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Huntron TRACKER 200 User Manual

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HUNTRON, INC.
TRACKER
200
USER MANUAL
July 1999
P/N 21-1312
©1999 Huntron, Inc. All rights reserved.
Huntron, Tracker and ShorTrack are registered trademarks of Huntron, Inc. All other product names are
trademarks of their respective companies.
This document may not be copied in whole or in part, or otherwise reproduced except as specifically
permitted under U.S. copyright law, without the prior written consent of:
Huntron, Inc., 15720 Mill Creek Blvd., Suite #100 Mill Creek, Washington 98012, USA.

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  • Page 1 P/N 21-1312 ©1999 Huntron, Inc. All rights reserved. Huntron, Tracker and ShorTrack are registered trademarks of Huntron, Inc. All other product names are trademarks of their respective companies. This document may not be copied in whole or in part, or otherwise reproduced except as specifically permitted under U.S.
  • Page 2 Huntron’s liability under these warranties, including any damages sustained by the customer through malfunction or failure of the Huntron Tracker 200, shall not exceed the amount of the purchase price of the Huntron Tracker 200, regardless of the extent of any such damage, including any special, consequential, or incidental damages of any kind.
  • Page 3 To obtain information about service, accessories and other products, contact: Huntron, Inc. 15720 Mill Creek Blvd., Suite #100 Mill Creek, WA 98012 In North America, call 800-426-9265 or worldwide 425-743-3171. Huntron is also accessible by: ♦ FAX: 425-743-1360 ♦ Internet E-mail: huntron@huntron.com ♦...
  • Page 4 This manual also covers the subject of troubleshooting using analog signature analysis (ASA) technology at the fundamental level. More in-depth and comprehensive hands-on instruction on ASA troubleshooting is available. Contact Huntron for more information, applications and other training available for the Tracker 200 and other Huntron products.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Power Configuration..................1-3 Signal Fuse Replacement ................1-4 50/60Hz Selector Switch................1-4 Unpacking Your Tracker 200............... 1-4 Installation....................1-5 Operating the Tracker 200 ................1-6 Specifications ....................1-8 Accessories....................1-12 A Quick Tour..................... 2-1 Front Panel....................2-2 Back Panel ....................2-4 Oscilloscope Display ...................
  • Page 6 Identifying Unknown Transistors..............5-12 Darlington Bipolar Transistor Signatures ............. 5-14 Using the Pulse Generator to Test Transistor Operation........ 5-15 Analyzing the Active Characteristics of a Transistor........5-16 Review ......................5-17 Applications ....................5-18 Optical Switches..................5-18 Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 7 Analog Circuits ................... 6-11 Op Amps..................... 6-11 Op Amp Signatures ..................6-12 Troubleshooting Op Amp Circuits..............6-13 Linear Voltage Regulators ................6-14 Review ......................6-15 Applications ....................6-15 Low Voltage....................6-16 Review ......................6-18 Applications ....................6-18 Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 8 Table of Contents Notes: Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 9: Introduction And Specifications

    Introduction and Specifications The Huntron Tracker 200 is an accessory to an oscilloscope which allows power off troubleshooting of electronic circuits by using the technique of Analog Signature Analysis. This signature shows the V/I characteristics of an electronic device which when compared with a known good device, can assist in locating faulty components of a circuit without applying power to the board under test.

  • Page 10: What Is Signature Analysis

    Perform preventative maintenance by seeing flaws in components that could ■ possibly lead to untimely failures. Look at replacement components before they are installed in circuitry to ■ reduce the risk of installing defective ones. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 11: Power Configuration

    Line Selector Switch The Line Selector Switch, located on the Tracker 200’s back panel, selects between 100/115VAC and 230VAC. Slide the switch to the line voltage that you will be using.

  • Page 12: Signal Fuse Replacement

    Introduction and Specifications Signal Fuse Replacement The Signal fuse is located on the back panel of the Tracker 200 in a panel mounted fuse holder. If the fuse opens, replace it with another 5 mm x 20 mm, F250 mA 250 V (IEC127-2/II type GDB) fuse.

