Page 1 Copyright 2005 Huntron, Inc. All rights reserved. Huntron, Tracker, ProTrack, Sig Assist and Huntron Access are registered trademarks of Huntron, Inc. All other names are trademarks or registered 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 Tracker 2700, shall not exceed the amount of the purchase price of the Huntron Tracker 2700, regardless of the extent of any such damage, including any special, consequential, or incidental damages of any kind.
Page 3 ABOUT THIS MANUAL This manual covers the general operation of the Tracker 2700 and the Tracker 2700S. This manual also covers the subject of troubleshooting using Tracker Signature Analysis (TSA) technology at the fundamental level. More in-depth and comprehensive hands-on instruction on TSA troubleshooting is available.
Page 4: Table Of Contents
2-13. Frequency Selection......................2-7 2-14. Voltage Selection......................2-7 2-15. DC Voltage Source ......................2-7 2-16. Scanning with a Tracker 2700S SECTION 3 USING YOUR TRACKER 2700 ............... 3-1 3-1. Introduction........................3-1 3-2. Basics Of TSA - How It Works ..................3-2 3-3.
Page 5: Introduction
Contact Information ......................8-1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 1-1. INTRODUCTION The Huntron Tracker 2700 and 2700S are versatile troubleshooting tools with the following features: • Multiple test signal frequencies (20Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 200Hz, 2000Hz). • Six voltage ranges (200mV, 3V, 5V, 10V, 15V,20V).
Page 6: Specifications
Figure 1-1. Huntron Tracker 2700 (2700S shown) 1-2. SPECIFICATIONS The specifications for the Tracker 2700/2700S are listed in Table 1-1. Table 1-1 Tracker 2700/2700S Specifications ELECTRICAL Channels Number 2 (A, B) Common Earth ground Test Signal Waveform Sine wave Frequency...
Page 7 200mV Source Resistance 100kΩ 10kΩ 1kΩ 100Ω 10Ω 1- 3...
Page 8 Table 1-1 (continued) Tracker 2700/2700S Specifications ELECTRICAL Access Channel A & B Shrouded Red Banana jacks Common Shrouded Black Banana jack Ch. A and Ch. B scanning interfaces 40 pin IDC connectors (2700S only) DC Voltage Source Shrouded Blue Banana jack Display Color 3.8in 240X320 Pixel...
Page 9 0 to 80% from 0ºC to +31ºC (32ºF to 88ºF) Maximum R.H. decreases linearly to 50% at 40ºC SAFETY APPROVALS CE approved (Tracker 2700 only) Safety: IEC 61010-1 Emissions: EN61326 Class A, Group 1 ETL certification UL3111-1 and CAN/CSA C22-2+ No.
Page 10: Safety Considerations
1-3. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Safety Terms and Symbols Terms in this Manual. These terms may appear in this manual: WARNING Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life. CAUTION Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
Page 11 Fuse Replacement: Line Fuse tray The power entry module on the Tracker 2700 includes the power switch (0 = OFF, 1 = ON), power cord connector, and a removable tray which holds the line fuse. Figure 1-1. Power Entry Module with Fuse Tray.
Page 12 Internal Signal Fuses The Tracker 2700 has two internal signal fuses. Make sure the Tracker 2700 is turned off and the power cord is disconnected before opening the case. The fuses are located in the back right hand corner of the Tracker 2700 as shown below.
Page 13: Weee And Rohs Status
1-4 WEEE and RoHS Status We, at Huntron are aware of the recycling needs for Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and are co-operating with systems established, worldwide for the collecting and recycling of our products.
Page 14: Section 2 Operating Instructions
Note: All operational descriptions in this manual relate to both the Tracker 2700 and Tracker 2700S. The Tracker 2700S contains all features of the Tracker 2700. Features that are specific to the Tracker 2700S will be noted when applicable.
Page 15: Line Fuse
2-5. Physical Features Before you begin to use the Tracker 2700, 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- 2-6.
Page 16 Table 2-1 Front Panel Controls and Connectors Item No. Name Function Displays signatures, menu items, SigAssist Color LCD values, etc. LCD Buttons Used for selection of menu items Displays main menu mode on LCD, stops scan Menu Button function Scan Button Cycles through signatures, restarts scan Selects source resistance portion of test Resistance Selection Buttons...
