Seeed Fusion PCBA Testing Solutions Guide
Seeed Fusion provides functional, electrical performance, and reliability testing for PCBAs, along with firmware flashing and custom test fixture development. Testing can be included in a PCBA manufacturing project or requested separately for existing boards.
This guide covers the service scope, fixture options, project documents, and request process.
Service Scope
Test items are defined according to the product''s functional, electrical performance, and reliability requirements. Firmware flashing and custom fixtures can be incorporated into the test process where needed.
| Service | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Functional testing (FCT) | Check functions such as power supply, communication, interfaces, sensors, and modules against the expected results in the test plan. |
| Electrical performance testing | Measure and assess electrical performance against the specifications agreed for the project. |
| Reliability testing | Check product performance under specified environmental or stress conditions. |
| Firmware flashing and configuration | Flash firmware, write device identifiers or data, and apply initial settings according to project requirements. |
| Custom test fixture and test procedure development | Design and build fixtures based on the board and test requirements. Develop and validate the associated test procedures. |
The engineering team reviews the board design and test requirements to confirm the test items and methods. The services listed above are not all included by default in every order.
Two Ways to Request Testing
Choose the appropriate option based on whether Fusion will manufacture the boards.
| Request type | When to use it | Where to submit |
|---|---|---|
| PCBA Production + Testing | Fusion manufactures and assembles the boards, then performs the required testing before delivery. | Submit the manufacturing and testing requirements through the Fusion PCB/PCBA order page. |
| Testing Only | You already have PCBAs or XIAO expansion boards and need testing, with fixture development if required. | Select Testing Only on Fusion Testing Solutions and submit the required documents for engineering review and a quotation. |
For Testing Only requests, you can select functional, electrical performance, and reliability testing, then enter the test quantity and requirements. The fixture options are explained below.
Choosing a Test Fixture
A test fixture holds the board in place and connects to the required test points, interfaces, or programming contacts for repeated testing. Functional tests can also be performed by connecting and operating the board manually. Whether a fixture is needed depends on the board structure, test complexity, and the need for repeated testing.
| Option | When it applies |
|---|---|
| No Test Fixture Needed | Simple tests can be completed using existing connections and equipment without developing a dedicated fixture. |
| Need a New Custom Test Fixture | Fusion assesses the board design and test requirements and develops a suitable fixture. |
| Use an Existing Test Fixture | Fusion previously developed a fixture for your project. Provide the earlier order number or fixture ID so the engineering team can check compatibility with the current board and test configuration. |
A custom fixture can be considered for a stable design, complex functions, or repeated batch testing. Manual testing may be suitable when the design is still changing, quantities are small, or tests are simple.
Project Documents and Submission
Design documents help the engineering team understand the board''s structure, interfaces, and circuit functions. Test requirements explain what needs to be checked and how the results should be assessed.
| Document | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Gerber files | Show the board layout to help identify test point and interface locations. |
| Schematics | Show circuit connections to help explain the board''s functions and test signals. |
| Product requirements document (PRD) | Describe the product''s purpose, expected functions, and related requirements. |
| Test requirements | Specify what to test, the steps or test points, pass/fail criteria, and any firmware or special test conditions. |
| Product photos | Show the physical board, connector locations, and access for fixture connections. |
The Testing Only form requires two groups of files: Gerber files and schematics in one upload, and test requirements in the other. Product photos are currently optional on the form. A PRD can provide additional product context for the engineering team. Refer to Fusion Testing Solutions for current submission and file format requirements.
For projects involving firmware flashing or functional testing, the relevant documents also need to specify the firmware version, connection details, operating steps, and expected results. For more detail, see the Seeed Fusion Guide to Preparing PCBA Functional Test Requirements.
PCBA Production + Testing requests are submitted through the Fusion PCB/PCBA order page. Manufacturing and assembly file requirements are covered in the Seeed Fusion PCB & PCBA Service Guide.
Custom Test Fixture Development
Projects requiring a new fixture follow the process described on the official service page.
| Stage | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Requirements submission | Submit the board design files and test requirements. |
| Engineering review | Review the documents and confirm the test scope. |
| Fixture design | Design the test fixture and associated test procedures. |
| Prototype validation | Build a fixture prototype and validate it using customer samples. |
| Production deployment | Use the validated fixture and test procedures for production testing. |
This process applies to new fixture development. For projects without a dedicated fixture, or requests to reuse an existing fixture, the engineering team reviews the relevant testing requirements.
Quotations and Related Resources
Testing Only projects are quoted after the engineering team reviews the test requirements. Custom fixtures are quoted separately. For PCBA Production + Testing, pricing reflects both the manufacturing and testing requirements.
For current pricing policies, fixture storage arrangements, and reuse conditions, see Fusion Testing Solutions. Contact fusion@seeed.io to discuss specific project requirements.
The following resources provide further information.
| Resource | What it covers |
|---|---|
| What Is a PCBA Test Fixture? How It Works and When You Need One | Fixture uses, suitable applications, and documents for a custom fixture request. |
| Open-Source Modular PCBA Testing: A Complete Guide from Hardware to Test Workflow | The Universal Test Box, product adapter boards, test software, and a project example. |
| Seeed Fusion PCB & PCBA Service Guide | PCB fabrication, component sourcing, assembly, and related file requirements. |
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