  • Page 13: Installation

    The Tracker 200 requires a 2 channel Oscilloscope with X/Y capability for displaying the signature of the device under test. 1. The figure below shows a typical connection of a Tracker 200 to an oscilloscope. Figure 1-3. Typical Tracker 200-to-Oscilloscope connection.

  • Page 14: Operating The Tracker 200

    Connect the test probes to the front panel A and COM terminals of the Tracker 200. Short the test terminals. A vertical Trace will be displayed. Adjust the vertical position of the trace so that it is at the vertical crosshair of the graticule.
  • Page 15 Refer to later chapters of this manual for details on testing resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, multiple component circuits, integrated circuits, SCRs and optocouplers. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 16: Specifications

    Introduction and Specifications Specifications The specifications for the Tracker 200 are listed in Table 1-1. Table 1-1. Tracker 200 Specifications Electrical Test Signal: Sine wave Open Circuit Voltage (V 60 V HIGH Range 20 V MED 2 Range 15 V...
  • Page 17 Introduction and Specifications Table 1-1. Tracker 200 Specifications (continued) Electrical (continued): Power Requirements: Line Voltage 100/115 VAC or 230 VAC Frequency 50 Hz to 60 Hz Power 15 W maximum Line Fuse 100/115 V: 5 mm x 20 mm, T160 mA, 250 V...
  • Page 18 Introduction and Specifications Table 1-1. Tracker 200 Specifications (continued) Certifications and Compliances EC Declaration of Conformity - EMC Directive Meets the intent of Directive 89/336/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed in the Official Journal...
  • Page 19 Pollution Degree NOTE. Huntron, Inc. does not offer a Certificate of Traceable Calibration for the Tracker 200. The Tracker 200 is a troubleshooting tool and is not intended for use in calibration or conformance-testing applications. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 20: Accessories

    Accessories 1. Foot Switch P/N 98-0314 The foot switch connects to the back panel of the Tracker 200. When the switch is depressed, the next test range is automatically selected. Using the foot switch is a convenient way of avoiding having to manually select the test range on the Tracker 200 front panel.

  • Page 21: A Quick Tour

    The Tracker 200 tests components using a two terminal system (three terminal system when the built-in pulse generator is used) where two leads are placed on the leads of the component under test. The Tracker 200 tests components in- circuit, even when there are several components in parallel.

  • Page 22: Front Panel

    Front Panel The front panel of the Tracker 200 is designed to ease access to its many features. All buttons are momentary action type and most have adjacent LED indicators to show which functions are active. Refer to Figure 2-1 and Table 2-1 for a detailed description of each item on the front panel.
  • Page 23 Channel A Test Terminal Safety shrouded banana jack for channel A test signal. ALT Switch Causes the Tracker 200 to alternate between channel A and channel B at a speed determined by the RATE control (see item #9). COM Test Terminal...

  • Page 24: Back Panel

    Back Panel Secondary controls and connectors are on the back panel. Refer to Figure 2-2 and Table 2-2 for a detailed description of each item on the back panel Figure 2-2. Tracker 200 Back Panel. Table 2-2. Back Panel Connections. Function...

  • Page 25: Oscilloscope Display

    A Quick Tour Oscilloscope Display The Tracker 200 uses the display of any oscilloscope that is capable of displaying an untriggered XY waveform. The oscilloscope display can be divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant displays different portions of the signatures. Quadrant...

  • Page 26: Initial Setups

    Power On Turn the power on to your Tracker 200 using the power switch located on the rear panel. The Tracker 200 should come on with the LEDs for channel A, 50/60 Hz, LOW2 range and Pulse/DC illuminated.

  • Page 27: Frequency Selection

    Channel Selection There are two test signal channels in the Tracker 200, Channel A and Channel B. There are three buttons, Alt, A and B to select what channel will be displayed on the oscilloscope.

