Test probe, pin or test pin, pogo or pogo pin, spring probe, spring contact test probe, contact pin, test prods, CodaPin; all terms to describe the product that is used to make a spring-loaded point contact with a component, device or printed circuit board, to make the electrical test.
Receptacle, holder, sleeve, socket; all terms to describe the container that the test probe fits into after fitment in the plate, which sets the array. It allows the test probe to be removed for cleaning, or for it to be replaced and usually has the cable attached to it.
Plunger, tip, stem; terms that describe the component that is the spring-loaded contact point, which includes the tip and the stem.
Tip style, cap, head or head style; this is the selected shape of the end of the plunger depending on the type of target you are wishing to contact.
Barrel, body, sleeve; this is the tube that contains the spring, the back of the plunger, also keeps these components assembled.
Spring; The coil spring, internal or external, compression type, that provides the pressure for the contact point to conduct the test comfortably.
Travel, compression; the term that describes any inward movement of the plunger.
Initial spring force; this is the amount of pressure put onto the plunger so that it starts to move from rest to travel downwards into the barrel.
Working travel, recommended working travel, working distance; this is the distance that the plunger needs to be compressed for optimum test functionality, and also the point at which the spring force exerted onto the test target is given.
Working height; this is the distance that the plunger sits above the top of the receptacle, when the probe has been compressed by the recommended working travel.
Full travel, max travel; This is the distance that the plunger has travelled before it comes to a mechanical stop. This is either caused by plunger or spring
Press-ring, crush ring, bulge; the semi-circular raised ring on the side of the receptacle, which serves as a retention mechanism to hold the tube tightly in the hole that you have drilled. Sometimes it can be used as a stop collar.
Test centre, centre spacing, pitch; The minimum safe distance for two contacts to be next to each other, without fear of touching together. There is an industry standard set of distances that are set to work with PCB track layouts and connector specifications.
Stop ring/ Collar; the circular raised ring at the top of the receptacle tube, which serves as a stop mechanism to position the tube nearly flush at the top of the hole that you have drilled. Sometimes a spot of epoxy is needed to secure the tube in place.
Detents, indents, dots; usually 1 to 4 small features on a receptacle wall that intrude slightly, that grip the probe barrel to prevent it from falling out in normal use. Will allow the probe to be withdrawn up to 100 times for replacement. Can be dots or slots in shape.
UUT; Unit under test
ATE; Automatic Test Equipment.
Battery probe, battery contact, spring loaded contact or spring contact, contact pin; a spring loaded contact pin that borrows its heritage from test probe technology, although it is used for a different use, usually away from testing.
Land contact, target, mating surface; The solid contact surface, usually made from a similar material, size and plating specification that is used for the spring contact to make a contact to.
Plunger, tip, stem; terms that describe the component that is the spring-loaded contact point, which includes the tip and the stem.
Barrel, body, sleeve; this is the tube that contains the spring, the back of the plunger, also keeps these components assembled.
Spring; The coil spring, internal or external, compression type, that provides the pressure for the contact point to make the electrical connection comfortably.
Barb; a feature, usually a machined ramp, on the body of the spring contact or land that allows firm retention in the hole, but it does not allow removal.
Travel, compression; the term that describes any inward movement of the plunger.
Initial spring force; this is the amount of pressure put onto the plunger so that it starts to move from rest to travel downwards into the barrel.
Working travel, recommended working travel, working distance; this is the distance that the plunger needs to be compressed for optimum connection integrity, and also the point at which the spring force exerted onto the test target is quoted.
Working height; this is the distance that the plunger sits above the top of the barrel, when the contact plunger has been compressed by the recommended working travel.
Full travel; This is the distance that the plunger has travelled before it comes to a mechanical stop.
Test jig kits, bench-top test jigs, test fixtures; a range of test jig kits supplied assembled, which can be self-customized into a testing station for many different uses.
