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Huntron Tracker 2700 Workbook

Analog signature analysis course workbook
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Huntron Tracker Analog Signature Analysis
Course Workbook
P/N 21-1376
Rev. D version 1.1
August 2023
Copyright © 2023 Huntron, Inc. All rights reserved.
Huntron, Tracker and SigAssist 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. copyright law, without the prior written consent of Huntron, Inc.,
15720 Main Street, Suite#100, Mill Creek, WA, 98012, USA.
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Summary of Contents for Huntron Tracker 2700

  • Page 1 August 2023 Copyright © 2023 Huntron, Inc. All rights reserved. Huntron, Tracker and SigAssist 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 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION ........................6 1-1 U ....................6 SING YOUR RACKER WITH THIS OURSE 1-2 I .............................. 7 TEMS NEEDED 1-3 G ......................... 8 ENERAL RACKER ETUP 1-4 P ..............................9 OWER 1-5 C ..........................9 HANNEL ELECTION 1-6 A...
  • Page 4 4-3 R ...................... 34 EVIEW FOR INDUCTIVE SIGNATURES SECTION 5 TESTING DIODES ........................35 ............................35 NTRODUCTION 5-2 D ) ................ 36 IODE IGNATURES AND REAKDOWN OLTAGE 5-3 E ..........38 FFECTS OF HANGING RACKER ETTINGS ON IODE IGNATURES 5-4 D ............................
  • Page 5 ........................60 ECTION ESTING ESISTORS ........................61 ECTION ESTING APACITORS ........................62 ECTION ESTING NDUCTORS ..........................63 ECTION ESTING IODES ......................... 64 ECTION ESTING RANSISTORS ..............65 ECTION ESTING THE PERATION OF WITCHING EVICES ....................65 ECTION ESTING NTEGRATED IRCUITS...

  • Page 6: Section 1. Introduction

    This course assumes that the user has basic knowledge on the use their Tracker interface and controls. We strongly suggest that you review the User’s Manual for your Tracker model before beginning this course. All User’s Manuals can be found on the Huntron Product Manual CD included with this course.

  • Page 7: Items Needed

    Items needed • Huntron Tracker (see compatible list above) • One pair of Huntron Microprobes or equivalent test leads • Common test lead or equivalent “easy-grabber” lead • This Course book • Huntron Tracker Training PCB (included with course) Figure 1-1 Huntron Tracker Training Board...

  • Page 8: General Tracker Setup

    General Tracker Setup Huntron Trackers use the same style of front panel connections from one model to the next. They will have a Channel A, Channel B and Common connections that can use standard or shrouded banana plugs. This course will primarily use probes connected to the Channel A and Common front jacks.

  • Page 9: Power-Up

    PC with Huntron Workstation installed before continuing with the Training Course. Channel Selection There are two channels on your Huntron Tracker, channel A and channel B. These are selected by pressing the appropriate front panel button or select the desired channel in Huntron Workstation software.

  • Page 10: Alternate Mode

    A and B channel signatures are display at the same time. The Tracker 3200S will display Channel A in green and Channel B in red. Figure 1-5 Typical Alternate mode application to compare the same points on two boards (shown using a Tracker 2700)

  • Page 11: Resistance Selection

    Resistance Selection A Huntron Tracker is designed with multiple resistance ranges varying from 10 to 100k. A resistance range is selected by pressing the appropriate button(s) on the Tracker front panel or by selecting a setting from the Resistance drop menu in the Workstation Tracker window (figure 1-6).

  • Page 12: Frequency Selection

    Frequency Selection The Tracker test signal frequencies will vary from 20Hz to 2000Hz (or 5000Hz for Tracker 3200S, ProTrack, Tracker 4000 and Tracker Model 30) and can be selected by pressing the appropriate button(s) on the front panel or by selecting a setting from the Frequency drop menu in the Workstation Tracker window (figure 1-8).

