ABSTRACT
Modern testing is accomplished with the aid of computers or programmable controllers, and it is known as computer-aided testing. It generally assumes that a product is good until a fault is detected. Historically then, “test” in electronics manufacturing has been understood as that activity which monitors and detects a fault in the operation of a unit under test, such as an assembled printing wiring board. A concept called “process testing” tests the fabrication process as well as the product function during the manufacturing cycle. Process testing monitors the effectiveness of incremental “value-added” operations performed on the evolving manufactured product. In a fast-paced high technology environment, definitions and terminology evolve and change within the industry. As the industry has advanced, however, more of the discrete components described above are being packed into high density chips, which become components themselves as they are mounted on a printed wiring board.
