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Test Points - How to use them...

Amer Abufadel5389
Intellectual 460 points


Hello all,

  This is a rookie question, but how does one test signal values/integrity using test points similar to the ones on the DM355 EVM?  The equipment that I have is very modest: (cheap): an oscilloscope (200MHz) and a 16 channel logic analyzer.

How do I connect the probes to these points? Do I solder wires, or use test points?

  What I am trying to understand is the type of testing that I need to have for an extremely tight board.  Do I have to build a larger prototype at first but what if there is a bug in the smaller version?

 

As you can tell, my knowledge about this is inexistent , so any hints are greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

 

Amer

 

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 41665 points

    Amer Abufadel said:
    how does one test signal values/integrity using test points similar to the ones on the DM355 EVM?

    This really depends on the particular signal you have going to the test point, some of the test points are just grounds or voltage rails which would be used with a regular old multimeter for verifying groundings and voltages, others may have serial signals or clocks that are more appropriate for a scope. In general for a logic analyzer you would require more pins than are available with the test points so you would normally hook the logic analyzer up to one of the daughterboard connectors or somewhere that is easier to access the data bus you are trying to analyze.

    Amer Abufadel said:
    How do I connect the probes to these points? Do I solder wires, or use test points?

    This depends on the particular test point, some test points are just pads that you would hold a probe to temporarily to make a measurement, others allow you to solder in a post to make a more permanent connection to test equipment. Soldering would be the most secure connection, however since that is more effort to implement and can make a mess I would only suggest soldering for critical signals you plan on measuring for a long time.

    Amer Abufadel said:
    What I am trying to understand is the type of testing that I need to have for an extremely tight board. Do I have to build a larger prototype at first but what if there is a bug in the smaller version?

    I am not sure exactly what you mean here? In general I would start development on the EVM and from the EVM go directly into the board you intend to use for your application as opposed to a larger intermediary prototype, as spinning such complex boards is costly, and it would probably be best to begin working out any issues with your intended end application board sooner than later. Of course this is somewhat dependent on your design and goals, I am curious what you are trying to build that has such concerns?