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60 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2020 sequentially (Figure 1). This method is slower than the bed of nails method but more flexible. It is perfect for prototypes and smaller print runs. Bare Board Testing This is a method of testing where isolated circuits are tested for continuity before com- ponents such as resistors and ICs are attached. Both bed of nails tests and flying probe tests can be executed as bare board testing. IPC-9252 This is an industry standard document that lists the requirements for an electrical test. You don't necessarily need to read this document, but when an electrical testing service lists this, know that they are suitable for even the most rigorous of testing for commercial PCB pur- poses. IPC-D-356A This is a standardized format for netlist files. While important for verifying all the nets in a PCB, it lacks the precision and data accuracy of a Gerber file. Why Is Electrical Testing Important? You're the one who spent hours and hours designing and building a circuit, as well as carefully configuring a design in your CAD tool. You are probably confident that your PCB is ready for production, but the transition from digital design to physical reality can bring surprises, even for the most experienced PCB designer. The main objective of a PCB is to create a path of current across circuits in a defined and predictable way. Even though you've spent a considerable amount of time connecting and isolating the individual components of your design, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to a working layout. This is where electrical testing comes into play and saves you from frustrations and delays. Without electrical testing, you could end up with a batch of PCBs that don't function prop- erly. This could be because of faulty design. But Figure 1: Examples of flying probe test.