Page 17: Back Panel
2-7. 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 2700 Back Panel With Call-outs. Item No. Name...
Page 18: Lcd Quadrants And Axes
2-9. Power-Up Turn the Power switch (located on the back panel) to the “ON” position. The Tracker 2700 should come on with the LEDs for channel A, 200mV, and 10Ω illuminated. The frequency parameter will automatically be set to the last selected frequency before power-down.
Page 19: Channel Selection
2-10. Channel Selection There are two channels on the Tracker 2700 (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 or common test lead should be plugged into the common test terminal.
Page 20: Resistance Selection
2-11. Resistance Selection The Tracker 2700 is designed with five resistance ranges (10Ω Ω Ω Ω , 100Ω Ω Ω Ω , 1kΩ Ω Ω Ω , 10kΩ Ω Ω Ω , and 100kΩ Ω Ω Ω ). A resistance range is selected by pressing the appropriate button on the front panel. It is best to start with one of the middle resistance values (i.e.
Page 21: Scanning With A Tracker 2700S
LCD. 2-16. Scanning with a Tracker 2700S The Tracker 2700S is a scanning version of the Tracker 2700. It can automatically scan and compare up to 40 pins using standard IDC connections on the front panel. Figure 2-6 shows a typical Tracker 2700S configuration using standard DIP clips.
Page 22 To scan a component using the front panel cable interface, the package type and number of pins must first be configured. For more information on the Tracker 2700 menu structure, see section 4 of this manual. Connect an IC cable and clip from each Tracker channel to ICs on side-by side boards.
Page 23 Scan / V Ω Hz menu. The Tracker 2700 can also make signature comparisons and indicate the comparison results on the LCD as PASSED or FAILED. To set the 2700 to Compare mode, refer to figure 2-9.
Page 24 Figure 2-9. Selecting Compare mode and setting Tolerance The Tracker 2700 can be set to compare mode by pressing the COMPARE button so the LED is lit. The tolerance allowed during comparison is also set in the menu. Press the TOL while noting the TOL value on the LCD.
Page 25: Section 3 Using Your Tracker 2700
Electronic troubleshooting is a skilled art, based largely on logical deduction, experience, and intuition. The Huntron Tracker 2700 uses Tracker Signature Analysis or TSA to take full advantage of a technician' s skills. TSA is the examination of the current verses voltage characteristic of a component under power-off conditions for the purpose of troubleshooting.
Page 26: Basics Of Tsa - How It Works
Basics Of TSA - How It Works Here' s how TSA and power-off testing works: The Tracker 2700 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 LCD’s display.
Page 27 LCD display. 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 2700 and observe the LCD display. With nothing connected to its test ∞...
Page 28: Vertical Axis
, so there is no horizontal component in the Tracker signature. This short circuit signature is a vertical line trace on the LCD display. Connect the red microprobe to the output channel A jack on the Tracker 2700 and the black microprobe to the Common jack.
Page 29: Basic Tracker Signatures - Open And Short
In the following figures, the upper screen represents the Tracker 2700' s LCD 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. The current and voltage graphical plots shown in Figs.
Page 30: Four Basic Component Tracker Signatures
Refer to Fig 3-11. Each one of these basic components responds differently to the Tracker 2700' s test signal. Recognizing these four basic unique signatures on the LCD display is one of the keys to successful TSA troubleshooting.
Page 31: Smart Tracker Active Range (Star) Feature
Figure 3-10. Tracker Signatures of 4 Basic Components. 3-7. Smart Tracker Active Range (STAR) feature. The Tracker 2700 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 32: Section 4 Menus And Settings
MENUS AND SETTINGS 4-1. Menu Structure The Tracker 2700 has several different menus to allow for the selection of range parameters, display parameters, compare tolerances, scan parameters, DC source function and footswitch (optional accessory) selection parameters. This section will discuss the menu structure and LCD Button functions. Figure 4.1 shows the LCD Buttons that will be used to navigate through those menus.