  • Page 28: Pulse Generator

    The normal two terminal mode of using the Tracker 200 can be thought of as a static test since devices with three or more terminals are not tested in their active state. However, with the pulse generator, an in-circuit active test of a device is possible.
  • Page 29 Therefore, each time the positive button is pressed the output polarity will toggle back and forth between positive and negative. The Width control has no effect in DC modes. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 30 The WIDTH control has no effect when DC mode is selected. The pulse generator of the Tracker 200 has dual tracking outputs (G1 and G2) so that you can visually compare the analog signatures of two of these three or more terminal components by using the Alt mode.
  • Page 31 A Quick Tour Figure 2-8. Comparison Testing with the Pulse Generator. Tracker 200 User Manual 2-11...
  • Page 32 A Quick Tour Notes: 2-12 Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 33: Using Your Tracker 200

    Using Your Tracker 200 Electronic troubleshooting is a skilled art, based largely on logical deduction, experience and intuition. The Huntron Tracker 200 uses Analog Signature Analysis or ASA to take full advantage of a technician's skills. ASA is the examination of the current verses voltage characteristic of a component under power-off conditions for the purpose of troubleshooting.

  • Page 34: Basics Of Asa - How It Works

    Basics of ASA - How it Works Here's how ASA and power-off testing works: The Tracker 200 outputs a precision current-limited AC sine wave signal to a component and displays the resulting current flow, voltage drop and any phase shift on the oscilloscope X-Y display. The current flow causes a vertical trace deflection on the display, while the voltage across the component causes a horizontal trace deflection.

  • Page 35: Horizontal Axis

    . When using ASA for troubleshooting, the objective is to select the range that will display the most descriptive analog signature information. The Tracker 200 can readily accomplish this by changing the proper range parameter. The range of the test signal can be used to enhance or disregard semiconductor switching and avalanche characteristics.

  • Page 36: Vertical Axis

    This short circuit signature is a vertical line trace on the oscilloscope display. 1. Connect the red microprobe to the output channel A jack on the Tracker 200 and the black microprobe to the Common jack.

  • Page 37: Basic Analog Signatures - Open And Short

    In the following figures, the upper screen represents the Tracker 200's oscilloscope X-Y display and the lower screen is a graphical plot of the sine wave test signal at the output terminal showing its current and voltage relationship.
  • Page 38 Using Your Tracker 200 Figure 3-6. Test Signal (Open Circuit) with Current and Voltage Waveforms. Minimum Current and Maximum Voltage Figure 3-7. "SHORT" Analog Signature on the Oscilloscope Display (Vertical Line). Figure 3-8. Test Signal (Short Circuit) with Current and Voltage Waveforms.

  • Page 39: Four Basic Component Analog Signatures

    All analog signatures are a composite of one or more of the four basic component signatures which are: resistance, capacitance, inductance and semiconductor. Each one of these basic components responds differently to Tracker 200's test signal, so recognizing these four basic unique signatures on the oscilloscope display are one of the keys to successful ASA troubleshooting.
  • Page 40 Using Your Tracker 200 Notes: Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 41: Testing Passive Components

    Tracker 200's test range parameters: voltage, resistance and frequency. Turn power on to your Tracker 200. Put the red test lead in the A jack, and the black test lead in the Common jack. Figure 4-1. Tracker 200 with Test Probe Leads.
  • Page 42 2. The LED will be on indicating that LOW2 range is active. 3. Place or clip a test lead on the opposite ends of a resistor and observe the signature on the Oscilloscope CRT display. Figure 4-2. Tracker 200 Connected to a Resistor. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 43 1.5 kΩ 15 kΩ 150 kΩ MED2 Range 150 Ω 1.5 kΩ 15 kΩ 150 kΩ MED1 Range 150 Ω 1.5 kΩ 15 kΩ 150 kΩ LOW2 Range Figure 4-3. Signatures of Resistors in Different Ranges. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 44: Shorts And Opens, Resistor Faults

    ■ - current decreases - the signature becomes more horizontal As the range increases ■ - the volts per division of the horizontal axis increases - the internal resistance increases - the signature becomes more vertical Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 45: Troubleshooting Applications

    The Tracker 200’s ability to determine the approximate fault resistance value ■ greatly enhances the troubleshooting capability if the correct value is known. The Oscilloscope’s CRT is a real time display and using the Tracker 200 for ■ testing noisy or dirty potentiometer (variable resistors) is an excellent application.

