Planning ICT Fixture Capacity for Repeat PCBA Builds

Before scheduling a repeat PCB assembly lot, confirm that the test fixture, released test program, and production quantity fit the available test window. Assembly capacity alone does not establish how quickly tested boards can be released.

Estimate the test workload

Provide the quantity for each product variant, expected test time, loading and unloading time, and the number of boards a fixture can test at once. Include time for setup verification, troubleshooting and approved retesting. Treat the result as a planning estimate until the production team confirms the schedule.

Check fixture readiness

• Match the fixture identifier and test-program revision to the released board revision.
• Identify worn probes, connector life, spare parts and maintenance responsibilities.
• Agree a method for checking the fixture before the lot starts, including suitable reference boards where available.
• Confirm how failures will be separated into board, fixture and test-program issues.

Schedule variants and maintenance

A shared fixture may still need different programs, adapters or limits for each variant. Grouping work can reduce changeovers, but the sequence must preserve the correct product configuration and records. Ask which setup or maintenance tasks require downtime and who approves the fixture for use afterward.

Define the release record

Agree the required board identifier, fixture and software versions, test result, retest history and disposition fields. Include those requirements in the quotation. Confirm fixture availability and test readiness before accepting a delivery date.