Page 33: Menu Navigation
Menu Navigation The following paragraphs explain the navigation of the various menus contained in the firmware of the Tracker 2700 and 2700S. For a single-page menu breakdown chart, please refer to the Quick Reference sheet supplied on your Tracker 2700 CD.
Page 34: Main Menu
Tracker 2700 Sub-menus Main menu The Main menu (figure 4-3) can be accessed by pressing the Menu button (yellow LED) on the front panel. Figure 4-3. Main Menu. The Main Menu functions are as follows: • Display: Presents the Display menu for configuring LCD brightness, colors and values display.
Page 35 The Brightness value will be store in memory until changed. • Colors: Scrolls through the Tracker 2700 color schemes. Settings are stored in memory until changed. Color Schemes: Menu = magenta; Sig A/Passed = green; Sig B/Failed = red; Readings = blue Menu = green;...
Page 36 The Scan/Package menu The Tracker 2700S Scan/Package menu (figure 4-6) is displayed by pressing the Package button while in the Scan menu. Figure 4-6. Scan / Package menu The Scan/Package menu functions are as follows: • 16PINS↑: Sets the number of pins (0-40) to scan. Press the corresponding button to scroll the pin count.
Page 37 The Scan/ V Ω Ω Ω Ω Hz menu The Scan/ V Ω Hz menu (figure 4-7) is displayed by pressing the V Ω Hz button in the Scan menu. Figure 4-7. Scan / V Ω Hz menu The functions of the Scan/ V Ω Hz menu are as follows: •...
Page 38 The functions of the Control menu are as follows: • SWITCH: Displays the Switch menu for configuring foot switch jack mode. • DIAGS: Displays the Diagnostics menu for testing the Tracker 2700 function. • Menu button: Press the Menu button to return to the Main menu. 4- 7...
Page 39 The Control/Switch menu The Control/Switch menu (figure 4-10) is displayed by pressing the Switch button in the Control menu. Figure 4-10. Control/Switch menu The functions of the Control/Switch menu are as follows: • SCAN: Configures the function of an optional foot switch to increment to next scan step based on the Scan settings (see Scan menu).
Page 40 The functions of the Control/Diags menu are as follows: • START: Starts the Diagnostics that checks the Tracker 2700 LEDs, power supplies, and waveform offsets. It also will adjust the waveform offsets and perform loop compensation. If a test fails, select the corresponding button for PROCEED or CANCEL.
Page 41: Sigassist
SigAssist The following paragraphs explain the concept of the SigAssist feature of the Tracker 2700. SigAssist can help with: ♦ Determining proper range selection ♦ Teaching/Learning Signature Analysis ♦ Comparing values to see the amount of change The values consist of Resistance, Capacitance, Power, Forward Breakdown Voltage, and Reverse Breakdown Voltage.
Page 42 Capacitance is calculated when the signature is a capacitive elliptical that is not close to a vertical or horizontal line. It will also not calculate capacitance if the signature contains dominating resistance. Fig. 4-14 SigAssist™ example with capacitive signature Forward and reverse breakdown voltages will be calculated for diode and zener type signatures. The voltages will be calculated when the vertical portion of the signature is not close to a short or open.
Page 43: Section 5 Testing Passive Components
Identify a pure resistive signature • Analyze and predict resistive signatures Turn power on to your Tracker 2700. Put the red test lead in the A jack, and the black test lead in the Common jack. Figure 5-1. Tracker 2700 with Test...
Page 44 1. Press the appropriate resistance range button. Select the 200mV voltage range. 2. Place or clip a test lead on the opposite ends of a resistor and observe the signature on the Tracker 2700 LCD display. Make sure Channel A is selected. Figure 5-2. Tracker 2700 Connected to a Resistor...
Page 45 Below are four Tracker 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 tracker signature changes with each resistor’s value. 150Ω Ω Ω Ω 1.5kΩ Ω Ω Ω 15kΩ...
Page 46 The Tracker 2700’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 47 15V, the resistance range Rs automatically changes to 1kΩ. This limit on range parameter combinations is a result of the Tracker 2700' s STAR feature, it protects components from possible excessive power (see section 3-7). In order to set V...
