Prüfkarten

Prüfkarten are cards or fixtures used to organize, execute, and document testing activities in quality assurance, manufacturing, and metrology. The term covers both physical test cards that connect to equipment and the accompanying documentation that specifies test steps, reference values, and acceptance criteria. Prüfkarten aim to ensure consistency, traceability, and repeatability of measurements and tests across devices, batches, and production lines.

In electronics manufacturing, a Prüfkarten typically refers to a fixture or printed circuit card that carries test patterns, reference signals, and interface points to the unit under test. It interfaces with automated test equipment and supports functional, parametric, and safety testing. A Prüfkarten includes sections for the test items, target values, tolerances, required setup, and data-logging fields. It is designed for reuse and often issued with a revision history to maintain traceability to a device type, production lot, or calibration state.

Structure and content of a Prüfkarten usually cover the test sequence, expected results, measurement conditions, and criteria for pass or fail. Documentation may also encompass calibration data, environmental conditions, operator notes, and links to related procedures. In many industries, Prüfkarten are treated as controlled documents and preserved as part of quality records.

Lifecycle and standards emphasize that Prüfkarten be validated before use, regularly reviewed, and archived with proper version control. They support root-cause analysis, audits, and compliance with quality and metrology standards, such as ISO 9001 or ISO/IEC 17025, by providing clear, repeatable testing protocols and verifiable results.