In a rapidly evolving electronics industry, the ability to test complex PCB assemblies efficiently, reliably, and at scale has become a key differentiator. Companies must deliver high-quality products under tight deadlines while accommodating diverse customer requirements. Kitron, a leading EMS provider with head office in Norway, recognized the need for a standardized and flexible test system to meet these demands. Their solution: the development of the Standard Automated Test System (SATS), designed to enhance speed, consistency, and scalability in test environments. This case study explores how Kitron approached the challenge — and the crucial role played by CN Rood with their suppliers, NI, JTAG and MacPanel.
About Kitron and Its Focus on Test Quality
Kitron is a well-established Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company serving sectors such as defence, medical, energy, and industry. With operations across Europe, the US, and Asia, Kitron delivers high-complexity products that demand rigorous testing processes. “Testing is critical to our operations — from PCBs to complete systems, we aim for the highest level of quality and consistency every day,” says Jan Reidar Thorsen, Test Engineer at Kitron. The company relies on automated and precise test systems to ensure product reliability throughout the production cycle.
The Development of SATS
Driven by increasing product variation and shorter development cycles, Kitron developed Standard Automated Test System (SATS) to unify and streamline its test approach. “We needed a flexible test platform that could easily be adapted to a variety of customers — no matter the size of the production series,” explains Thorsen. SATS is a modular platform that allows Kitron to maintain a standardized system while customizing test fixtures and instrumentation for each specific product. This enables faster deployment of test solutions, improves maintainability, and ensures repeatable quality across global production sites.
A Scalable and Technically Robust Platform
Technically, SATS is built around a 19” rack-based PXIe mainframe with modular instruments, including DMMs, switches, and multiplexers. It uses MacPanel’s Mass Interconnect system for robust and flexible connectivity, and integrates a JTAG solution for enhanced test coverage at the board level. “JTAG gives us better test coverage and lets us verify the integrity of the circuit board before applying voltages or running functional tests,” Thorsen explains. The system is managed by NI TestStand, which orchestrates all test sequences and integrates easily with other software environments. Combined, these components create a compact and scalable solution that meets both current and future needs.
Customer Value and the Role of CN Rood
The impact for Kitron and its customers has been significant. SATS shortens development time, reduces manual testing, and enables consistent reporting and traceability. “A test that took an hour manually now takes just minutes,” notes Thorsen. Customers benefit from improved product quality, faster ramp-up, and the ability to scale production efficiently. A key factor in SATS’s success has been the collaboration with CN Rood, supplier of essential instrumentation and integration advice. “We have a very good relationship with CN Rood. They provide a wide range of brands (NI, JTAG and MacPanel) for our systems and are a valuable partner when it comes to selecting or replacing instrumentation,” Thorsen concludes. “I really appreciate the collaboration.”