Page 48 ), source frequency ), and source resistance (R A pure resistance across the test terminals will cause the trace on the Tracker 2700 LCD 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 Shorts and Opens, Resistor Faults Two of the most common faults that occur in electronic components and circuits are shorts and opens. A short circuit is typically a 0 Ω to 10 Ω low resistive path between two points in a component or circuit that normally would have a higher resistance between them.
Page 50 The Tracker 2700' s LCD is a real time display and using the Tracker 2700 for testing noisy or dirty potentiometer (variable resistors) is an excellent application. Connect Tracker 2700' s test terminals to one fixed pot lead and the other to the pot' s wiper lead.
Page 51: Capacitors
5-2. Capacitors With a capacitor connected to the Tracker 2700, the test signal across it responds quite differently than a resistor. The typical tracker signature of a capacitor is an elliptical circular pattern and this is due to the fact that relationship between the test signal current and voltage are non linear. The current waveform is 90 degrees out of phase with respect to the voltage.
Page 52 Turn power on to your Tracker 2700. Plug the red test microprobe in the A jack, and the black test clip lead in the Common jack. 5- 10...
Page 53 The Tracker 2700 is a power-off tester requiring no other external power being applied to the device-under-test. For example, large value capacitors may still have a charge in them and can cause potential damage to the Tracker 2700. Do the following to display the tracker signature of a capacitor: 1.
Page 54 The Signatures Of Different Capacitors at 10V/100Ω Ω Ω Ω Range The figure below shows tracker signatures for four different value capacitors, 1000 µf, 100 µf, 10 µf and 1µf. The Tracker 2700 10V/100Ω Ω Ω Ω range is selected. 1000 µF 100 µF...
Page 55 ) on the Signature of a 0.1 µ µ µ µ F Capacitor Effect of Frequency (F = 20 Hz. = 60 Hz. = 200 Hz. = 2000 Hz. 15V, 1kΩ Ω Ω Ω Range. Figure 5-16. Signatures of a 0.1 µF Capacitor at Different Frequencies Note that as the test signal frequency increases, each signature changes from a horizontal elliptical pattern to a vertical elliptical pattern.
Page 56 Understanding Capacitor Tracker Signatures Figure 5-19. Tracker Core Circuit Block Diagram with a Capacitor. The Tracker 2700 LCD displays as a response to its test signal, a tracker signature that represents the relationship between voltage, current and resistance of a component. For circuits that contain capacitors, the effective resistance is called capacitive reactance, X .
Page 57 Changing capacitance: As the capacitance of a circuit increases, the capacitive reactance X decreases. This means that when capacitance increases, the amount of current in the component or circuit will increase. On the Tracker 2700, the elliptical signature will become increasingly vertical which implies more current flow.
Page 58 Figure 5-20. Range Parameters Changes and Effects on Capacitive Signatures. The figure above shows how the three variable parameters affect the capacitive signature. Frequency F and internal resistance R has the greatest effect, while increasing voltage V no effect. 5- 16...
Page 59 Minimum and Maximum Capacitor Values Because of the flexibility of the Tracker 2700 range selection, a wide range of capacitive values can be tested. Usable signatures can be obtained from very large or very small capacitors as shown in figures 5.21.
Page 60 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 2700 displays when there are several components connected together in a circuit.
Page 61 Applications • The Tracker 2700 can locate defective capacitors in or out of circuit. The ranges cover approximately 10pF to 16,000 µF. • When analyzing a capacitor' s signature, adjust the Tracker 2700' s R...
Page 62: Inductors
5-3. Inductors Inductors, like capacitors, have elliptical Tracker signatures and respond to Tracker 2700' s test signal non-linearly. Also like capacitors, an inductor' s reactance (resistance to an AC test signal) is dependent on the test signal' s frequency. Because of the way they are constructed using wire which has some amount of resistance in it, it is hard to find an inductor with a pure inductance.
