ET MICROCLIP™

The ET MicroClip™ is specially designed for providing new or additional test points on Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The engineer trying to debug an existing system will find this as an indispensable tool for probing and viewing signals on a logic analyzer, oscilloscope, meter or other instrument for almost any location on the PCB with a mounted passive device. The MicroClip attaches to surface mount passive components, including resistors, capacitors and inductors. Its unique design allows it to attach directly to both terminals of the Device Under Test (DUT) and used in hands-free operation. Isolated probe leads from the MicroClip can then be connected to the test instrument using a variety of available cables (see Probe Cable Assemblies below). A complete hands-free probing system can be created when used in conjunction with Emulation Technology's MicroGrippers. This system allows the engineer to focus on the analysis rather than on how to physically probe the system, regardless of the availability of test points on the PCB.

The MicroClip's pointed conductors are designed to prick into the solder of a mounted SMD and hold the MicroClip securely in place. An available placeholder can be used to position the MicroClip securely if extra security is required in positioning the MicroClip or for using the MicroClip to probe an un-mounted DUT. Four different sized MicroClips are available to fit four EIA standard component sizes: 0201, 0402, 0603 and 0805 (Figure 1). Be sure to choose the appropriate MicroClip for the DUT's dimensions. Note that length (L) is the critical dimension, as too long or short a device will not allow the MicroClip to clip on to the ends of the device under test (DUT). The MicroClip's low contact resistance and high dielectric strength allows it to be used for probing components accurately while the system is operational.

Features & Benefits

• Allows probing of system even if test points or break-out pins are unavailable
• Allows hands free probing of surface mount components
• Spring-tensioned pointed conductors grip firmly onto soldered terminals of DUT
• Available probe holder to allow hands-free use with un-mounted DUT
• Eases system power supply monitoring
• Greatly reduces debug and analysis time
• Reduces PCB costs by eliminating the need to have test points
• Four different MicroClips available for 0201, 0402, 0603 and 0805 component sizes
• 13 cable assemblies available to adapt the MicroClip to different applications

Figure 1: Typical EIA Component Dimensions

EIA Code Length (in/mm) Width (in/mm) Height (in/mm) 0201 0.02/0.6 0.01/0.3 0.009/0.23 0402 0.04/1.0 0.02/0.5 0.013/0.35 0603 0.06/1.6 0.03/0.8 0.017/0.45 0805 0.08/2.0 0.05/1.3 0.020/0.50

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Conductor resistance 15mΩ max Contact Resistance 15mΩ max Dielectric strength between two conductors 50VDC Dielectric strength between a conductor and ground 50VDC Operating bandwidth DC to 300MHz Capacitance @ 1kHz 0.5pF MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS Conductive probe Gold-plated stainless steel Body Plastic ABS An Overview of Installation Procedure NOTE: SEE INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR DETAILS. NOTES: Only use the MicroClip on components of the appropriate size. Hold the tweezers perpendicular to the body when sliding Do not slide the body fully down over the probe tips; slide it just enough so the tips prick into the solder. Do not pull the clip from the DUT without first sliding the body fully upward to release the probe tips. An integrated magnifying glass and tweezer set is available to assist with installing the MicroClip. 13 different probe cable assemblies are available to connect the MicroClip in various applications. MICROCLIPS ET Part# EIA Code Drawing FP-T23-02 0201 F7550 FP-T23-04 0402 F7550 FP-T23-06 0603 F7550 FP-T23-08 0805 F7550 FP-T23-KIT 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805 NOTE: Kit contains FP-T23-02, FP-T23-04, FP-T23-06, FP-T23-08, FP-T10, FP-T101 (x5), T23-10 (x3), T23-11, T23-12-2.5, T23-12-3.5, T23-12-5, T23-13, T23-2, T23-3, T23-4, T23-PC1, T23-PC2, T23-PL, T23-PS F7550

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Installation Guide

MICROCLIP CABLE ASSEMBLIES

The following probe cable assemblies are designed with a 0.75mm diameter tip to mate with the test clip. Various counter-ends are available for different applications.

T23-10	13mm length x f0.75mm copper pin (5 per set)	F7553

T23-11	40mm length probe extension; f0.75mm female end	F7553

T23-12-2.5	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for f2.5mm probe ground rings	F7553

T23-12-3.5	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for f3.5mm probe ground rings	F7553

T23-12-5	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for f5mm probe ground rings	F7553

T23-13	35mm length probe cable for connection to MicroGripper	F7553

T23-2	100mm length open-ended probe cable	F7553

T23-3	300mm length probe cable; f0.75mm male end	F7553

T23-4	90mm length probe cable; alligator clip end	F7553

T23-PC1	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for f0.4mm to f0.9mm probe tips	F7553

T23-PC2	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for f0.9mm to f1.4mm probe tips	F7553

T23-PL	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for M2.6 x 0.45 pitch probe tips; f8mm max probe head	F7553

T23-PS	40mm length oscilloscope probe adapter for M2.6 x 0.45 pitch probe tips; f6mm max probe head	F7553

NOTE: All probe cables are built with a male f0.75mm end for insertion into the test clip's probes.

NOTE: One of T23-PC1/ T23-PC2/T23-PL/T23-PS and one of T23-12-2.5/T23-12-3.5/T23-12-5 form a signal/ground pair for an oscilloscope probe.

MICROCLIP ACCESSORIES

ET Part#	Description	Drawing
FP-T10	MicroClip Holder	F7551
FP-T101	MicroClip Holder Wires: QTY 3 x 60mm and QTY 2 x 100mm	F7551
FP-T101-60	MicroClip Holder Wires: QTY 5 x 60mm	F7551
FP-T101-100	MicroClip Holder Wires: QTY 5 x 100mm	F7551
FP-T20	Integrated magnifying glass and tweezers set	F7552

Integrated Magnifying Glass and Tweezers Set (FP-T20):

The integrated magnifying glass and tweezers set is designed to assist the user when working with small components in tight areas. Due to the MicroClip's small size, Emulation Technology highly recommends the user to utilize the FP-T20 when attaching the the MicroClip to the DUT. This high quality magnifying glass and tweezers set allows the user to easily inspect if the MicroClip's tips are aligned with the DUT while simultaneously sliding the slider body to close the tips. The FP-T20 acts as a third hand; its design allows one hand to operate the tweezers and hold the integrated magnifying glass, while the user's free hand can align the MicroClip over the DUT.

MicroClip Holder (FP-T10) and Wires (FP-T101):

The MicroClip holder and wires allow the MicroClip to be used hands-free with components that are un-mounted or for a more secure positioning of the clip onto its target DUT. The design allows flexibility in positioning the test clip. The FP-T10, a solid plastic base, is designed to hold one end of an FP-T101, a semi-rigid wire. The other end of the FP-T101 attaches to the MicroClip. The MicroClip is then held in place, but can be optimally positioned to access the DUT.

Magnifying Glass & Tweezer Set
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FP-T20 IN USE
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MicroClip Holder & Wires Enlarge