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September 2016 • The PCB Magazine 43 Okay, the question again regarding fixture vs. flying probe? With this large specification I have created Table 1 outlining the specific "Slash Sheets" [3] and allowances therein. Also remember that when testing military/ aero product the specifications require moni- toring of atmospheric conditions at the time of test. These traceability records must be retained for a minimum of three years [4] . AS9100 and medical retention carry longer requirements. Overall the testing of military/aerospace product has become less of a challenge in recent years than historically. The relaxation of the fix- ture only requirements has made it much more cost-efficient and expedient. Historically minor changes in net design required new fixture tool- ing which is expensive and time consuming. Changes to flying probe programs are fast and only require time from the front end. Take the time to review the specifications. There are some minor differences outlined in the specifications that differ from the default requirements of IPC-9252A. The performance specifications for military can be found on the Defense Logistics Agency's website [5] . Remember that customer procurement doc- uments and master drawings may override the general requirements of any specification. Many specifications call out the minimum require- ments that meet the specification. Customers may require stronger parameters and simultane- ous (fixture) tests when the specifications allow flying probe. All procurement documents and master drawings should be consulted prior to developing the test solution for any given prod- uct. This will guarantee the correct solution and prevent costly delays with time to market. PCB References 1. MIL-PRF-55110H w/Amendment 1. 2. MIL-PRF-50884F w/Amendment 1. 3. MIL-PRF-31032 /1C, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6A. 4. MIL-PRF-31032B w/Amendment 1 Section 3.9. 5. List of military performance specs Todd Kolmodin is the vice presi- dent of quality for Gardien Services USA, and an expert on electrical test and reliability issues. To read past columns, or to contact Kolmodin, click here. TESTING MILITARY/AEROSPACE—HOUSTON, WE HAVE A SOLUTION NASA, with Space Center Hous- ton, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and NineSigma, a global innovation con- sultant organization, has opened registration for the Space Robotics Challenge. This event seeks to de- velop the capabilities of humanoid robots to help astronauts on the journey to Mars. The Space Robotics Challenge is a $1 million prize competition designed to push the boundaries of robot- ic dexterity. Teams must program a virtual robot, mod- eled after NASA's Robonaut 5 (R5) robot, to complete a series of tasks in a simulation that includes periods of latency to represent communications delay from Earth to Mars. Though some dexterity has been developed for Earth-based robotics systems using hydraulics, such ro- bots cannot be used in space because of the below-freezing temperatures and the harsh environment of planetary sur- faces. The R5 uses elastics technology in- stead of hydraulics—an innovative way of addressing the problems of operating in space. "Precise and dexterous robotics, able to work with a communications delay, could be used in spaceflight and ground missions to Mars and elsewhere for hazardous and complicated tasks, which will be cru - cial to support our astronauts," said Monsi Roman, pro- gram manager of NASA's Centennial Challenges. In the virtual competition environment, each team's R5 will be challenged with resolving the aftermath of a dust storm that has damaged a Martian habitat. This involves three objectives: aligning a communications dish, repairing a solar array, and fixing a habitat leak. NASA Space Robotics Challenge Prepares Robots for the Journey to Mars