  • Page 46: Capacitors

    Testing Passive Components Figure 4-5. Using Tracker 200 to Test a Potentiometer. The Tracker 200 can be used to adjust a potentiometer in circuit to an approximate operational setting. This application requires a known good board. Adjust each potentiometer on the board under repair to match the settings on a known good operational board.

  • Page 47: Capacitor Analog Signatures

    ) of the test signal The current range of the Tracker 200. Turn power on to your Tracker 200. Plug the red test microprobe in the A jack, and the black test clip lead in the Common jack. The device to be tested must have all power turned off, and have all CAUTION.

  • Page 48: The Signatures Of Different Capacitors In Low2 Range

    Figure 4-8. Tracker 200 with Test Probes Connected to a Capacitor. The Signatures of Different Capacitors in LOW2 Range The figure below shows analog signatures for four different value capacitors, 1000 µf, 100 µf, 10 µf and 1µf. The Tracker 200 LOW2 range is selected. 1000 µF 100 µF 10 µF...

  • Page 49: Understanding Capacitor Analog Signatures

    Testing Passive Components Understanding Capacitor Analog Signatures Figure 4-10. Tracker 200 Core Circuit Block Diagram With A Capacitor. The Oscilloscopes CRT displays as a response to the test signal, an analog signature that represents the relationship between voltage, current and resistance of a component.

  • Page 50: Capacitor Failures - Leakage

    This can be thought of as a resistance in parallel with the capacitance when observing its analog signature. The following examples show what some capacitor leakage problems may look like on the Tracker 200 display. Normal Capacitor Leaky Capacitor Figure 4-11.

  • Page 51: Review

    As you can see from the two previous examples, adding resistance in parallel to a capacitor distorts the normal signature with a diagonal bend to it. This is our first look at a composite signature, the kind of signature the Tracker 200 displays when there are several components connected together in a circuit.

  • Page 52: Inductor Analog Signatures

    Hz) of the test signal The active range of the Tracker 200 Turn power on to your Tracker 200. Plug the red test microprobe in the A jack, and the black test clip lead in the Common jack. Do the following to display the analog signature of an inductor: 1.

  • Page 53: The Signatures Of Different Inductors In Low2 Range

    Figure 4-15. Effect of Varying F on Inductor Signatures in LOW2 Note that the signature changes from a vertical position to a horizontal position as the frequency increases. This means the resistance of an inductor increases as frequency increases. Tracker 200 User Manual 4-13...

  • Page 54: Understanding Inductive Signatures

    Understanding Inductive Signatures Figure 4-16. Tracker 200 Core Circuit Block Diagram with an Inductor. The Tracker 200's block diagram shows an inductor between the test terminals. The current is represented by the vertical axis and is derived as a series current that flows through Tracker 200’s internal resistance, R...

  • Page 55: Applications

    Another simple test for a speaker or microphone is to apply the Tracker 200 ■ signal in LOW2 range to the device input leads and listen for the 60 Hz tone or audible hum.

  • Page 56: Electromechanical Switching Components

    Tracker 200's display will reflect these conditions. Turn power on to your Tracker 200. Plug the red test microprobe in the A jack, and the black test clip lead in the Common jack. Do the following to display the analog signature of a mechanical switch: 1.
  • Page 57 Testing Passive Components Figure 4-17. Tracker 200 with Probes to an Elastomeric Switch - SPST Type. MED2 MED1 LOW2 Figure 4-18. Signatures of a Keyboard Pushbutton Conductive Elastomer Switch. SPST Type, "ON" position, Note that as the ranges change from MED2 to MED1 to LOW2, the signature tilts away from the vertical.

  • Page 58: Review

    200 can test the coil part of the relay by looking at its inductive analog signature. You can also connect the Tracker 200’s pulse generator to the magnetic coil of a 5V relay, while at the same time connecting Tracker’s test signal to the relay contacts, to test the relay’s switching action directly.

  • Page 59: Using The Pulse Generator To Test A 5V Reed Relay

    Using the Pulse Generator to Test a 5V Reed Relay Do the following: 1. Press the LOW2 button. 2. Connect the Tracker 200 pulse generator output G1 to the positive (+) lead of the relay coil. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 60: Review

    4. Connect the black test lead from Tracker 200’s COMMON terminal to one side of the relay switch contact. 5. Connect the red test lead from Tracker 200’s TEST terminal to the other side of the relay switch contact. 6. Press Pulse/DC button on the Tracker 200.

