How to Read a PCBA Test Report: Key Data and Common Indicators Explained

NEWS

05

2025

Why PCBA Test Reports Matter

A PCBA test report serves as a quality gate—providing concrete data to verify that the assembly meets design, functional, and reliability expectations. It's also a crucial document for traceability, customer approval, and process improvement.

Common PCBA Testing Methods You'll See in Reports

Before reviewing the report, it helps to understand what tests were performed. A typical test report may include results from:

AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)： Checks for missing, misaligned, or incorrectly placed components.
ICT (In-Circuit Test): Verifies the integrity of the circuit by testing individual components (resistance, capacitance, diode orientation, etc.).
Flying Probe Test: An alternative to ICT for small batches; checks open/short circuits without a dedicated fixture.
Functional Test (FCT): Simulates actual operating conditions to verify the board performs as expected.
X-ray Inspection: Used for hidden joints like BGA to detect voids, solder bridging, or misalignment.

Key Sections of a PCBA Test Report

1. Basic Information

Part Number / Revision: Ensures the correct version of the design is being tested.
Date & Lot Number: Important for traceability and warranty tracking.
Testing Type(s): Clearly states what kinds of tests were performed.

2. Pass/Fail Summary

A clear indicator of whether the board passed all required tests. Most reports highlight this section to speed up review.

✅ Tip: A “Pass” doesn’t always mean “Perfect”—look for notes or warnings even in passed reports.

3. Defect Summary

If defects were found, they're usually categorized here:

Missing or wrong components
Cold solder joints
Open/short circuits
Poor solder paste coverage

You may also see defect counts and failure rates (e.g., 2 failures in 100 = 2% defect rate).

4. Measurement Data

In ICT or flying probe tests, exact values for components (resistors, capacitors, voltages, etc.) may be listed and compared to their expected tolerances.

5. Visual/Photo Evidence (Optional)

High-end EMS providers may include annotated photos of the tested PCBA, especially if defects were found and corrected.

Common Indicators and What They Mean

Indicator	Meaning
Open	No connection where there should be one
Short	An unintended connection between two points
Missing Component	A part was not placed or fell off during processing
Wrong Value	A component (e.g., resistor) does not meet spec
Skewed Component	Misaligned part may cause poor connection
X-ray Void	Air gap inside solder joint, could affect reliability

How to Use the Test Report Effectively

For PMs & Purchasers: Use pass rates and defect data to verify production consistency and evaluate your EMS partner’s quality control.
For Engineers: Study measurement variances to identify tolerances that need to be tightened in the design or layout.
For QA Teams: Use reports to track historical performance and spot recurring issues.

Conclusion

Reading a PCBA test report isn't just about checking a pass/fail box—it's about gaining insights into the manufacturing quality, spotting potential risks, and making smarter decisions for future orders.

At Doublemax, we provide clear, detailed PCBA test reports with traceable data, photos, and expert guidance, so you always know the quality you're getting.

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