Non Contact Test Points - A high frequency measurement technique for printed circuit boards

Abstract: A rising problem within electronics today is that, since the frequencies have increased dramatically, it is now very difficult to measure signals. If a traditional probe is used, then the direct contact will destroy the signal. The general idea behind this master thesis project is to make use of the crosstalk between transmission lines to create non contact test points. This thesis aims to evaluate different designs, in order to optimize the crosstalk, and also make use of signal processing to recover the original signal. Firstly, the problem was tackled with simulations and the results were analyzed in an attempt to optimize the design. Secondly, an actual circuit board was produced and the process was tested in reality. It turned out that the idea of non contact test points was solid, and it is shown in the report that good measurements can be acquired with little effect upon the original signal.