  • Page 13: Voltage Selection

    Voltage Selection The Tracker voltage selection varies from 200mV to 20V. This controls the peak applied sine-wave voltage. The voltage setting can be selected by pressing the appropriate button on the front panel or by selecting a setting from the Voltage drop menu in the Workstation Tracker window (figure 1-8). When using a ProTrack or Tracker 4000, you will turn the encoder knob to change the voltage setting.

  • Page 14: 1-10 Pulse Generator And Dc Voltage Source

    1-10 Pulse Generator and DC Voltage Source The built-in DC (direct current) voltage source of the Tracker 2700 and 2800 or the Pulse Generator on the Tracker 3200S, ProTrack and Tracker 4000 allows for in-circuit testing of certain devices in their active mode.

  • Page 15: 1-11 Analog Signature Analysis (Asa) Basics

    1-11 Analog Signature Analysis (ASA) Basics Here's how ASA and power-off testing works: The Tracker 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 Tracker’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 16 Horizontal Axis The voltage across the component under test controls the amount of horizontal trace deflection on the  Tracker display. When the component under test is removed, creating an open circuit (e.g., R the voltage at the output terminals is at its maximum and thus the trace on the display is a straight horizontal line with its maximum width.
  • Page 17 When the test signal is positive, this means that the voltage and current are positive so the signature's trace is on the right hand side of the Tracker 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. Exercise 1 –...

  • Page 18: 1-12 Four Basic Component Analog Signatures

    Figure 1-14 Display with Vertical Axis, Graticule Lines displaying a short circuit. 1-12 Four Basic Component Analog Signatures All Tracker signatures are a composite of one or more of the four basic component signatures which are: resistance, capacitance, inductance and semi-conductance. Refer to Fig 1-15. Each one of these basic components responds differently to the Tracker's test signal.

  • Page 19: 1-13 Smart Tracker Active Range (Star) Feature

    1. Select the 200mV, 10 range. 2. Press the 5V button. Notice that the resistance range changes to 50 automatically. The 5V at 10 range is disabled. In Huntron Workstation, the voltage drop menu will only display the voltages allowed the current resistance setting.

  • Page 20: Testing Resistors

    1. Set up your Tracker to test (See section 1-3). Set the range settings to 200mV, 10 and 200Hz. 2. Using the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the test leads to R1 (10). 3. Draw the signature in the signature box labeled 10.
  • Page 21 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 10 to 100. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the resistors R2 - R5. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.
  • Page 22 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 100 to 1K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the resistors R2 – R5 and draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.

  • Page 23: Resistive Signatures - Changing Voltage And Frequency

    1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 10K to 100K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the resistors R2 – R4 and draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.

  • Page 24: Review For Resistive Signatures

    Review for resistive signatures • The signature of a purely resistive circuit will display a straight line signature because the relationship between voltage and current in a purely resistive circuit is linear. • This straight line signature can vary from a completely horizontal (open circuit) to completely vertical (short circuit).

  • Page 25: Section 3 Testing Capacitors

    1. Set up your Tracker to test (See section 1-3). Set the range settings to 200mV, 10 and 200Hz. 2. Using the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the test leads to C1 (220uF). 3. Draw the signature in the signature box labeled 220uF.
  • Page 26 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 10 to 100. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the capacitors C1, C2, C3 and C4. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.
  • Page 27 1. Change the Tracker 2700 resistance range from 100 to 1K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the capacitors C1, C2, C3 and C4. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.
  • Page 28 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 10K to 100K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the capacitors C1, C2, C3 and C4. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.

  • Page 29: Review For Capacitive Signatures

    1. Set the Tracker resistance range to 1K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker Common to the GND post near the bottom edge of the board. Hold the Channel A test lead to the right side pad from capacitor C2 and draw the signature in the box below labeled C2-10uF.
  • Page 30 Tracker range settings Minimum capacitive value Maximum capacitive value 100uF 13000uF 10, 20Hz 100pF .01uF 100K, 5KHz. Table 3-1 Min/Max. Capacitance Values • Radial lead electrolytic capacitors can be test by touching the exposed metal top of the component. This method is best utilized using the A versus B comparison of known good and suspect circuit boards.

