How to choose the number of channels for a PCB stress tester?

The number of channels in a PCB stress tester determines the number of strain gauges it can monitor simultaneously. Different channel counts correspond to distinct testing scenarios. Making a reasonable choice regarding the number of channels can ensure testing effectiveness while improving efficiency and reducing costs. The AKEMOND brand stress tester allows for functional and channel expansion based on the customer’s future development needs (8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, or 64 channels can be selected as needed).

Low channel count (typically 8 channels or fewer) PCB stress testers:

These testers are characterized by their relatively simple structure and lower cost, making them suitable for scenarios with limited testing point requirements. Testing of small PCBs at single or few critical points: For structurally simple small PCBs, such as control boards for smart bracelets or circuit boards for small sensors, stress concentration areas are minimal. Typically, only a few key locations (e.g., chip soldering points, connector interfaces, etc.) need to be monitored for stress. A tester with 8 channels or fewer fully meets these requirements, enabling precise data acquisition for critical areas without wasting resources.

Medium channel count (16–32 channels) PCB stress testers:

Medium channel count testers strike a good balance between testing capability and cost, making them suitable for most moderately complex testing scenarios. Comprehensive testing of moderately complex PCBs: For control boards in common household appliances (e.g., air conditioner control boards, washing machine control boards, etc.), these PCBs feature numerous components and relatively complex stress distributions, requiring monitoring at multiple locations. A 16–32 channel tester can simultaneously monitor multiple key areas (e.g., soldering points for multiple chips, capacitors, resistors, and stress-prone positions along the PCB edges), enabling a relatively comprehensive stress assessment of the PCB.

High channel count (32–64 channels) PCB stress testers:

High channel count testers offer powerful synchronous monitoring capabilities, making them suitable for highly complex and demanding testing scenarios, though they come at a relatively higher cost. Comprehensive and detailed testing of large, complex PCBs: For example, server motherboards or core circuit boards for communication equipment, these PCBs are large in size, densely packed with components, and structurally complex, with intricate and variable stress distributions that require monitoring at many points. Testers with 32 or more channels can connect to a large number of strain gauges simultaneously, covering various key areas of the PCB, including connection points for different functional modules, high-density solder joints, PCB corners, and edges. This enables comprehensive and detailed stress monitoring of the PCB, providing extensive data for analyzing overall stress distribution.