Page 63 The figure below shows Tracker signatures for four different value inductors, 12,000µH, 1200µH, 120µH and 12µH in the 10V, 100Ω Range. 12000 µH 1200 µH 120 µH 12 µH 10V, 100 Ω Ω Ω Ω Range F = 2000Hz Figure 5-24. Signatures of 4 Inductors Note that as the inductance values decrease, each signature changes from a horizontal elliptical pattern to a vertical elliptical pattern.
Page 64 Figure 5-27. Effect of Varying R on Inductor Signatures Note that the signature changes from a horizontal to a vertical position as the Tracker 2700' s internal resistance R increases. This means the inductor' s resistance can be analyzed by matching it with the Tracker 2700' s test signal resistance.
Page 65 Figure 5-28. Tracker Core Circuit Block Diagram with an Inductor The Tracker 2700' 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 2700’s internal resistance, R...
Page 66 Figure 5-29. Range Parameters Changes and Effects on Inductive Signatures 5- 24...
Page 67 Minimum and Maximum Inductor Values Because of the flexibility of the Tracker 2700 range selection, a wide range of inductive values can be tested. Usable signatures can be obtained from very large or very small inductors as shown in figures 5.30.
Page 68 AC line cord going to the computer. Turn the computer power switch to the On position. If there is a response on the Tracker 2700' s display, adjust the test range for the most pronounced inductive signature. Flick the power switch off and on and watch for noisy switch contacts.
Page 69: Electromechanical Switching Components
A mechanical switch has two states: it is either open or closed. When open, no current can flow; when closed, it acts as a short and allows current to flow. The Tracker 2700 can test the switching function of mechanically activated switches easily. Unlike the DVM that samples and gives a continuity measurement, the Tracker 2700 displays real time activity.
Page 70 Do the following: 1. Select the 10V, 100Ω range. 2. Connect the Tracker 2700 DC Source output +DC to the positive (+) lead of the relay coil. 3. Connect the Tracker 2700 COMMON to the relay' s negative (-) lead).
Page 71 • The Tracker 2700 can test switches in real time. This makes an excellent test for micro- switches, power switches, control switches, pressure and heat sensor switches. • As the mechanical switch closes, watch for erratic or discontinuous signature. Switch bounce will display as multiple closure signatures.
Page 72: Section 6 Testing Discrete Semiconductors
SECTION 6 TESTING DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS 6-1. 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 73 1. Turn power on to your Tracker 2700. 2. Select the 10V, 100Ω Ω Ω Ω range. Select 60HZ. 3. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' s A test terminal to anode lead of the diode.
Page 74 Figure 6-3. Tracker 2700 with Probes to a Diode = 10 Volts = 3 Volts = 100Ω Ω Ω Ω , F = 60 Hz Figure 6-4. Signature of a 1N914 Type Silicon Diode The diode signatures shown above are similar. The test signal voltage for the signature on the left is 10 V .
Page 75 Figure 6-5. Signature of a 1N914 Diode at Different Range Frequencies Effects of Internal Resistance (R ) on the Diode Signature Changing Tracker 2700' s internal resistance R moves the vertical knee portion of the diode' s Tracker signature. As R increases, the knee of the signature moves inward toward the origin.
Page 76 Figure 6-7 reviews the Tracker 2700' s three range parameters and how they affect the diode signature. Figure 6-7. Range Parameters Changes and Effects on Diode Signatures 6- 5...
Page 77 When multiple components are connected together, it' s important to realize that the Tracker 2700 has the ability to selectively display the signature of a single component. 6- 6...
Page 78 Again, when multiple components are connected together, it' s important to realize that the Tracker 2700 has the ability to selectively display the signature of a single component.
Page 79 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 6-12.
Page 80 Internal Leakage Flaw in a Diode Figure 6-14. Defective Diode Model with an Internal Leakage Resistance =100 Ω Ω Ω Ω =1 kΩ Ω Ω Ω =10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω =10V, R =15V, R =15V, R Figure 6-15. Signature of a Diode with Internal Leakage Flaw. 1N914 Diode with a 10kΩ...
Page 81 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. A zener diode is a different type of diode and is designed for operation when reverse biased (diode' s cathode connected to positive and anode to negative), but under carefully controlled conditions.
