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Huntron TRACKER 2500 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Huntron TRACKER 2500

  • Page 1 Tracker 2500 User's Manual...
  • Page 2 P/N 21-1302 ©1998 Huntron Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. Huntron, Tracker and ShorTrack are registered trademarks of Huntron Instruments, 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 3 Huntron’s liability under these warranties, including any damages sustained by the customer through malfunction or failure of the Huntron Tracker 2500, shall not exceed the amount of the purchase price of the Huntron Tracker 2500, regardless of the extent of any such damage, including any special, consequential, or incidental damages of any kind.
  • Page 4 To obtain information about service, accessories and other products, contact: Huntron Instruments, Inc. 15720 Mill Creek Blvd. 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 ♦ ♦ Internet Home Page: http://www.huntron.com...
  • Page 5 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 2500 and other Huntron products.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    2-18 External Cleaning And Lubrication ..............2-13 2-19 Storage Instructions ..................2-13 SECTION 3 USING YOUR TRACKER 2500 Introduction .......................3-1 Basics Of ASA - How It Works ................3-2 Horizontal Axis ....................3-3 Vertical Axis ......................3-5 Basic Analog Signatures - Open And Short ............3-7 Four Basic Component Signatures ..............3-9...
  • Page 7 PAGE Diodes.......................5-1 Transistors ......................5-14 Solid State Switching Components..............5-27 SECTION 6 TESTING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS Digital Integrated Circuits ..................6-1 Analog Circuits....................6-11 Low Voltage ......................6-16 SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE Introduction .......................7-1 External Cleaning And Lubrication ..............7-1 Storage Instructions ..................7-1 Service Information...................7-1 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 8 4-12 Capacitor Circuit With Test Signal's Current And Voltage Waveforms ....4-11 4-13 Tracker 2500 With Test Probes Connected To A Capacitor ........4-12 Signatures Of 4 Capacitors In The 10V, 100 Ω Range ........4-13 4-14 Signatures Of A 10 µF Capacitor At Different Frequencies ......... 4-14 4-15 Signatures Of A 0.1 µF Capacitor At Different Frequencies ........
  • Page 9 Diagram Of An NPN And PNP Bipolar Transistor ..........5-14 5-20 NPN And PNP Bipolar Transistors' Equivalent Circuits........5-16 5-21 Tracker 2500 Connected To The Collector And Base Leads Of A Transistor ..5-17 5-22 Signature Of A Diode And Collector-Base Of A Transistor ........5-18 5-23 Signature Of A Diode And Emitter-Base Of A Transistor ........5-18...
  • Page 10 Signatures Of A 7805 Voltage Regulator By SGS Thomson......6-15 6-16 Signatures Of A 7805 Voltage Regulator By Motorola ........6-15 6-17 Tracker 2500 With Test Probes To A 20 Pin Surface Mount IC ......6-16 6-18 Signatures Of A Low Voltage IC (74LVQ45 Type) ..........6-18 Tracker 2500 Operational Block Diagram............7-1...
  • Page 11 Tracker 2500 Specifications ................1-3 Front Panel Controls And Connections..............2-3 Back Panel Items....................2-5 Tracker 2500 Horizontal Sensitivities ..............2-6 Valid Tracker 2500 Ranges (STAR) ..............3-10 Tracker 2500 Minimum And Maximum Capacitor Values ........4-18 Tracker 2500 Minimum And Maximum Inductor Values ........4-27 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 12: Introduction And Specifications Page

    SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 1-1. INTRODUCTION The Huntron Tracker 2500, shown in Figure 1-1, is a versatile troubleshooting tool having the following features: • Multiple test signal frequencies (20Hz, 50Hz or 60Hz, 200Hz, 2000Hz). • Six voltage ranges (200mV, 2V, 3V, 5V, 10V, 15V).

