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In-Circuit Testing for LED Defect Detection
By Francesca Pinto, Content Creator — Electronic Test Product Specialist, SPEA T
he pervasive integration of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) into diverse electronic products, from consumer
devices to automotive lighting, under- scores the imperative for robust quality assurance in their manufacturing. While LED technology continues to
advance, the inherent complexities of printed circuit board assembly processes can introduce subtle defects that compro- mise performance, reliability, and ulti- mately, brand reputation. In this context, in-circuit testing (ICT)
is crucial for identifying LEDs defects on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) during manufacturing. Testing PCB assem- blies is a vital procedure to ensure compli- ance with design requirements, thereby decreasing the chances of recalls and upholding the manufacturer’s reputation.
Testing Imperative Manufacturing inconsistencies in LED
PCBAs can manifest as a range of critical issues, including undesirable color shifts, uneven light distribution, insufficient brightness, flickering, or faulty communica- tion with control systems. Such anomalies not only degrade the end-product’s perform- ance but can also lead to costly product
recalls and customer dissatisfaction. ICT, strategically deployed at the con- clusion of production cycles, plays a pivotal
role in preventing these individual compo- nent defects from escalating into systemic product failures. By meticulously assessing electrical characteristics (voltage, current) and critical optical properties (light inten- sity, color) of each LED on the PCBA, ICT ensures consistent and reliable defect detection.
For electronics manufacturers, the selection of appropriate test equipment for LED PCBAs is a critical decision that impacts product quality, production efficiency, and overall cost of ownership.
Traditional ICT approaches for LED
testing often rely on fiber optic spectrome- ters and sensors integrated into test fix- tures. While effective for less complex PCBAs with a limited number of LEDs, these conventional methods face several challenges in the face of increasingly sophisticated LED lighting designs:
l Limitations of Fiber Optics: Accurately measuring LED light parameters becomes
LED ICT testing. Continued on next page
August 2025
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