The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce that its President Bert Horner will share his extensive expertise in electronics manufacturing and test engineering at the Dallas SMTA’s upcoming Failure Analysis and Test Information Day, taking place Friday, September 4, 2026, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Aboca’s Italian Grill in Richardson, Texas.
Horner will present a technical session on Flying Probe Testing (FPT), addressing how the technology fits within a comprehensive electronics manufacturing test strategy and where it can deliver particular value for today’s increasingly complex and high-mix production environments.
Hosted by the Dallas chapter of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), the one-day technical event will bring together industry professionals for presentations covering failure analysis, Flying Probe Testing and In-Circuit Test (ICT), followed by a panel discussion focused on how these methodologies can work together. The event is designed to provide practical technical insight while demonstrating that test and analysis technologies are often most effective when deployed as complementary elements of an overall quality strategy. Lunch will be served during the program, giving attendees an opportunity to network while exploring how failure analysis, Flying Probe and ICT can work together as complementary, cost-effective solutions through real-world examples and attendee Q&A.
Horner’s presentation, “Flying Probe Testing,” will provide attendees with a practical understanding of FPT and its role in modern electronics manufacturing. Rather than positioning Flying Probe as a replacement for other test methodologies, the presentation will examine how FPT complements technologies including solder paste inspection (SPI), automated optical inspection (AOI), automated X-ray inspection (AXI), ICT, Boundary Scan (JTAG), Functional Test and System Test.
The session will explore how Flying Probe systems operate, including the mechanical and electrical technologies that enable fixtureless testing. Horner also will discuss the types of electrical measurements that can be performed and the applications where FPT can provide significant advantages, including prototypes, New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering change orders (ECOs), and high-mix, low-to-medium-volume production.
“Today’s electronics manufacturers have more test options than ever, but the real value comes from understanding how those technologies work together,” said Bert Horner, President of The Test Connection, Inc. “Flying Probe can provide tremendous flexibility without the need for a dedicated fixture, making it particularly valuable during development, NPI, engineering changes and high-mix production. The goal of this presentation is to give attendees a practical understanding of where Flying Probe fits into the larger test strategy and how it can complement other inspection and test technologies.”
With more than four decades of experience spanning electronics manufacturing, test engineering, business development and executive leadership, Horner brings a broad perspective to the discussion. He developed his career under the guidance of his father, Bill Horner, who founded TTCI, and today leads the company in delivering advanced test engineering solutions to the electronics industry.
Registration is available here.
About The Test Connection Inc.
The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) is a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, serving a diverse range of industries. With a strong commitment to quality and innovation, TTCI also believes in giving back to the community through meaningful charitable initiatives.
