SAN JOSE – On the heals of increasing board complexity and size, Solution Sources Programming Inc. has found ways to extend the life of test equipment through use of recent software upgrades for Agilent’s 3070 In-Circuit Tester. 
 
Upgrading to the latest software ensures in field compatibility. A key component of these recent updates, 7.1 and 7.2, includes 1149.6 capabilities, which use the latest chip technology for new board designs.
 
SSP president Dan Orlando, who works closely with top design layout houses, has observed the increase in board net counts beyond the capabilities of the largest testers. He said, “By implementing Agilent’s new software on existing test equipment, our programming process has been able to save our customers tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in test costs.”
 
Features and benefits SSP has found in using the software upgrades include:

• A reduction in large net counts (permit smaller fixtures, reducing cost and lead times).
  
• Fewer wires (and thus higher reliability).
  
• A reduction in fixture weight (which decreases shipping costs and is safer for employees).
  

 The Agilent upgrades are available through its normal support contracts or via one-time software updates for Agilent 3070 users.