  • Page 13: Specifications

    INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 1-2. SPECIFICATIONS The specifications for the Tracker 2500 are listed in Table 1-1. Table 1-1 Tracker 2500 Specifications ELECTRICAL Channels Number 2 (A, B) Alternation Rate 0.5Hz to 5Hz (synchronized to sinewave zero-crossing) Protection Automatic circuit breaker...
  • Page 14 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS Table 1-1 (continued) Tracker 2500 Specifications ELECTRICAL Access Channel A & B Standard Red Banana jacks Common Standard Black Banana jack DC Voltage Source Standard Blue Banana jacks Interfaces Accessory Switcher 410 compatible Display 2.8in (7cm) diagonal...
  • Page 15 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS Table 1-1 (continued) Tracker 2500 Specifications MECHANICAL Size 9” W x 4” H x 11” D (23cm W x 10cm H x 28cm D) Weight 6 lbs. (2.8 kg) ENVIRONMENTAL Altitude <2000m (<6560’) Operating Temperature 0ºC to +40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF) Storage Temperature -20ºC to +60ºC (-4ºF to +140ºF)

  • Page 16: Safety Considerations

    1-4. LIST OF ACCESSORIES The following accessories are available: HUNTRON P/N DESCRIPTION 99-0090 Switcher 410 To order any of the above items, or for further information, please contact Huntron.
  • Page 17 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS NOTES: HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 18: Operating Instructions

    Components are tested by the Tracker 2500 using a two terminal system (three terminal system when the built-in DC Voltage Source is used), where two test leads are placed on the leads of the component under test. The Tracker 2500 tests components in-circuit, even when there are several components in parallel.

  • Page 19: Fuse Replacement

    CRT. Replace the fuse with a 1/4A AGC fuse. 2-5. Physical Features Before you begin to use the Tracker 2500, please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the instrument. All of the externally accessible features are discussed in Sections 2-6, 2-7 and 2-8.
  • Page 20 CRT. Channel A Test Terminal Test Terminal that is active when channel A is selected. ALT Button Causes the Tracker 2500 to alternate between channel A and channel B at a speed determined by the RATE control (see item #14).
  • Page 21 DC voltage source. Frequency Selector Selects a test signal Buttons frequency: 20, 50 or 60, 200, and 2000 Hz. Voltage Selector Buttons Selects a test signal voltage: 200 mV, 2, 3, 5, 10, or 15 Volts. HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 22: 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 2500 Back Panel With Callouts. Table 2-2. Tracker 2500 Back Panel Connections.

  • Page 23: Crt Display

    This is mainly useful in determining semiconductor junction voltages under either forward or reverse bias. Table 2-3 lists the approximate horizontal sensitivities for each range. Figure 2-3. CRT Display. Table 2-3 Tracker 2500 Horizontal Sensitivities Range Volts/Div 15 V 3.75 10 V 2.50...

  • Page 24: Operation

    CRT. 2-11. Resistance Selection The Tracker 2500 is designed with five resistance ranges (10Ω Ω , 100Ω Ω , 1kΩ Ω , 10kΩ Ω , and 100kΩ Ω ). A resistance range is selected by pressing the appropriate button on the front panel.

  • Page 25: Channel Selection

    OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2-12. Channel Selection There are two channels on the Tracker 2500 (channel A and channel B) which are selected by pressing the appropriate front panel button. When using a single channel, the red probe should be plugged into the corresponding channel test terminal and the black probe should be plugged into the common test terminal.
  • Page 26 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Figure 2-4. Alternate Mode Setup. USER'S MANUAL...

  • Page 27: Frequency Selection

    Each button has a dual function. For example, pressing the 5V button (steady LED indication) selects 5 Volts as the test signal’s peak value. Pressing it again (blinking LED indication) selects 3 Volts as the test signals peak value. 2-10 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 28: Dc Voltage Source

    OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2-15. DC Voltage Source The built-in DC voltage source of the Tracker 2500 allows in-circuit testing of certain devices in their active mode. In addition to using the red and black probes, the output of the DC voltage source is connected to the control input of the device to be tested with one of the blue micro clips provided.