  • Page 61: Testing Discrete Semiconductors

    In analog signature analysis, this is called the “knee” effect in a which is characteristic of a good semiconductor junction. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 62 1. Turn power on to your Tracker 200. 2. Press the LOW2 range button. 3. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 200's A test terminal to anode lead of the diode. 4. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 200's Common terminal to anode lead of the diode.

  • Page 63: The Composite Diode Signature

    In the real world of electronics troubleshooting, components are connected together in a circuit and when testing with ASA, the signatures are a composite that may appear quite complex. However, with knowledge of ASA fundamentals and experience you Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 64: Diode Failures

    When multiple components are connected together, it's important to realize that the Tracker 200 has the ability to selectively display the signature of a single component.

  • Page 65: Internal Resistance Flaw In A Diode

    The resistance is visible only in LOW2 range because the voltage drop across it is small. In the other two ranges, the resistance is masked due to the internal resistances being too large to show such a small voltage drop. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 66: Internal Leakage Flaw In A Diode

    (diode's cathode connected to positive and anode to negative), but under carefully controlled conditions. When the zener diode is forward biased (diode's cathode connected to negative and anode connected to positive), they act as regular diodes and begin to conduct at approximately 0.6V. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 67 In ASA terminology, this two knee signature is known as the classic "chair" pattern that is common in many solid state semiconductor components. Figure 5-12. Tracker 200 Core Circuit Block Diagram with a Zener Diode. Figure 5-13. Single Zener Diode and 2 Zener Diodes in Series. Single 1N5239B Zener Diode Zener Diodes in Series, 1N5239B Figure 5-14.

  • Page 68: Review

    The polarity of an unmarked diode can be determined by the orientation of the ■ display with a known diode. The Tracker 200 can be used to identify an unknown Zener diode. If the zener ■ diode is damaged, locate a good one, possibly on another board or in the same circuit and use the Tracker 200 to approximate the voltage.

  • Page 69: Transistors

    Because we have already seen the signatures of these two types of junctions when we tested diodes, they should be familiar to you. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 70: Bipolar Transistor Base-Collector Signatures

    1. Turn power on to your Tracker 200. 2. Press the MED2 range button. 3. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 200's A test terminal to collector lead of the transistor. 4. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 200's Common terminal to base lead of the transistor.
  • Page 71 Testing Discrete Semiconductors Figure 5-17. Tracker 200 Connected to the Collector and Base Leads of a Transistor. Diode 1N914 PNP Transistor 2N3906 NPN Transistor PN2222A Figure 5-18. Signature of a Diode and Collector-Base of a Transistor. MED1 Range Notice that the collector-base signature of a NPN transistor is identical to the signature of diode.

  • Page 72: Identifying Unknown Transistors

    Sometimes, we need to identify unknown transistors. We may need to replace one in a circuit for which we do not have a schematic. The Tracker 200 makes this a relatively simple procedure because each type of junction has a characteristic signature.
  • Page 73 Testing Discrete Semiconductors Figure 5-21. Tracker 200 with Probes to an Unmarked Transistor. Do the following: 1. Probe pin 1 with the red probe and pin 2 with the black probe. 2. Identify the signature. Figure 5-22. Signature of Pins 1 and 2 of an Unknown Transistor, MED2 Range.

  • Page 74: Darlington Bipolar Transistor Signatures

    A block diagram of a darlington transistor and its analog signature are shown in the following figures. 5-14 Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 75: Using The Pulse Generator To Test Transistor Operation

    The constant current signature produced is similar to that produced by a transistor curve tracer except that only one curve is shown instead of a family of curves. This technique can be useful for functionally testing and matching transistor gain characteristics. Tracker 200 User Manual 5-15...

  • Page 76: Analyzing The Active Characteristics Of A Transistor

    1. Setup the test circuit shown in figure 5-27 or 5-28 depending on what type of bipolar transistor you wish to test. 2. Connect the blue grabber test lead from G1 on the Tracker 200 to the transistor's base lead.

