Controlar Offers Tooling and Fixturing Solutions for Electronics Manufacturing Test Applications

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Controlar develops and builds tooling, test fixtures, and scalable test systems for a wide range of PCB and electronics manufacturing applications, including ICT (In-Circuit Testing), functional test, ISP (In-System Programming), RF testing, LED testing, and end-of-line testing.

Many test challenges in production environments are not only related to the test itself. They are often linked to cycle times that do not match line speed, fixtures that are difficult to maintain, false failures that stop production, operator dependency on manual processes, or test systems that were not originally designed for scalability.

Controlar develops solutions built around production requirements, from stand-alone stations to automated in-line systems.

With more than 40 years of experience in industrial automation and test engineering, Controlar designs fixtures and test solutions for both in-line and off-line systems, ranging from simple mechanical setups to solutions with thousands of test points, custom handlers, multi-stage actuation, and mechanical and electrical integration.

The company's approach is based on customization, supported by a structured development process intended to reduce lead times while maintaining consistency and quality. Fixtures and systems are designed to match each manufacturer's production requirements, quality requirements, and product complexity—whether the application requires pneumatic, vacuum, or manual operation, custom software, traceability, or integration into industry-standard test platforms.

For ICT applications, Controlar provides complete fixture solutions and mechanical-only fixtures. Complete ICT fixture solutions can include mechanical design, electrical integration, and custom software. Mechanical-only ICT fixtures are designed to be compatible with a range of test platforms, allowing manufacturers to continue using existing systems while reducing adaptation costs.

These solutions can be adapted for multiple industry test platforms, including CheckSum, Digitaltest, Keysight Technologies, Teradyne, and TRI Innovation systems.

“Our focus is on building fixtures that work reliably in real production environments,” said José Cuevas, Business Development Engineer for México and USA at Controlar. “That means not just meeting test requirements, but making sure the solution fits into the customer’s process, supports the required cycle time, and holds up over time. Fixture design plays a big role in overall test performance. If the fixture isn’t right, it affects everything - cycle time, repeatability, false failures, and ultimately product quality.”

Controlar's fixturing solutions support multiple test technologies within a single platform, including ICT, ISP programming, functional test, boundary scan, RF testing, LED analysis, and end-of-line testing. Through partnerships with technology providers such as FEASA and SMH, the company integrates optical LED testing and flash programming into the fixture environment.

Beyond standard test interfaces, Controlar develops custom adaptations to address specific application requirements. These include multi-level probing, connector actuation, signal conditioning, noise filtering, and the integration of dedicated circuits for switching, protection, or load simulation. The company also supports custom handlers, mechanical and electrical integration, custom software, and traceability requirements to help manufacturers improve repeatability, reduce manual intervention, and support production expansion.

Fixtures are commonly used with Controlar's in-line test systems, including the XILS and MILS platforms, where fast changeover, repeatability, and mechanical precision are required. These systems are designed for high-mix and high-demand production environments, allowing manufacturers to balance test coverage with throughput, floor space constraints, and operator usability.

Controlar supports projects ranging from standalone fixtures to turnkey test solutions, including application development, system integration, custom automation, software and traceability, and production ramp support at the customer site.

Manufacturers have different production requirements, including short cycle times, flexibility for high-mix production, or systems that can operate with minimal engineering support, and Controlar develops its tooling and fixturing solutions to address those production needs.

Click here to learn more about Controlar.