  • Page 29: Huntron Switcher 410 Connections

    Refer to Figure 2-7 for the interconnection diagram to use the Huntron Switcher 410 with the Tracker 2500. The two terminals marked TRACKER on the 410 are connected to either channel of the Tracker 2500 using the double banana plug cable supplied with the 410.

  • Page 30: Tracker Training

    Rate control of the Tracker 2500. The Rate control on the 410 is disabled in this mode. If the Auto scanning feature of the Tracker 2500 is activated, the alternation rate of the 410 will be synchronized with the range scanning rate of the Tracker 2500.
  • Page 31 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS NOTES: 2-14 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 32: Using Your Tracker 2500

    3.1 Introduction Electronic troubleshooting is a skilled art, based largely on logical deduction, experience and intuition. The Huntron Tracker 2500 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 33: Basics Of Asa - How It Works

    Basics Of Asa - How It Works Here's how ASA and power-off testing works: The Tracker 2500 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 internal CRT’s display. The current flow causes a vertical trace deflection on the display, while the voltage across the component causes a horizontal trace deflection.

  • Page 34: 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 2500 can readily accomplish this by changing the proper range parameter. The source voltage V of the test signal can be used to enhance or disregard semiconductor switching and avalanche characteristics.
  • Page 35 When the test signal is negative, the voltage and current are negative so the trace is in the left hand side of the display. Turn on the Tracker 2500 and observe the CRT display. With nothing connected to its test terminals, the display trace is a horizontal line (that is, R =0).

  • Page 36: Vertical Axis

    The amount of vertical trace deflection on the CRT display is controlled by the voltage dropped across the internal impedance R of the Tracker 2500. Because is in series with the load R , this voltage will be proportional to the current flowing through R .
  • Page 37 USING YOUR TRACKER 2500 1. Connect the red microprobe to the output channel A jack on the Tracker 2500 and the black microprobe to the Common jack. 2. Touch and hold the probes together and observe the analog signature on the CRT display.

  • Page 38: Basic Analog Signatures - Open And Short

    The short signature occurs when an output terminal is directed connected to the common terminal. In the following figures, the upper screen represents the Tracker 2500's CRT 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 39 USING YOUR TRACKER 2500 Figure 3-9. "SHORT" Analog Signature On CRT Display (Vertical Line). Figure 3-10. Test Signal (Short Circuit) With Current And Voltage Waveforms. Maximum Current And Minimum Voltage HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 40: Four Basic Component Signatures

    Refer to Fig 3-9. Each one of these basic components responds differently to the Tracker 2500's test signal. Recognizing these four basic unique signatures on the CRT display is one of the keys to successful ASA troubleshooting.

  • Page 41: Smart Tracker Active Range (Star) Feature

    USING YOUR TRACKER 2500 3-7 Smart Tracker Active Range (STAR) feature. The Tracker 2500 has a built-in operating feature called STAR (Smart Tracker Active Range). This important feature protects sensitive components from possible exposure to excessive power (for example, 15V and 10Ω).

