Every FixturFab fixture base ships with a blank feedthrough plate — an aluminum panel on the back of the fixture where you mount connectors, feedthroughs, and inlets. The main reason to customize one: convenience. Instead of routing individual wires into the fixture, you plug cables directly into panel-mounted connectors on the back. One side faces your test equipment, the other connects to probes or a TPCB inside.
Available Models#
Blank plate files (STEP and DXF) are available for every fixture base:
| Model | Compatible Base | Category |
|---|---|---|
| DEV260 | Dev (standard) | Development |
| DEV2112 | Dev XL | Development |
| Dev Pro | Dev Pro | Development |
| Dev Pro XL | Dev Pro XL | Development |
| MA2x11 | MA11 series | Production (Ingun) |
| MA2x12 | MA12 series | Production (Ingun) |
| MA2x13 | MA13 series | Production (Ingun) |
| MA2x14 | MA14 series | Production (Ingun) |
Customization Paths#
Three options for getting a feedthrough plate with the cutouts you need:
Self-Machining#
Download the blank plate STEP and DXF files, design your connector cutouts in CAD, and machine the plate yourself or through your shop. This gives you full control over the design and timeline. Best when you have in-house machining capability or a preferred vendor.
Pinout Specification#
Define a pinout for connectors from FixturFab's supported set, and FixturFab machines the plate for you. You specify connector types, positions, and signal assignments — FixturFab handles the mechanical design and fabrication. Best when you know exactly what connectivity you need but want FixturFab to handle the metalwork.
Full Custom Design#
For complex connectivity requirements — high-density connector layouts, integrated cable assemblies, or non-standard feedthrough types — FixturFab designs and fabricates a fully custom plate. You describe the test system requirements, and FixturFab engineers the plate to match. Best for production fixtures deploying to contract manufacturers where the fixture must be self-contained and operator-proof.
Common Connector Types#
Typical feedthrough configurations include:
| Connector Type | Application |
|---|---|
| D-Sub (DB9, DB25) | Serial communication, GPIO |
| Circular (M12, M8) | Industrial I/O, sensors |
| USB | Device programming, data |
| Power connectors | DUT power supply |
| BNC | RF signals, oscilloscope |
| RJ45 | Ethernet testing |
Design Considerations#
- Connector spacing — Leave at least 5mm clearance between connector cutouts for mounting hardware. Panel-mount nuts and retaining clips need room on the interior face.
- Cable routing — Plan cable paths from each connector to the probe plate or TPCB. FixturFab fixtures include internal tie-down points for cable management. Route power and signal cables separately to reduce noise.
- Labeling — Feedthrough plates can be engraved with connector labels, signal names, or port numbers. Specify labeling when ordering a machined plate, or engrave after self-machining.
- CM deployment — Feedthrough plate design matters most when fixtures ship to contract manufacturers. Label every connector clearly, use keyed connectors where possible, and document the pinout. An operator at a CM should be able to cable up the fixture without ambiguity.
Related Documentation#
- Fixture Bases — Compatible fixture base specifications
- Signal Interfaces — Signal routing between test equipment and DUT
- TPCB Guide — Test point carrier boards for wireless probe connections
- Receptacles Guide — Probe receptacle types and mounting