Page 82 Figure 6-17. Single Zener Diode 1N5239B and corresponding signature Figure 6-18. Two Zener Diodes in series and corresponding signature. Since each horizontal division on the LCD graticule (in 15V,1kΩ Ω 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 thresholds are doubled.
Page 83 • The Tracker 2700 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 2700 to approximate the voltage.
Page 84: Transistors
6-2. Transistors A bipolar transistor is a three layer device. There are two basic types. A PNP transistor has a layer of n-type silicon material sandwiched between two layers of p-type material. An NPN transistor has a layer of p-type silicon material sandwiched between two layers of n-type material.
Page 85 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 may occur...
Page 86 Bipolar Transistor Signatures In order to better understand the signatures that transistors create on the Tracker 2700, we can model these devices in terms of equivalent diode circuits. These are shown in figure 6-20. These figures show that the collector-base junction Tracker signature looks similar to a diode signature and the emitter-base junction signature looks similar to a zener diode signature.
Page 87 Bipolar Transistor Base-Collector Signatures 1. Select the 15V, 10kΩ Ω Ω Ω range. 2. Place or clip the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' s A test terminal to the Collector lead of the transistor. 3. Place or clip the black test lead from the Tracker 2700' s Common terminal to Base lead of the transistor.
Page 88 similar to a diode with its polarity reversed. These are the signatures we expected from our circuit modeling. We can do the same kind of comparison with the emitter-base circuits. Zener Diode 1N5239B PNP Transistor 2N3906 NPN Transistor PN2222A 5V, 10kΩ Ω Ω Ω Range Figure 6-23.
Page 89 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 2700 makes this a relatively simple procedure because each type of junction has a characteristic signature. This makes it possible to identify each of the terminals and the polarity of the transistor.
Page 90 Do the following: 1. Probe pin 1 with the red probe and pin 2 with the black probe. 2. Identify the signature. Figure 6-26. Signature of Pins 1 And 2 of an Unknown Transistor 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 91 Figure 6-28. Signature of Pins 1 and 3 of an Unknown Transistor 6- 20...
Page 92 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 93 Using the DC Source to Test Transistor Operation Figure 6-31a shows the test circuit for an NPN transistor using the DC Source to drive the base. 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.
Page 94 Figure 6-32a shows the test setup for a PNP transistor. The displayed signature will be the result of the collector-base junction of the transistor. Figure 6-32a. DC Source Test Circuit for a PNP Transistor DC Level = 0V DC Level = 5V Fig 6-32b.
Page 95 The Tracker 2700 can be used to determine the type of transistor; bipolar, Darlington, FET, etc. • The Tracker 2700 can be used to identify the polarity of a transistor (PNP or NPN). • The Tracker 2700 can be used to determine the base, collector and emitter on an unknown transistor.
Page 96: Solid State Switching Components
The Tracker 2700’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 2700' s test leads across the component' s switch terminals. Observe the optocoupler' s signature for on and off states.
Page 97 Optocoupler Signatures 1. Select the 10V, 1kΩ Ω Ω Ω range. 2. Connect the black test lead or easy grabber from the Tracker 2700' s Common test terminal to the transistor emitter lead and the diode cathode lead of the optocoupler.
Page 98 Figure 6-36. Diagram of a Silicon Controlled Rectifier 1. Select the 15V, 10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω range. 2. Place or clip the red test probe from the Tracker 2700' s A test terminal to gate lead (G) of the component.
Page 99 Figure 6-37. Tracker 2700 with Test Leads to a SCR Gate-Anode Gate-Cathode Anode-Cathode 15V, 10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω Range. Figure 6-38. Signatures of a SCR - C106B Type 6- 28...
Page 100 4. Connect the red test probe from Tracker 2700' s A test terminal to the SCR' s anode lead. 5. Connect the black test probe from Tracker 2700' s Common test terminal to the SCR' s cathode lead.
Page 101 Their operation can slowly deteriorate making them intermittent. This type of problem is extremely difficult to troubleshoot. With Tracker signature analysis, the Tracker 2700 will detect small amounts of degradation in an optocoupler' s LED and the phototransistor' s emitter-collector junction.