  • Page 42: Testing Passive Components

    • Identify a pure resistive signature • Analyze and predict resistive signatures Turn power on to your Tracker 2500. Put the red test lead in the A jack, and the black test lead in the Common jack. Figure 4-1. Tracker 2500 With Test Probe Leads And Probe Adjustment.
  • Page 43 1. Press the appropriate resistance range button. Select the 2V voltage range. 2. Place or clip a test lead on the opposite ends of a resistor and observe the signature on the Tracker 2500 CRT display. (Make sure Channel A is selected) Figure 4-2. Tracker 2500 Connected To A Resistor.
  • Page 44 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Below are four analog signatures of different resistors, 150Ω, 1.5kΩ, 15kΩ and 100kΩ in each of the five Resistance ranges. Note how the slope or angle of each analog signature changes with each resistor’s value. 10 Ω Ω Range 100 Ω...
  • Page 45 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS The diagram below shows the basic functional parameters of the Tracker 2500. The applied sine-wave voltage is V at a frequency of F . The source resistance R limits the current to the device-under-test. Figure 4-4. Tracker Core Circuit Block Diagram With A Resistor.
  • Page 46 Vs is set at 15V, the resistance range Rs automatically changes to 1kΩ. This limit on range parameter combinations is a result of the Tracker 2500's STAR feature, it protects components from possible excessive power (see section 3-7). In...
  • Page 47 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Understanding Resistive Signatures The Tracker 2500’s signature is a visual representation of Ohm’s Law in the circuit under test. The amount of voltage applied to the circuit is shown along the horizontal axis, and the resultant current is shown along the vertical axis. The signature is a straight line because the relationship between voltage and current in a purely resistive circuit is linear.
  • Page 48 ), source frequency (F ), and source resistance (R A pure resistance across the test terminals will cause the trace on the Tracker 2500 CRT to rotate in a counter clockwise direction around its center axis from horizontal open circuit position (high value resistance) to a vertical short circuit (low value resistance).
  • Page 49 An open circuit is a break between two points in a component or circuit that prevents current from flowing. Short Open Figure 4-9. Short And Open Signature. HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 50 • The Tracker 2500's ability to determine the approximate fault resistance value greatly enhances the troubleshooting capability if the correct value is known. • The Tracker 2500's CRT is a real time display and using the Tracker 2500 for testing noisy or dirty potentiometer (variable resistors) is an excellent application.
  • Page 51 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Figure 4-10. Using Tracker 2500 To Test A Potentiometer. • The Tracker 2500 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 52: Capacitors

    ) of the test signal • The internal resistance (R ) of the Tracker 2500 Turn power on to your Tracker 2500. Plug the red test microprobe in the A jack, and the black test clip lead in the Common jack. USER'S MANUAL...
  • Page 53 Tracker 2500 to the device. Input Protection The Tracker 2500 has input protection circuitry which protects the Tracker 2500’s test terminals from external excessive voltage. The Tracker 2500 is a power-off tester requiring no other external power being applied to the device-under-test. For example, testing large valued capacitors may still have a charge in them and can cause potential damage to the Tracker.
  • Page 54 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS The Signatures Of Different Capacitors In Low Range The figure below shows analog signatures for four different value capacitors, 1000 µf, 100 µf, 10 µf and 1µf. The Tracker 2500 10V/100Ω Ω range is selected. 1000 µF 100 µF 10 µF...
  • Page 55 Likewise, a small value capacitor at a high test frequency has a signature that's similar to an short circuit. The signature of the 0.1 µF capacitor is similar to the 10 µF capacitor in shape but not in size due to the differences in their value. 4-14 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 56 Figure 4-18. Signatures Of A 1µF Capacitor At Different Internal Resistances. 15 V Range, F = 60Hz As the Tracker 2500's internal resistance R increased, the capacitor's signature changes from a horizontal elliptical pattern to a vertical elliptical pattern. USER'S MANUAL...
  • Page 57 Understanding Capacitor Analog Signatures Figure 4-19. Tracker Core Circuit Block Diagram With A Capacitor. The Tracker 2500 CRT displays as a response to its test signal, an analog signature that represents the relationship between voltage, current and resistance of a component.
  • Page 58 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS • Changing source resistance R : As the resistance is changed from 1 kΩ to 100 kΩ, the following occurs: − X of the capacitor is not affected − The elliptical signature becomes increasingly vertical Figure 4-20. Range Parameters Changes And Effects On Capacitive Signatures. The figure above shows how the three variable parameters affect the capacitive signature.
  • Page 59 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Minimum and Maximum Capacitor Values The Tracker 2500 will display a “loop” type signature for the following range of = 100Ω Ω and F capacitor values. For example, when V = 200mV, R = 20Hz, a thin horizontal “loop”...
  • Page 60 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 2500 display. Normal Capacitor Leaky Capacitor Figure 4-22.
  • Page 61 Applications • The Tracker 2500 can locate defective capacitors in or out of circuit. The ranges cover 10 pF to 20,000 µF. • When analyzing a capacitor's signature, adjust the Tracker 2500's R and F the most pronounced ellipse.

