header

Mount the extra-long header and pogo pin header on the mounting plate. You’ll want to position the pogo pin header directly over the extra-long header so that the pogo pins make contact with the board’s pogo pins.

4. Add the Pogo Pins

Attach your pogo pins to the pogo pin header. Make sure that they are positioned in such a way that they make contact with the board’s pogo pins when the board is mounted on the testing jig.

5. Test Your Board

Once you’ve assembled your testing jig, you’re ready to test your board. Simply place your board on the testing jig, and use your test probes to make contact with the pogo pins. You should be able to test your board just as you would with a traditional header.

Conclusion

Using a pogo pin testing jig can be a convenient and cost-effective way to test your circuit boards. By using extra-long headers, you can build a powerful testing jig that requires little effort to use. Whether you’re testing a few boards or hundreds, a pogo pin testing jig can speed up your testing process and detect any flaws in your design. Don’t let testing slow you down – try building a pogo pin testing jig with extra-long headers and make your testing process more efficient today!