Page 102: Section 7 Testing Integrated Circuits
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 2700 and TSA respond to these circuits. Integrated Circuit Failures A functioning IC may stop working for a number of reasons.
Page 103 Important Note: Occasionally, the signatures of ICs may exhibit discontinuities or fuzziness due to oscillation. Most often this occurs in the zener or avalanche breakdown region of the signature. To obtain a more stable signature, simply reduce the selected test voltage. Digital Integrated Circuit Signatures Before we examine the Tracker signatures of an IC, let' s study the block diagram of a 74LS245 octal bi-directional bus buffer to introduce some basic concepts.
Page 104 74LS245 are pin 1 and 19 and will have the same signatures. (Note: This is only for ICs out of circuit.) 5. Select the 10V, 100Ω Ω Ω Ω range. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' s A test terminal. Probe the power supply V input pin and view its signature on the LCD display.
Page 105 Although the logic function is the same, there are differences in the circuitry of each logic family. These differences can be readily seen in their signatures using the Tracker 2700. We will illustrate these concepts with the following example of two hex inverters, a 7404 and a 74LS04 from different logic families.
Page 106 Pin 1 input - 15V,10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω Pin 2 output - 15V,10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω Pin 14 power - 10V, 100Ω Ω Ω Ω Figure 7-4. Signatures Of A 7404 Hex Inverter. Common To Pin 7(Gnd) Pin 1 input - 15V,10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω Pin 2 output - 15V,10 kΩ...
Page 107 For this example, the ground pin of the 74HC14 is pin 7. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' 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 108 CMOS logic circuits inherently have a significant amount of internal capacitance. This junction capacitance is visible in the CMOS signatures when using the Tracker 2700. Capacitance in CMOS circuitry may be emphasized or de-emphasized by changing the frequency of the test signal.
Page 109 Comparison testing is a very powerful and effective test strategy when troubleshooting digital logic using TSA. The Tracker 2700' 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 110 2. Place a black clip lead from the Tracker 2700' s Common terminal to both reference and suspect IC or boards ground pin. 3. Place the black test lead from the Tracker 2700' s B test terminal to the suspect IC' s pin. For this example, start with pin 1 of the suspect IC.
Page 111 Tracker 2700. The Tracker 2700 features alternate switching and display of the A and B channels to allow comparison of two individual signatures. • Testing for faulty IC’s is one of the more common uses for the Tracker 2700. A technician can compare IC’s in or out of circuit. 7- 10...
Page 112: Analog Circuits
ICs. Op Amps Frequently, each pin of an op amp creates a different signature on the Tracker 2700. This signature is the result of the internal design of the chip and both the internal and external circuit elements connected to it.
Page 113 11. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' s A test terminal and probe each pin of the IC. 5. Observe that the signature of each of the op amp' s pins are unique.
Page 114 Pin 2 -Input Pin 3 +Input Pin 6 Output 10V, 100Ω Ω Ω Ω Range Figure 7-12. Signatures Of An Op Amp (741 Type), Common to Pin 4 Pin 2 -Input Pin 3 +Input Pin 6 Output 15V, 10 kΩ Ω Ω Ω Range Figure 7-13.
Page 115 The op amp has three main terminals; + input, - input and output. An alternative way to perform TSA on the op amp is to connect Tracker 2700' s Common terminal to the op amp' s output while making a comparison with the red test probe to the “ + ” and then the “ - ” leg. This eliminates problems encountered when probing op-amps that are isolated from power and common.
Page 116 • The IC signatures resemble zener diodes. • There are many causes for IC failures and the Tracker 2700 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 117: Low Voltage
For this example, the ground pin of the 74LVQ245 is pin 10. 4. Use the red test lead from the Tracker 2700' 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 118 • The IC signatures resemble regular and zener diode signatures. • There are many causes for IC failures and the Tracker 2700 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 119: Section 8 Maintenance
To avoid instrument damage, never apply solvents to the instrument. Should the Tracker 2700 case require cleaning, wipe the instrument with a cloth that is lightly dampened with water or mild detergent solution. The instrument requires no lubrication.

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