  • Page 62: Inductors

    • The inductance L H of the circuit under test µ • The frequency F of the test signal • The voltage V of the test signal • The internal resistance R of the Tracker 2500 USER'S MANUAL 4-21...
  • Page 63 10V, 100 Ω Ω Range, L = 12,000 µH 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. 4-22 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 64 Note that the signature changes from a horizontal to a vertical position as the Tracker 2500's internal resistance R increases. This means the inductor's resistance can be analyzed by matching it with the Tracker 2500's test signal resistance. USER'S MANUAL...
  • Page 65 Understanding Inductive Signatures Figure 4-28. Tracker Core Circuit Block Diagram With An Inductor. The Tracker 2500'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 2500’s internal resistance, R...
  • Page 66 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Figure 4-29. Range Parameters Changes And Effects On Inductive Signatures. USER'S MANUAL 4-25...
  • Page 67 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Minimum and Maximum Inductor Values The Tracker 2500 will display an elliptical or “loop” type signature for the following = 10Ω Ω and F range of inductor values. For example, when V = 200mV, R = 20Hz, a thin vertical loop type signature will be displayed when the inductor being tested is 100µ...
  • Page 68 • Inductors display elliptical signatures similar to capacitors. Since the inductor also exhibits resistance, due to its construction, the ellipse may be distorted. • As the Tracker 2500 test signal’s frequency is increased, the ellipse signature becomes flatter. This response is opposite to that of a capacitor.
  • Page 69 • Another simple test for a speaker or microphone is to apply the Tracker 2500 signal in 10V,100Ω, 60 Hz range to the device input leads and listen for the 60 Hz tone or audible hum.

  • Page 70: Electromechanical Switching Components

    With the Tracker 2500, the test signal can be setup so that the switch's analog signature will verify its switching function. The goal of this section is to develop a test strategy using ASA to test the switching function.
  • Page 71 Tracker 2500 can test the switching function of mechanically activated switches easily. Unlike the DVM that samples and gives a continuity measurement, the Tracker 2500 displays real time activity so if a switch has noisy, resistive or intermittent operation, its analog signature on Tracker 2500's display will reflect these conditions.
  • Page 72 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS 10V,100 Ω Ω . Switch “On” 10V, 100 Ω Ω . Switch “Off” Figure 4-32. Signatures Of A Push-button Switch. SPST Type. Review • The switch displays an open or short circuit signature. • Dirty or damaged switch contacts will show a resistive or erratic signature.. USER'S MANUAL 4-31...
  • Page 73 2. Connect the black test lead from Tracker 2500’s COMMON terminal to one side the relay coil (normally, the minus lead). 3. Connect the red test lead from Tracker 2500’s TEST terminal to the other side of the relay coil (normally, the plus lead).
  • Page 74 5 Volt type. Do the following: 1. Select the 10V, 100Ω range. 2. Connect the Tracker 2500 DC Source output +DC to the positive (+) lead of the relay coil. 3. Connect the Tracker 2500 COMMON to the relay's negative (-) lead).
  • Page 75 TESTING PASSIVE COMPONENTS Notes: 4-34 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

