The test system used to develop the modules was a complicated array of power supplies, multimeters and oscilloscopes, requiring highly skilled technicians. Also, testing an entire module for continuity and compliance with voltage suppression levels took 30 minutes. It was clear a 30-minute test cycle, along with a high skill-level requirement, would erode the company's competitive edge. A faster, simpler test setup was needed.
Eddy Voltaire, plant manager, saw Cirris System Corp.'s (Salt Lake City) Signal Touch 1 in operation on an automated connector production line at his company's insert molded products division. He realized his test requirements were similar to those performed in a hipot test on a Signature Touch 1, and that the tester would fit comfortably into the existing production process.