Reliable LED Testing with FINN Sensors
LEDs are being used in more and more electronic components. These LEDs need to be tested for functionality, brightness, and correct color as quickly and reliably as possible. It makes sense to perform the LED test during the in-circuit or functional test. FINN sensors were developed precisely for this purpose, offering easy handling, especially for test fixture builders:
Typically, FINN sensors do not require light guides. They can be installed directly in the adapter carrier plate in front of, above, or below the LEDs, using standard spring contact sleeves for 50 and 100 MIL.
Learn more about these FINN sensors:
- FINN Sensors
- Smart-FINN™
- Smart-FINN™
- BrightMega-FINN™
- Mega-FINN™ Module
FINN Sensors – Color Value Verification
Each sensor in this FINN type is calibrated to a specific color spectrum: green, red, blue, clear, or infrared. FINN sensors combine the function of a light-sensitive semiconductor component with an optical filter. Only the light corresponding to the assigned color passes through the filter and generates an electrical voltage in the sensor, which is then recognized by the measuring device as "PASS" or "OK."
Technical Highlights of FINN Sensors
- Compact design
- Pre-assembled for easy installation (mounted on 2 spring contacts, which can be easily inserted into standard contact sleeves)
- Easy to adapt to other system platforms like Teradyne and GenRad
- Can be evaluated without a special test system – essentially with any multimeter
- Requires no external power supply (FINN only)
- Available in surface-mount or right-angle configurations
- Sensor dimensions (without spring contacts): 6 x 12.5 mm
FINN sensors can also be used to test dual-color LEDs. For this, a "colorless/clear" sensor can be used to check if both LED elements light up. Alternatively, two sensors can be installed to test bi-color LEDs.
Smart-FINN™
As the name suggests, the sensors in the Smart series are more intelligent: Each Smart-FINN™ integrates four color sensors, covering the entire color spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared. Additionally, the brightness of the LED is measured. The secret of the Smart-FINN design lies in its simplicity. Besides the power supply connections for POWER and GROUND, there is only one additional pin for outputting the measurement signal. This pin delivers the values for the color and brightness of the tested LED. The wavelength (color) and brightness (as voltage) are thus output via the same signal. As a result, the Smart-FINN™ not only verifies a specific color but also "detects" the exact color value of an LED.
Your Benefits with Smart-FINN™
- Color detection across the full spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared
- Operating voltage from 2.7 VDC to 5.5 VDC
- Connection pins meet international standards, suitable for bed-of-nails adapters
- Can be operated directly from a digital output
- Color detection and light intensity measurement with a single signal
- Right-angle mounting technology similar to Agilent TestJets™
- Can be integrated into a fully automated test process, eliminating the need for operator intervention
- Significantly faster evaluation than optical inspection by an operator
Application Fields for Smart-FINN™
- Any test environment where LED testing is performed
- The sensors are already used in various industries, such as automotive, communications, and medical technology
- Suitable for use in most in-line environments
Smart-FINN™ Bright
The Smart-FINN™ Bright is the sensor for testing high-performance LEDs. This type is used specifically when testing involves not just simple light sources, but commercial and industrial LEDs. For this reason, the Bright version is equipped with a specially developed neutral density filter that reduces brightness while maintaining color accuracy.
Application Areas
- Automotive LEDs
- Lighting LEDs
- LEDs in maritime applications
- LEDs in military use
- Any testing application requiring color detection for extremely bright LEDs
- In quality control for most in-line production lines
Mega-FINN™
The Mega-FINN™ enhances the features of the Smart-FINN by delivering better and faster results. With an improved operating system, this FINN type meets the demand for faster results and the detection of additional light sources, such as pulsing LEDs, with its higher detection rate and accuracy.
Additionally, it includes a light-frequency conversion sensor with an integrated microprocessor, specifically designed for highly precise measurement evaluations. The Mega-FINN™ calculates the color and intensity of the measured light and converts it into an easy-to-read output signal. Its small, slim design allows for easy installation directly in front of or above an LED on a printed circuit board.
Mega-FINN™ Measurement Times
The measurement times of the Mega-FINN™ are typically under 3 ms. Response times are shorter for bright LEDs and longer for dim LEDs.
Applications
- Test applications requiring extremely short measurement times
- Quality control with tight tolerances, demanding precise and reliable results
- For pulsing, bright, and dim LEDs with visible light ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared
- Automated color detection and brightness measurement of LEDs
- Any functional and in-circuit test environment on any test platform
The Mega-FINN™ Module
The Mega-FINN™ module consolidates the technology and superior color and brightness measurement results of the Mega-FINN™ for simultaneous measurement of multiple LEDs in one device. This means the sensors do not need to be powered individually. This cost-effective method for detecting LED presence, color, and brightness reduces the complexity of the measurement system and lowers the cost per sensor.
Your Benefits with the Mega-FINN™ Module
- High accuracy with ± 0.3% and an average resolution of 0.1 nm in the visible light spectrum
- Short response time of less than 3 ms for LEDs with medium to high brightness
- No measurement equipment is needed for frequency and voltage measurement
- Fast and easy installation via USB or serial interface, with integrated overvoltage protection
- Fiber optic cable diameter of 1.28 mm enables the measurement of very tightly spaced LEDs
- The compact module can be easily integrated into in-circuit or functional test adapters. Up to 254 LEDs can be tested via a USB or RS-232 interface
Applications
- Simultaneous measurement of multiple LEDs
- Applications with short test durations
- For strict quality requirements with clear and accurate measurement results
- For bright, very dim, and pulsing LEDs, in the light spectrum from ultraviolet to near-infrared
- For functional and in-circuit test applications, regardless of the test platform
- Ideal for functional tests and MDA systems, where small frequency or voltage measurements are performed
- Also suitable for tightly spaced LEDs (down to 1.28 mm apart)
LED Testing: Quality and Efficiency
Are you interested in the various products from FINN TEST ELECTRONICS® and would like more information from our experts?
We are happy to provide personal advice regarding your specific application needs. Contact our team via email at contact@fixtest.de or by phone at +49 (0)7733 / 5056-0.