  • Page 76: Testing Discrete Semiconductors Page

    SECTION 5 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS 5-1. Diodes The most basic type of solid state semiconductor component is the diode. Diodes are formed by creating a junction between p-type and n-type semiconductor material. The PN junction gives diodes and semiconductor components polarity characteristics that allow them to conduct current when an external voltage is applied.
  • Page 77 2. Select the 10V, 100 Range. Press the 50/60 Hz button. 3. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 2500's A test terminal to anode lead of the diode. 4. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 2500's Common terminal to cathode lead of the diode.
  • Page 78 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Figure 5-3. Tracker 2500 With Probes To A Diode. = 10 Volts = 3 Volts Figure 5-4. Signature Of A 1N914 Type Silicon Diode. Ω Ω = 100 = 60 Hz The diode signatures shown above are similar. The test signal voltage for the signature on the left is 10 V .
  • Page 79 60 Hz 2000 Hz Figure 5-5. Signature Of A 1N914 Diode At Different Range Frequencies. Ω Ω = 3 V, R = 100 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 80 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Effects Of Internal Resistance (R ) On The Diode Signature Changing Tracker 2500's internal resistance R moves the vertical knee portion of the diode's analog signature. As R increases, the knee of the signature moves inward toward the origin. R...
  • Page 81 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Understanding Diode Signatures Figure 5-7 reviews the Tracker 2500's three range parameters and how they affect the diode signature. Figure 5-7. Range Parameters Changes and Effects On Diode Signatures. HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 82 When multiple components are connected together, it's important to realize that the Tracker 2500 has the ability to selectively display the signature of a single component.
  • Page 83 Again, when multiple components are connected together, it's important to realize that the Tracker 2500 has the ability to selectively display the signature of a single component.
  • Page 84 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Diode Failures Diodes can fail in a number of ways, and each type of failure will cause the signature to change. The defective diodes often appear as open and short signatures. Two other types of flaws are internal resistance and leakage. Internal Resistance Flaw In A Diode Figure 5-12.
  • Page 85 This is called leakage. The diode acts like a diode when it is forward biased. When reverse biased, the diode acts like a resistor when it should be acting as an open. 5-10 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 86 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Zener Diodes Normal switching and signal diodes conduct when forward biased only. When reverse biased, they act as opens unless they are operated outside design limits. If this condition occurs then so much voltage is applied that they break down and can no longer prevent current flow.
  • Page 87 Since each horizontal division on the CRT graticule (in 15V,1k Ω Ω range) is approximately 3.75 Volts, you can estimate that this is about a 9 volt zener diode. By connecting two Zener diodes in series, the rated voltage thesholds are doubled. 5-12 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 88 • The polarity of an unmarked diode can be determined by the orientation of the display with a known diode. • The Tracker 2500 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 2500 to approximate the voltage.

  • Page 89: Transistors

    Figure 5-19 shows the relationship between type of material and circuit symbol for a PNP and a NPN transistor. EMITTER COLLECTOR EMITTER COLLECTOR BASE BASE Figure 5-19. Diagram Of An NPN And PNP Bipolar Transistor. 5-14 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 90 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Important Note Use of this instrument may alter the current gain (h or ß) of a bipolar transistor whenever the emitter is tested. Either the base-emitter or collector-emitter test circuits satisfy this criterion. While heating of the device due to the current produced by the instrument may cause a temporary change in h (most noticeable in the low range), a permanent shift in h...
  • Page 91 Bipolar Transistor Signatures In order to better understand the signatures that transistors create on the Tracker 2500, we can model these devices in terms of equivalent diode circuits. These are shown in figure 5-20. These figures show that the collector-base junction analog signature looks similar to a diode signature and the emitter-base junction signature looks similar to a zener diode signature.
  • Page 92 Bipolar Transistor Base-Collector Signatures 1. Select the 15V, 10kΩ Ω range. 2. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 2500's A test terminal to the Collector lead of the transistor. 3. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 2500's Common terminal to Base lead of the transistor.
  • Page 93 We can see that the base-emitter signature of the NPN transistor is nearly identical to the signature of the zener diode. The emitter-base signature of a PNP transistor is also nearly identical but opposite in polarity to the zener diode. 5-18 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 94 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS PNP Transistor - 2N3906 NPN Transistor - PN2222A Figure 5-24 Signature Of The Collector-Emitter Of A PNP And NPN Transistor. 15V, 10k Ω Ω Range, Emitter To Common You can see that the collector-emitter signature of a PNP transistor looks like a forward biased diode with the knee at approximately +7 Volts.
  • Page 95 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 2500 makes this a relatively simple procedure because each type of junction has a characteristic signature.
  • Page 96 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Do the following: 1. Probe pin 1 with the red probe and pin 2 with the black probe. 2. Identify the signature. Figure 5-26. Signature Of Pins 1 And 2 Of An Unknown Transistor. 3. This looks like a collector-base signature. What you do not know yet is which pin is the collector and which pin is the base.
  • Page 97 3. A base to emitter signature will be displayed. This transistor is a NPN type since the base-emitter signature matches a NPN transistor. Figure 5-28. Signature Of Pins 1 And 3 Of An Unknown Transistor. 5-22 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 98 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Darlington Bipolar Transistor Signatures The Darlington transistor is basically two transistors paired together in a special configuration. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the base of the second transistor. The collectors of both transistors are connected together. The base of the first transistor serves as the external base lead and the emitter of the second transistor serves as the external emitter lead.
  • Page 99 RATE INTENSITY SCAN POWER TRACE ROTATE TRACKER 2500 Figure 5-31a. DC Source Test Circuit For An NPN Transistor DC level = 0V DC Level = 5V Figure 5-31b. Signatures For Test Circuit With An NPN Transistor 5-24 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 100 200mV 20Hz CHANNEL RATE INTENSITY SCAN POWER TRACE ROTATE TRACKER 2500 Figure 5-32a. DC Source Test Circuit For A PNP Transistor. DC Level = 0V DC Level = 5V Fig 5-32b. Test Circuit Signatures for PNP Transistor. USER'S MANUAL 5-25...
  • Page 101 • The Tracker 2500 can be used to determine the type of transistor; bipolar, Darlington, FET, etc. • The Tracker 2500 can be used to identify the polarity of a transistor (PNP or NPN). • The Tracker 2500 can be used to determine the base, collector and emitter on an unknown transistor.

