Figure 1. The test and measurement industry is ever evolving and requires equipment that stands the test of time. Source: E-Z-Hook

E-Z-Hook’s X2015 micro double gripper test connector was developed to address test and measurement challenges of the ever-changing electronic and electrical components field. Electronic components and devices must be tested at multiple stages of their product life cycles to verify that they meet design requirements, to ensure that they are manufactured according to quality standards or to identify and address potential problems in the field. As these products become more dense, complex and miniaturized in recent years, the tools used to connect to them have had to develop so that they could stack side by side, connect to fine pitch connections, provide reliable signals and be durable enough to withstand the testing environments. Regardless of the test and measurement challenges, E-Z-Hook – a worldwide developer and supplier of test and measurement accessories – has addressed these challenges with a unique micro hook that will surely stand the tests of time.

The test and measurement landscape

The test and measurement industry is ever evolving, and only becoming more complex as technology advances. For example, in the automotive industry, electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) are increasingly being used for automobile engine control, anti-lock brake systems, airbag control modules and much more. Often times, these EEPROMs must either be re-programmed due to errors, or they are damaged and the replacements must be programmed. Instead of unsoldering the chips on the circuit boards, the micro clip probes like the X2015 can be connected directly to the chips while they remain on the circuit boards to allow for reading and writing data to the chip.

In other industries, analog and operational amplifiers are used in applications such as process controls, communications, computers, power and signal sources, displays, measurement systems and more. These amplifiers are usually surface-mounted devices (SMDs) and must be tested directly on a circuit board. SMD chips such as the thin shrink small outline package (TSSOP), mini small outline package (MSOP) and quad flat package (QFP) offer smaller body sizes, lead pitches and package thicknesses than standard small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) packages.

The combination of smaller sizes and higher density packaging in EEPROMs and SMDs make it difficult for standard grabbers and clips to attach, thereby limiting the ability of test and measurement professionals to properly test these devices and develop their end products.

A test hook that stays ahead of the curve

E-Z-Hook, a worldwide developer and supplier of test and measurement accessories, has addressed the above challenges with their micro hook line and other test hook products. There are various micro hooks available, and they come in several different configurations, styles, sizes and colors to enable the testing of a wide variety of electronic components in several different applications.

Some devices in the micro hook product line include two contact blades that act like a miniaturized hand or grabber. These micro hook adapters connect to square socket patch cords with square pins. They are designed for use with SMDs or where the connection point space is limited, including narrow test contact areas. The ultra-thin blade and housing allows connector stacking and easier access, which is essential for use where weight and leverage may damage components. Their lightweight bodies – weighing less than one gram – and hypo-action actuation easily allow for direct hook-up to delicate wires and components. Best sellers include the X2015 double-gripper micro hook, the XM and XM25 micro hook, the XKM square pin micro hook and the P25 pico-hook.

The X2015 micro hook is the smallest E-Z-Hook double gripper test connector designed for use with SMDs and wherever a connection point is miniscule. The X2015 can be attached vertically or horizontally. It has a fully insulated shaft that allows for simultaneous side-by-side connection on whatever device requires a connection. To ensure accurate readings, the X2015 is designed with no sliding internal contact points. It excels at testing miniature components, IC connectors, IC pins, CIP and SMD, electrical test boards and for use with Arduino products. The test clip can connect to test lead wires or patch cords using the 0.030-inch diameter pin on the back of the connector, expanding the electronic test functionality. The X2015 allows for hands-free testing and fast installation.

Figure 2. The X2015 micro hook is the smallest E-Z-Hook double gripper test connector designed for use with SMDs and wherever a connection point is miniscule. Source: E-Z-Hook

E-Z-Hook test hook applications

E-Z-Hook offers hundreds of test hook and test lead combinations with various wire gauges, wire insulation (e.g., PVC, silicone, Teflon, rubber), coil cord and breakout cable assemblies. The connectors can be combined in multiple ways to produce customized test lead solutions, and are popular across various industries for prototyping, diagnostic testing, safety testing, analysis and troubleshooting, to name a few.

Some examples of the industries where these test hooks are currently being used include:

• Automotive: ECUs modules for engine, battery, braking systems, sensors, control signals and more
• Electrical and energy: lighting, fuse boxes, circuit boards, generators, battery cabinets, electrical systems and air conditioning
• Aerospace: battery servicing, switches, test terminals and termination points
• Defense: bomb detection shunt devices and wire attack kits
• Medical: monitoring systems, neuromodulation and restorative therapy
• Education: research and development labs and prototyping

E-Z-Hook has a collection of standard products created to meet general market needs, however in industry specialized fields, many of the company’s standard product solutions have been and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a client. For assistance beyond the online product offerings, the E-Z-Hook engineering department is easy to connect with to address customized solutions that meet individualized needs.

Test hooks are not just designed to connect with electrical components in a variety of applications to test electrical current, temperature, voltage and more. Some hooks are specifically designed with a piercing needle to bypass wire insulation and directly connect to a wire’s conductor. This allows users to test electrical measurements without having to splice wires or access the end of wires in hard-to-reach places. Test hooks generally connect to the wire via crimp or solder connection, while some have additional contact points (commonly a banana socket or jack), or even both wire attachment and additional adapter capabilities on one hook. Others have standalone adapters with no permanent wire connection.

E-Z-Hook

E-Z-Hook is a U.S.-based manufacturing company that has been family owned and operated since 1956. The company focus has been to develop and manufacture innovative test and measurement equipment for numerous applications in the automotive, aerospace, defense, electrical, electronics, energy, industrial, IT, medical, telecommunications and many more.

As problem solvers, E-Z-Hook works with their customers to develop customized solutions. Their consultative approach has allowed them to combine industry-specific requirements with ideas that leverage E-Z-Hook’s prior product and industry experiences. Their capabilities span the full range of design and development, engineering, prototyping, testing, manufacturing and assembly. E-Z-Hook’s products adhere to strict quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and environmental standards such as RoHS and REACH. Learn more today about E-Z-Hook and the products that can suit even the most complex testing needs.