Definition

Flying probe testing uses motorized probes that move across the PCB to verify electrical connections, testing continuity (opens) and isolation (shorts). Unlike bed-of-nails fixtures, flying probe requires no dedicated tooling, making it economical for prototypes and low/medium volumes. Test time is longer than fixture testing (seconds to minutes per board vs. under a second) but setup is immediate. Modern flying probe testers achieve <25 µm positional accuracy, enabling testing of fine-pitch features. Some systems include capacitive measurement for embedded components.