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Electrical Test Talk with Gardien's Rick Meraw
February 6, 2013 | Dan Beaulieu, D.B. Management GroupEstimated reading time: 6 minutes
Since I’m interested in knowing what will be going on at IPC APEX EXPO 2013, I was happy to get the chance to talk with one of this year’s white paper presenters, Rick Meraw, senior vice president of U.S. operations for Gardien Group.
With more than 20 years in the industry, Meraw has held a number of key positions since joining Gardien Services in 1993, including customer liaison to process engineer to operational manager for the Toronto location. In June of 2011, he was promoted to his current position. Educated as an electronic engineering technologist, Meraw has dedicated his career to helping PCB manufacturers improve their quality control process.
Dan Beaulieu: Rick, you'll be presenting at IPC APEX EXPO in a few weeks. What is the title of your presentation and what is the topic?
Rick Meraw: The official title of the presentation is "Electrical Test Conditions and Considerations," and it’s about how the PCB industry is ever changing and adapting to new technology. OEM specifications and requirements have also advanced due to these technologies. With these advancements, some things will still remain the same and some requirements will change. PCB manufactures are told what electrical test requirements are necessary for a given particular part via a fab (master) drawing. This is usually done during the quoting, or procurement phase. While an OEM is deciding what requirements are required for a particular part regarding electrical test, some over-precautions and/or disconnects may occur.
Beaulieu: Who stands to benefit the most from the presentation? Who should attend?
Meraw: The presentation is geared toward engineers and designers of PCB requirements, but I think it would be greatly beneficial for quality and engineering people from the board fabricators to be there as well. What we are trying to do is help both of these groups to better communicate with one other. The people who design the boards and call out the electrical test requirements should have a good understanding of what the shops can give them; by the same token, fabricators need a clear idea of exactly what their customers are calling out. Our hope is to improve that line of customer/fabricator communication.Beaulieu: Can you give us just a teaser of a couple of the highlights of your talk?
Meraw: This paper will outline and define functionalities of how electrical test parameters are used to test the bare PCB, while encompassing various categories of electrical testers. It will describe how a dedicated tester and a universal grid tester have similar functionalities. It will also define how the test is performed for both of these testers and how the defined test parameters are used during the electrical test process. This paper will also describe the functionality of a flying probe test versus the dedicated and universal grid test, but with a little more depth. This is because of the complexity of raw testing methods in the various flying probe technologies. It will also show why a flying probe electrical test machine may or may not show the test voltages on the electrical test certificate of compliance. This paper will also offer a better understanding of why it may not be necessary to lower the test voltage below the IPC-9252A suggested minimum isolation value.
Beaulieu: In a nutshell, what do you want the audience to walk away with?
Meraw: A better understanding of how (bare board) electrical test is performed on PCB boards. And, as I said earlier, better communication methods between board shops and customers.
Beaulieu: How are things going at Gardien?
Meraw: Currently, things are stable, with new opportunities on the horizon--especially with our HiPot test services. Additionally, we are striving to be a 5-star quality assurance provider, which will offer services that enhance the abilities of PCB shops to service the needs of their customers. We’re also watching and offering services to OEMs. We are currently offering a number of special services, including: HiPot testing, custom HiPot fixtures, 4-wire Kelvin testing and reverse engineering and scanning.
Beaulieu: Rick, you get around and have a pretty good handle on what is going on in our industry. How do you see things? What’s going on with the North American PCB industry right now?
Meraw: To tell you the truth, Dan, it’s not overwhelming, but business overall seems to be steady and customers seem to be optimistic. Different markets tend to be performing in different directions. Currently, our U.S. military market is significantly down and, of course, we can attribute that to all of the things that are up in the air in Washington right now.
Beaulieu: Where would you like to see Gardien in five years?
Meraw: I would like to see exponential growth by integrating our services into and alongside our customers, and building long term relationships. By building stronger relationships with EMS and OEM, we can ensure the end products are defect-free from the beginning.Beaulieu: I tend to agree with you. I work with a lot of board shops and, as certain things become more sophisticated--especially electrical testing technology, they are going to have to turn to companies like Gardien to help them stay on top of things. I think that you guys are going to get a lot of interest in the next couple of years. Speaking of board shops, let’s say I am a board shop owner. What can Gardien do for me and my company?
Meraw: Here is what I think is the most important thing we can do for you: We can offer third-party quality control services that will increase your customers’ satisfaction with your product. In doing this we will also reduce your manufacturing costs. At the same time, your team can focus on manufacturing enhancements that will allow you to meet the ever-changing needs of your customers.
Beaulieu: And, most importantly, how will this help me win more business?
Meraw: Through education and our services you will be able to help your customers know that they can bring to you any test requirement and we would be able to provide that service/resource for you. We can help you provide a full range of testing services. But it isn’t just about the extra business you can win; the benefits apply to better efficiency and cost management of your existing business, too.
Beaulieu: Do you think I can be more competitive if I use your services?
Meraw: We will work with you to ensure that the benefits are win/win for both sides of the partnership. You will have access to all test services you need at all times. Gardien is also investing in R&D, which our customers will be able to benefit from in line with the development of new technologies.
Beaulieu: What message would you like to leave our readers with today?
Meraw: Gardien, through worldwide experience, can and will become the every day third-party quality assurance service and resource center for the global market. Contact us and see what opportunities are already available to enhance your business.
Beaulieu: When will you be presenting your paper at IPC APEX EXPO?
Meraw: I will be joined in the program by my co-author, Todd Kolmodin, who is our vice president of quality here in North America. We will actually be presenting two papers--the one we just talked about and then one by Todd and me on HiPot Testing. We will be presenting these papers at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, February 21.
Beaulieu: Thanks for talking with me today and I look forward to seeing you in San Diego in a few weeks.
For more information about The Gardien Group, visit www.gardien.com.