  • Page 77: Review

    6. Look at the transistor's signature change as the duty cycle changes. The figure above shows these signatures as dotted lines. This composite signature shows multiple operating states as the base stimulus varies. The transistor is actually being switched on and off by the Tracker 200. Review Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 78: Applications

    The Tracker 200 can be used to determine the type of transistor; bipolar, ■ Darlington, FET, etc. The Tracker 200 can be used to identify the polarity of a transistor (PNP or ■ NPN). The Tracker 200 can be used to determine the base, collector and emitter on ■...
  • Page 79 Testing Discrete Semiconductors external signal, it radiates light. This light falls on the phototransistor base junction that results in the device turning on. Tracker 200 User Manual 5-19...

  • Page 80: Phototransistors

    Do the following to display the analog signature of a phototransistor: 1. Press the MED1 range button. 2. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 200's A test terminal to collector lead of the component. 3. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 200's Common terminal to emitter lead of the component.

  • Page 81: Optocoupler Dynamic Testing

    Optocoupler Dynamic Testing The Tracker 200’s pulse generator can perform a dynamic test of optocouplers. Apply the pulse generator's output to the control input of a switching device and connect Tracker 200's test leads across the component's switch terminals. Observe the optocoupler's signature for on and off states.
  • Page 82 3. Connect the red test lead or easy grabber from Tracker 200's A test terminal to the transistor collector lead. Figure 5-35. Pulse Generator Test Circuit for an Optocoupler.

  • Page 83: Scrs And Triacs

    Do the following to display the analog signature of an SCR: 1. Press the MED2 range button. 2. Place or clip the red test probe from the Tracker 200's A test terminal to gate lead (G) of the component. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 84 Testing Discrete Semiconductors Figure 5-38. Tracker 200 with Test Leads to an SCR. 3. Place or clip the black test probe from the Tracker 200's Common terminal to anode lead (A) of the component. 4. Observe the gate-anode signature of the SCR.

  • Page 85: Active Testing Of An Scr

    4. Connect the blue easy grabber from Tracker 200 pulse generator G1 output terminal to the component's gate lead. 5. Connect the red test probe from Tracker 200 A test terminal to the SCR's anode lead. 6. Connect the black test probe from Tracker 200 Common test terminal to the SCR's cathode lead.

  • Page 86: Triacs

    The TRIAC is a device designed to switch an AC current with either positive or negative gate control pulses. Figure 5-42. Diagram and Symbol of a TRIAC. The next section demonstrates how to dynamically test a triac with the Tracker 200's pulse generator. 5-26 Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 87: Active Testing Of Triacs

    5. Connect the blue easy grabber from Tracker 200's pulse generator G1 output terminal to the gate lead on the component. 6. Connect the red test probe from Tracker 200's A test terminal to the triac's MT2 lead. 7. Connect the black test probe from Tracker 200's Common test terminal to the triac's MT1 lead.

  • Page 88: Review

    Their operation can slowly deteriorate making them intermittent. This type of problem is extremely difficult to troubleshoot. With analog signature analysis, the Tracker 200 will detect small amounts of degradation in an optocoupler's LED and the phototransistor's emitter-collector junction. The SCR and TRIAC can also be a problem to troubleshoot. They may be ■...
  • Page 89 Testing Discrete Semiconductors Notes: Tracker 200 User Manual 5-29...

  • Page 90: Testing Integrated Circuits

    “Purple Plague” is a destructive interaction between gold and aluminum metal ■ layers. Junction connections become very brittle and may cause internal opens. Corrosion or Electromigration is another process flaw in which aluminum ■ metalization causes pinholes, corrosion and resistance. This will create opens and resistance. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 91: Digital Integrated Circuit Signatures

    20. ■ Each circuit type will produce a different analog signature. Because there are only four types of circuits on the chip, there will be only four unique analog signatures when out of circuit. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 92: Signatures Of A Digital Ic

    IC's ground pin. For this example, the ground pin of the 74LS245 is pin 3. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 200’s A test terminal. Probe each pin of the IC and view its signature on Oscilloscopes CRT display. For this example, pins 2 to 9 and 11 to 18 are all buffer circuits so they will have identical signatures.

