FINN Test Electronics (FTE)

A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective in LED testing. To develop solutions that meet high-quality standards, it is essential to pay close attention to customers’ needs and drive continuous innovation.

FINN Test Electronics (FTE) is a leading industry player that develops quality LED testing sensors with unmatched precision. Its innovative products are used for test and measurement environments within the electronics and manufacturing services sectors. The comprehensive range of FINN LED sensors provides test solutions for many light sources on any test platform— functional, in-circuit or stand-alone.

Innovation is embedded in FTE’s DNA. The journey began with its sister company, Test Coach, which develops testing programs and conducts tests on circuit boards for the electronics manufacturing services industry. The growing demand for testing LED sensors on boards led to a situation where the existing solutions failed to fulfill customer needs. FTE took charge and created products that consistently ensured elevated levels of client satisfaction.

“Our top priority is listening to our customer’s needs and constantly innovating to effectively fulfill their requirements,” says Jerald Stricker, CEO and president.

FTE introduced its primary LED sensor, FINN, as a solution for go/no-go testing. This highly compact product accommodates various spatial constraints and offers multiple configurations, encompassing right angle and vertical styles. It also has a probe-free version that caters to a broad spectrum of requirements. FINN operates without power and is remarkably user-friendly. By aligning with an illuminated LED of the corresponding color, it transmits a signal through the probe to the testing apparatus, effectively indicating color and brightness.

Its growing engagement with clients across industries like aeronautical, military, IT and medical helped recognize their need for a solution that precisely determines LED colors based on their dominant wavelength on the chromaticity diagram. In this regard, FTE created SmartFINN to test multi-colored and tricolor LEDs. It uses an all-color sensor that combines four sensors, each designed to detect a specific range of colors—blue, red, green and clear. The light’s wavelength that hits the sensor can be accurately measured by comparing readings.

Following SmartFINN’s success, FTE introduced the MegaFINN as a faster and more user-friendly solution. It measures most LEDs in 3 milliseconds. When an LED turns on, intelligent triggering starts a fresh sample, allowing this sensor to respond as quickly as possible. It is ideal for functional test setups and MDA stations, where frequency and voltage are not measured.

When the demand for testing multiple LEDs surfaced, FTE developed the MEGA FINN Module. A plug-n-play module using the 5v provided by the USB itself, no external power supply is required. Available in 4,8,12, and 16 channels that can be daisy chained to test up to 254 LEDs. Included are fiber optic cables and heads that are placed in front of or over the LED to be tested. No cutting or polishing of fiber optic is required.

FTE then took innovation a step further and developed the FINNtrometer, which allows users to capture CIE xy, CIE uv, and CCT in addition to the dominant wavelength and the speed of the MEGA FINN. The plug-n-play module can also be daisy-chained to test up to 254 LEDs with a single USB or serial cable. It uses the advanced LED color and intensity measurement capabilities of a custom propriety sensor, packaged in an enclosure, to test multiple LEDs at the same time without powering each component individually.

FTE goes beyond innovation and focuses on customer service to ensure that users experience the true benefits of its products. In one instance, a client faced difficulty installing MegaFINNs into their fixtures and sought a more efficient approach to reduce the time required for this process. It developed a plastic sleeve for easy product insertion, enabling the entire assembly to slide smoothly into their fixtures. This innovation significantly expedited their installation process, minimizing the risk of LED breakage or damage. The company subsequently offered this solution as a primary installation method for client convenience.

Continuous innovation and considering customer feedback to develop new solutions have been the driving forces behind FTE’s growth. By leveraging its global presence with distributors in various locations, including Singapore, Germany, France and Japan, the company continues to lead the innovation in LED sensor testing.