  • Page 102: Solid State Switching Components

    Optocoupler Dynamic Testing The Tracker 2500’s DC Source can perform a dynamic test of optocouplers. Apply the DC Source's output to the control input of a switching device and connect Tracker 2500's test leads across the component's switch terminals.
  • Page 103 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Optocoupler Signatures 1. Select the 10V, 1k Ω Ω range. 2. Connect the black test lead or easy grabber from the Tracker 2500's Common test terminal to the transistor emitter lead and the diode cathode lead of the optocoupler.
  • Page 104 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS DC Level = 0V DC level = 5V Figure 5-35. Signatures Of An Optocoupler - 4N33 Type 10V, 1k Ω Ω Range USER'S MANUAL 5-29...
  • Page 105 (A) and the cathode. Figure 5-36. Diagram Of A Silicon Controlled Rectifier. 1. Select the 15V, 10k Ω Ω range. 2. Place or clip the red test probe from the Tracker 2500's A test terminal to gate lead (G) of the component. 5-30...
  • Page 106 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS 3. Place or clip the black test probe from the Tracker 2500's Common terminal to anode lead (A) of the component. HORIZ DC LEVEL 100k 2000Hz 200Hz VERT 50/60Hz 200mV 20Hz CHANNEL RATE INTENSITY SCAN POWER TRACE...
  • Page 107 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS Gate-Anode Gate-Cathode Anode-Cathode Figure 5-38. Signatures Of A SCR - C106B Type. 15V, 10k Ω Ω Range. 5-32 HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 108 3. Connect the blue easy grabber from Tracker 2500's DC Source +DC output terminal to the component's gate lead. 4. Connect the red test probe from Tracker 2500's A test terminal to the SCR's anode lead. 5. Connect the black test probe from Tracker 2500's Common test terminal to the SCR's cathode lead.
  • Page 109 • The SCR and TRIAC can also be a problem to troubleshoot. They may be used to switch large currents. Quite often these components are susceptible to degradation and eventual failure. The Tracker 2500 can easily show these failures. Triacs are similar to SCRs and defective ones can be found in a similar.

  • Page 110: Testing Integrated Circuits

    14 to over 200, although quite often many pins share quite similar signatures. This can make troubleshooting easier by giving us an easy-to-find signature to use as a comparison. In this section, it is important to understand how the Tracker 2500 and ASA respond to these circuits.