  • Page 31: Section 4 Testing Inductors

    1. Set up your Tracker to test (See section 1-3). Set the Tracker range settings to 200mV, 10 and 2000Hz. 2. Using the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the test leads to L1 (680uH). 3. Draw the signature in the signature box labeled 680uH.
  • Page 32 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 10 to 100. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the inductors L1 and L2. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.
  • Page 33 Exercise 3: Testing at the 1K resistance range 1. Change the Tracker resistance range from 100 to 1K. 2. On the Huntron Tracker Training board, connect the Tracker test leads to each of the inductors L1and L2. Draw their corresponding signatures in the labeled signature boxes below.

  • Page 34: Review For Inductive Signatures

    Exercise 6: Finding the correct range for an inductor 1. Connect the Tracker test lead to pin 3 and the common lead to pin 2 of the K1 relay. These are the connections for the wire coil internal to the relay component. 2.

  • Page 35: Section 5 Testing Diodes

    Tracker signature displayed. A typical diode signature is shown in figure 5-1. Figure 5-1 Diode Construction and Typical Diode Signature (shown on Huntron Workstation display) Diode signatures reflect the basic nature of a semiconductor junction. There is a threshold voltage at which the diode begins to conduct, typically 0.6V for a silicon based component.

  • Page 36: Diode Signatures And Breakdown Voltage (Vbd)

    Figure 5-2 Tracker Graticule display As an example, if the Tracker is set to 3V this means that the left side from center to the far left edge of the graticule is -3V. The center to the far right edge of the graticule is +3V. Dividing the voltage by four (the number of divisions on each side) will provide the “volts per division”...
  • Page 37 SigAssist™. SigAssist will try to calculate breakdown voltages based on the signature shape. To use SigAssist on the Tracker 2700, Tracker 2800 or Tracker 3200S, use the LCD menus to enable the “Values” display. In Huntron Workstation, you can right-click the displayed signature and select “SigAssist”...

  • Page 38: Effects Of Changing Tracker Settings On Diode Signatures

    Effects of Changing Tracker Settings on Diode Signatures The following exercises illustrate how a diode signature changes in response to variation of Tracker frequency, resistance and voltage settings. Exercise 2: The effects of changing frequency 1. Set the Tracker range settings to 3V, 100, 200Hz. 2.

  • Page 39: Diode Failures

    Diode Failures Other than open or short circuits, semiconductor failures are generally resistive in nature. On the Huntron Tracker Training Board, diode faults can be simulated by adding resistors in parallel or series to simulate diode leakage or internal resistance problems.
  • Page 40 4. Observe and draw the signature display in the box labeled Internal Resistance 5. Move the Common test lead to the right side pad of resistor R8 and draw the signature in the box labeled No Internal Resistance. Simulated Internal Resistance failure Internal Resistance No Internal Resistance Note that the vertical portion of the first signature is angled indicating the presence of internal...

  • Page 41: Composite Diode Signatures

    Composite Diode Signatures Signatures that exhibit characteristics of several different types of components that are interconnected are called composite signatures. For example, a diode in parallel with a resistor (as experienced in the last exercise) will display a composite signature because characteristics of both a semiconductor and a resistor are shown in the signature.

  • Page 42: Zener Diodes

    4. Change the Tracker voltage setting to 3V and place the probes across the D5 + C6 circuit. Observe and draw the signature in the box labeled D5+C6 3V, 100. D4+R9 200mV, 10K D4+R9 3V, 10K D5+C6 200mV, 100 D5+C6 3V, 100 These steps illustrate how by manipulating the Tracker range settings, signatures of the parallel components can be examined individually or in combination.

