Flash Tester

The flash tester is a specialized version of a hipot tester. The flash tester gets its name from the speed in which its high voltage tests are accomplished. A high volume production flash tester is capable of conducting a hipot test in as little as 50 milliseconds. This includes ramping up to the test voltage, dwelling (although briefly) at the test voltage, then ramping back down to a safe low voltage. All the while, the flash tester is monitoring leakage currents to confirm that the device under test is within tolerance. The flash tester version of a hipot test is most frequently performed on ceramic monolithic capacitors. These tiny devices require near 100% testing and are manufactured in such large quantities, that when it comes to test speed - time is of the essence. It is not humanly possible to handle small devices at such high rates, so flash testers are almost always married to an automated handling system. The flash tester and the system communicate through a high speed I/O style handler interface. To further increase flash tester throughput, flash testers may be package with multiple channel capability. Typical output voltage ranges on flash testers are limited to 1000VDC. However, modern dielectric materials continue to increase the voltage ratings on compact CMC’s fueling the need for higher voltage rated flash testers.