  • Page 93: Signatures For Different Logic Chip Families

    LS chip uses Schottky transistors in its internal construction for increased performance and reduced power consumption. Note that there are only four types of circuit connections and therefore only four signatures on this chip: inverter inputs, inverter outputs, VCC and ground. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 94: Cmos Logic Family

    CMOS Logic Family CMOS circuits are constructed differently than TTL circuits. The inputs to CMOS transistors are capacitive due to the use of field-effect transistors (FET) instead of bipolar transistors used in TTL. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 95 IC's ground pin. For this example, the ground pin of the 74HC14 is pin 7. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 200’s A test terminal and probe each pin of the IC. For this example, pins 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, and 13 are all input buffer circuits so they will have identical signatures.

  • Page 96: Cmos Components And Test Signal Frequency F

    CMOS logic circuits inherently have a significant amount of internal capacitance. This junction capacitance is visible in the CMOS signatures when using the Tracker 200. Capacitance in CMOS circuitry may be emphasized or de- emphasized by changing the frequency of the test signal.

  • Page 97: Troubleshooting Digital Logic Ics

    Testing Integrated Circuits Troubleshooting Digital Logic ICs The Tracker 200’s ALT mode makes comparing digital IC signatures quick and simple. Instead of having to remember the specific signatures of a good component, all that's needed is to have a reference component or board along side the one that's suspect.

  • Page 98: Comparison Testing For Digital Ics

    Common terminal to both reference and suspect IC or boards ground pin. 4. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 200’s B test terminal to the suspect IC's pin. For this example, start with pin 1 of the suspect IC.

  • Page 99: Review

    A and B channels to allow comparison of two individual signatures Applications Testing for faulty IC’s is one of the more common uses for the Tracker 200. ■ A technician can compare IC’s in or out of circuit.

  • Page 100: Analog Circuits

    In this case it is configured as an inverting amplifier circuit as in the schematic below. Figure 6-10. Op Amp Symbol and Schematic Diagram of an Inverter Circuit. We will examine the signatures of this analog IC and present some troubleshooting concepts for this type of component. Tracker 200 User Manual 6-11...

  • Page 101: Op Amp Signatures

    IC's ground or a power supply pin. For this example, the negative power supply pin of the 741 is pin 4 and the positive power supply is pin 8. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 200’s A test terminal and probe each pin of the IC.

  • Page 102: Troubleshooting Op Amp Circuits

    The op amp has three main terminals; + input, - input and output. An alternative way to test an op amp is to connect the Tracker 200’s Common terminal to the op amp's output while making a comparison with the red test probe to the “+ “ and then the “...

  • Page 103: Linear Voltage Regulators

    Figure 6-14. Diagram and Symbol of a Linear Voltage Regulator, 7805. Input - MED2 range Output pin - MED2 range Figure 6-15. Signatures of a 7805 Voltage Regulator by SGS Thomson. Ground Pin to Common. 6-14 Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 104: Review

    Different analog IC families exhibit different characteristic signatures. ■ Applications Testing for faulty IC’s is one of the more common uses for the Tracker 200. ■ A technician can compare IC’s in or out of circuit. Tracker 200 User Manual...

  • Page 105: Low Voltage

    IC package type in which the LV logic family is commonly available. Figure 6-17. Tracker 200 with Test Probes to a 20 Pin Surface Mount IC. 1. Press the LOW1 range button. 2. Set the test signal frequency to 50/60 Hz.
  • Page 106 IC's ground pin. For this example, the ground pin of the 74LVQ245 is pin 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 200’s A test terminal and probe each pin of the IC. For this example, pins 2 to 9 and 11 to 18 are all buffer circuits so they will have identical signatures.

  • Page 107: Review

    ■ might give a more informative signature. Applications Testing for faulty IC’s is one of the more common uses for the Tracker 200. ■ A technician can compare IC’s in or out of circuit. 6-18 Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 108 Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel. Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry. Tracker 200 User Manual...
  • Page 109 DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking. WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking. CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product. Symbols on the Product. The following symbols may appear on the product: Tracker 200 User Manual...

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