  • Page 111: Digital Integrated Circuits

    • Circuit 4 - Power supply V input, pin 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. HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 112 IC's ground pin. For this example, the ground pin of the 74LS245 is pin 10. 3. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2500's A test terminal. Probe each pin of the IC and view its signature on Tracker 2500's CRT display. For this example, pins 2 to 9 and 11 to 18 are all buffer circuits so they will have identical signatures.
  • Page 113 Note that there are only four types of circuit connections and therefore only four signatures on this chip: inverter inputs, inverter outputs, V and ground. Figure 6-3. Diagram Of 7404 & 74LS04. HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...
  • Page 114 TESTING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS Pin 1 input - 15V,10k Ω Ω Pin 2 output - 15V,10k Ω Ω Pin 14 power - 10V, 100 Ω Ω Figure 6-4. Signatures Of A 7404 Hex Inverter. Common To Pin 7(Gnd) Pin 1 input - 15V,10k Ω Ω Pin 2 output - 15V,10k Ω...
  • Page 115 74HC14 is pin 7. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2500'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 116 TESTING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS 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 2500. Capacitance in CMOS circuitry may be emphasized or de-emphasized by changing the frequency of the test signal.
  • Page 117 Troubleshooting Digital Logic ICs Comparison testing is a very powerful and effective test strategy when troubleshooting digital logic using ASA. The Tracker 2500's Alt feature makes this technique 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 118 2. Place a black clip lead from the Tracker 2500's Common terminal to both reference and suspect IC or boards ground pin. 3. Place the black test lead from the Tracker 2500's B test terminal to the suspect IC's pin. For this example, start with pin 1 of the suspect IC.
  • Page 119 • The IC signatures resemble zener diodes. • There are many causes for IC failures and the Tracker 2500 can display its "health" as resistive leakage, an open or a short. • Functionally identical pins on a single IC out-of-circuit will display the same signature.

  • Page 120: Analog Circuits

    ICs. Op Amps Frequently, each pin of an op amp creates a different signature on the Tracker 2500. This signature is the result of the internal design of the chip and both the internal and external circuit elements connected to it. This type of analog component typically has many internal junctions connected to each pin and each pin may also be connected to numerous external components.
  • Page 121 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 2500's A test terminal and probe each pin of the IC.
  • Page 122 TESTING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS Pin 2 -Input Pin 3 +Input Pin 6 Output Figure 6-12. Signatures Of An Op Amp (741 Type) 10V, 100 Ω Ω Range, Common to Pin 4 Pin 2 -Input Pin 3 +Input Pin 6 Output Figure 6-13. Signatures Of An Op Amp (741 Type) 15V, 10k Ω...
  • Page 123 The op amp has three main terminals; + input, - input and output. An alternative way to perform ASA on the op amp is to connect Tracker 2500's Common terminal to the op amp's output while making a comparison with the red test probe to the “ + ” and then the “...
  • Page 124 • The IC signatures resemble zener diodes. • There are many causes for IC failures and the Tracker 2500 can display its "health" as resistive leakage, an open or a short. • Functionally identical pins on a single IC out-of-circuit will display the same signature.

  • Page 125: Low Voltage

    As a result of these changes, the analog signatures of the LV logic family are different from the conventional HC logic family. The Tracker 2500 has the built-in "3V" test range which has been optimized for this LV logic. SMT is an abbreviation for surface mount technology and refers to the physical IC package type in which the LV logic family is commonly available.
  • Page 126 IC's ground pin. For this example, the ground pin of the 74LVQ245 is pin 10. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2500'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 127 • The IC signatures resemble regular and zener diode signatures. • There are many causes for IC failures and the Tracker 2500 can display its "health" as resistive leakage, an open or a short. • Functionally identical pins on a single IC out-of-circuit will display the same signature.

  • Page 128: Maintenance

    For optimum protection, store the unit indoors in a dry place. 7-4. SERVICE INFORMATION The conditions of the Tracker 2500 Warranty are given at the front of this manual. Malfunctions that occur within the limits of the warranty will be corrected at no cost to the purchaser exclusive of one-way shipping costs to Huntron Inc.
  • Page 129 MAINTENANCE Notes: HUNTRON TRACKER 2500...

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