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Testing post-production electronic components and circuits

URN: SEMEEE318
Business Sectors (Suites): Electrical and Electronic Engineering Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2020

Overview

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This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out post-production tests on electronic components or circuits, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to carry out all preliminary essentials, such asobtaining risk assessment/permits to work and following clean work area protocols where appropriate. In addition, you will be expected to review and check the currency of the testing requirements, to set up and prepare the testing facilities for use, to conduct prescribed tests, to consider the implications of results obtained and to record and report your findings. Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the testing activities undertaken and to report any problems with these activities or with the tools and equipment used, that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking full responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying test procedures for electronic components and circuits. You will understand the basic operating principles of the items being tested, their main parameters and their application, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, recognising when circuits/components do not meet the required specification. You will understand the safety precautions required when working in a test environment for electronic components and circuits and with the test equipment used. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines
  2. carry out the required tests using appropriate tools and equipment
  3. set up and carry out the tests using the correct procedures and within agreed timescales
  4. review the results and carry out further tests if necessary
  5. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
  6. ensure that work records are completed, stored securely and available to others, as per organisational requirements
  7. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities, as per organisational and legal requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the  activities (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
  2. the health and safety requirements of the work area  and the activities, and the responsibility these requirements place on you
  3. the hazards associated with  the activities, and how to minimise them and reduce risks
  4. the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the activities
  5. voltage ranges, what constitutes a hazardous voltage and how to reduce the risks of a phase to earth shock
  6. how to obtain the authority to conduct the tests, the relevant work areas and any specific permit-to-work procedures that are used
  7. how to recognise and deal effectively with victims of electric shock (to include methods of safely isolating the power source and methods of first aid resuscitation)
  8. the clean work area protocols that should be used
  9. how to obtain and use data/specifications for the post-production tests
  10. how to read and interpret circuit diagrams and related symbols
  11. how to recognise and read component values andthe polarity of electronic components
  12. how to check the calibration status of authorised test facilities and equipment to be used
  13. how to set up and use the range of test equipment items for the post-production tests (such as logic and waveform analysis equipment, storage oscilloscopes, signal generators, sensing and measuring devices, current, voltage and resistance measuring instruments)
  14. the importance of using the appropriate test points in the circuit and how these are identified
  15. the types of test used to verify the correct functioning of electronic equipment
  16. the basic operating principles of the electronic components/circuits being tested
  17. how to analyse and evaluate the results of the testing carried out
  18. the problems that can occur during the testing activities and the actions needed to deal with them
  19. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
  20. how to access, use and maintain information to comply with organisational requirements and legislation

Scope/range

Scope Performance

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  1. Carry out all of the following activities during electronic components and circuits testing:

    1. use the correct issue of drawings, test instructions and  specifications
    2. adhere to health and safety regulations, systems and procedures to realise a safe system of work
    3. follow clean work area protocols, where appropriate
    4. provide safe access and working arrangements for the testing area
    5. carry out the testing activities in line with organisational procedures
    6. review the test results and store records, in accordance with  appropriate procedures
    7. dispose of waste items in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner and leave the work area in a safe condition

  2. Test one of the following manufactured electronic components or circuits:

    1. capacitors            
    2. optical devices             
    3. charge-coupled devices
    4. resistors                               
    5. visual display screens
    6. printed circuit board/assembly
    7. inductors                             
    8. switching components
    9. thin film circuitries
    10. interconnection devices          
    11. microwave components    
    12. thick film circuitries
    13. sensor devices                         
    14. spark gaps                     
    15. flexible film circuitries
    16. other components or circuits (specify)

  3. Collect and review test information, using two of the following:

    1. test instrument measurements (such as from a multimeter, oscilloscope, logic probe, pulse sequencing analyser, signal generator/tracer)
    2. automatic optical inspection equipment
    3. automatic flying probes tester
    4. functional test equipment
    5. in circuit test equipment (such as bed of nails/probes)
    6. circuit meters
    7. circuit self-diagnosis
    8. automated X-ray inspection equipment
    9. recording devices (such as for shock, vibration, humidity, temperature)
    10. sensory input (such as sight, sound, smell, touch)

  4. Carry out two of the following tests:

    1. pulse train sequencing and pulse rise time
    2. waveform shape, frequency and amplitude checks
    3. component value tests (such as resistance, capacitance, inductance)
    4. continuity, open and short circuit tests
    5. shock and vibration withstanding tests
    6. humidity, temperature and salt spray withstanding tests
    7. insulation resistance

  5. Carry out all of the following checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of the tests:

    1. test equipment used is appropriate for the tests being carried out
    2. the test equipment is correctly calibrated
    3. any portable equipment is PAT tested
    4. test equipment is operated within its specified range
    5. test procedures to be used are up-to-date and follow laid-down procedures
    6. electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions and procedures are  applied

  6. Check tests comply with one of the following standards:

    1. current industry standards, codes of practice and procedures
    2. customer standards and requirements
    3. company standards and procedures

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2023

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMEEE3-18

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Engineering Technicians, Maintenance Team Technician, Manufacturing Technologies, Production and Process Engineers

SOC Code

3113

Keywords

Engineering; electrical; electronic; testing; post production; components; circuits; procedures; equipment; methods