  • Page 43: Review For Diode Signatures

    Diode D2 Diode D2 (C1+C2) D2 V-bd: D2 (C1+C2) V-bd: Note that the signature displayed has two voltage breakdown points. This type of signature is commonly referred to as a “zener pattern” or “zener signature”. Zener signatures are the most common type of signature encountered when testing integrated circuits (ICs).

  • Page 44: Section 6 Testing Transistors

    Section 6 Testing Transistors Introduction A bipolar junction transistor is a three layer device of which there are two types. A PNP transistor has a layer of N type material inserted between two layers of P type material. A NPN transistor has a layer of P type material inserted between two layers of N type material.

  • Page 45: Pnp And Npn Transistor Signatures

    PNP and NPN Transistor Signatures The following exercise will illustrate how NPN and PNP transistor signatures are displayed on the Tracker. Exercise 1: Typical transistor signatures - PNP 1. Power on the Tracker. 2. Connect the Tracker Common lead to the base (B) lead on transistor Q1 on the Tracker Training Board.

  • Page 46: Using The Pulse Generator Or Dc Voltage Source To Test Transistor Operation

    This technique can be useful for testing function and matching transistor gain. Figure 6-3 shows the test circuit for a NPN transistor using the DC voltage source to drive the base. Figure 6-3 Testing a transistor with a DC Voltage Source (Tracker 2700 shown)

  • Page 47: Review For Transistor Signatures

    Exercise 3: Displaying transistor gain 1. Setup the test circuit as shown in figure 6-3 connecting the DC voltage source or Pulse Generator to the base of Q2, channel A to the emitter and common to the collector. 2. Set the Tracker range settings to 5V, 100 and 200Hz. 3.

  • Page 48: Section 7 Testing The Operation Of Switching Devices

    Section 7 Testing the Operation of Switching Devices Introduction Switches are electrical devices that either stop or allow current flow within a circuit. In the world of electronics, “switching” is often referred to as a basic function that can be performed by a variety of devices.
  • Page 49 Exercise 2: Testing a Relay Figure 7-2 Testing a Relay with the Tracker voltage source (Tracker 2700 shown) 1. Connect the Tracker Common lead to the GND connection on the bottom center portion of the Tracker Training Board.
  • Page 50 Exercise 3: Testing an Optocoupler (optical switch) Figure 7-3 Testing an optocoupler with a DC Voltage source (Tracker 2700 shown) 1. Connect the Tracker Common lead to the GND connection on the bottom center portion of the Tracker Training Board.

  • Page 51: Review For Switching Devices

    U1 – No voltage U1 – Voltage applied When the voltage applied by the DC Voltage source reaches a certain level the optocoupler will bias and the signature will change. Also note that the optocoupler reacts in a similar way to the common transistor in part 6-3 of the Testing Transistors section.

  • Page 52: Section 8 Testing Integrated Circuits

    Where digital circuits were once made from discrete transistors, hundreds of these same digital circuits can be embedded on a small chip. This trend will only intensify so it is important to understand how a Huntron Tracker can be used with this type of circuitry. Why an Integrated Circuit (IC) Fails Nothing mysterious happens to a working semiconductor when it fails or suffers degradation.
  • Page 53 Figure 8-1 74LS245 Octal Transceiver By examining the circuit drawing closely, four different pin types can be identified. Pins 2 through 9 and 11 through 18 are all connected to both an input and output of a buffer. Pins 1 and 19 are both enable lines and inputs to AND gates (although their names are different).
  • Page 54 5. Probe pin 14 (Vcc). Draw the signature observed in the box labeled “U2 Power pin”. U2 Output pins U2 Input pins U2 Power pin Note that the signature patterns displayed match the circuit type shown in Figure 8-2. When troubleshooting this device, similar pins could be compared against each other.

  • Page 55: Signatures Of Different Ic Families

    Signatures of Different IC Families TLL is considered to be one of the primary logic IC families. However, there are other types of ICs that are not TTL but perform very similar functions. Although the logic is the same, there are several differences in the circuitry of each type and these differences are reflected in the Tracker signatures.
  • Page 56 1. Connect the COM lead to the Tracker Training Board GND connections. 2. Press the ALT button to put the Tracker into alternation mode or select ALT from the Channel menu of the Tracker tab in Huntron Workstation. 3. Use Channel A to test U2 and Channel B to test U3.

  • Page 57: Testing Analog Ics

    Testing Analog ICs Of all of the analog ICs in use today, operational amplifiers, commonly called “op amps” are probably the most common and present another troubleshooting challenge. Each pin can display a different signature on the Tracker. These signatures are a result of the internal architecture of the IC and the connected circuit elements.

  • Page 58: Review Of Testing Integrated Circuits

    The fault on pin 5 of U5 is caused by a resistive short to Vcc. Of course this fault is simulated by adding a 1K resistor tied to the VCC line but this type of fault is indicative of the types experienced in the real world.
  • Page 59 • Begin testing complex boards by probing its connectors. In many cases, faults caused by outside influences can be detected and traced back from the connector to a faulty component. • Treat SMT devices the same as their through-hole equivalents but realize that a lower test voltage will likely be needed to obtain a useful signature.

  • Page 60: Appendix A Training Course Exercise Signatures

    Appendix A Training Course Exercise Signatures Section 2 Testing Resistors Exercise 1: Testing at the 10 resistance range 10 1K 10K 100K Exercise 2: Testing at the 100 resistance range 100 1K 10K 100K Exercise 3: Testing at the 1K resistance range 100...
  • Page 61 Section 3 Testing Capacitors Exercise 1: Testing at the 10 resistance range 220uF 10uF 0.01uF 0.001uF Exercise 2: Testing at the 100 resistance range 220uF 10uF 0.01uF 0.001uF Exercise 3: Testing at the 1K resistance range 220uF 10uF 0.01uF 0.001uF Exercise 4: Testing at the 10K...
  • Page 62 Exercise 8: Simulating Capacitive Leakage (rev. C and later Training Board) C7 - 10uF C7 - 10uF Section 4 Testing Inductors Exercise 1: Testing at the 10 resistance range 680uH 68uH Exercise 2: Testing at the 100 resistance range 680uH 68uH Exercise 3: Testing at the 1K...
  • Page 63 Section 5 Testing Diodes Exercise 1: Typical diode signature and breakdown voltage D1 V-bd: 0.0V D1 V+bd: aprox. 0.6V Exercise 2: The effects of changing frequency 2000Hz 20Hz Exercise 3: The effects of changing resistance 1K 100K Exercise 4: The effects of changing voltage Exercise 5: Simulating Internal Resistance in a Diode Internal Resistance No Internal resistance...
  • Page 64 Exercise 6: Simulating Leakage in a Diode Diode Leakage Exercise 7: Parallel Diode combinations D4+R9 D5+C6 Exercise 8: Adjusting Range with Parallel Diode combinations D4+R9; 200mV, 10K D4+R9; 3V, 10K D5+C6; 200mV, 100 D5+C6; 3V, 100 Exercise 9: Zener diode signatures Diode D2 V-bd: approx.
  • Page 65 Exercise 2: Typical transistor signatures – NPN B to E B to C E to C Section 7 Testing the Operation of Switching Devices Exercise 1: Testing a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) Q4 No Voltage Q4 Voltage applied Exercise 3: Testing an Optocoupler (optical switch) for Rev. C Trainer Board U1 No Voltage U1 Voltage applied Section 8 Testing Integrated Circuits...
  • Page 66 Exercise 3: Comparing Two Hex Inverter ICs U2 Output pins U2 Input pins U2 Power pin U3 Output pins U3 Input pins U3 Power pin Exercise 5: Op Amp signatures Step 5: U5 is showing a resistive fault on pin 5; this is a simulated fault by attaching a 1K resistor from pin 5 to Vcc.

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