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| Can You Do Component Testing On Digital Oscilloscopes? |
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| bdunham7:
--- Quote from: Darkover on April 19, 2023, 03:01:45 pm ---I would say a curve tracer and a component tester (subject) ist something complete different isn't? --- End quote --- A curve tracer can operate on two-leaded devices like diodes and will be essentially the same thing as a component tester, but typically with greater current/voltage options available. The device typically known as a curve tracer will also have the ability to scan a third lead of a component with steps of current and voltage while measuring the current vs. voltage on the other two leads. I like the design of the device you posted. Would I be stepping on anyone's toes if I laid out a PCB for that design and posted it here? If I ever get the time and motivation I might just do that. |
| Shock:
For testing components, a component tester on old an analog oscilloscope is the last tool I would get. For it to be effective with in circuit testing you need familiarity with the circuit, or a spare known good board or have previously recorded results. In my opinion the far more practical tools are: Multimeter (essential for quick live and in circuit testing) LCR meter (more of a precision tool with inductance as well) ESR meter (measures electrolytic caps for a specific common failure) Transistor/Multi component tester (does a bit of everything) Then a lab power supply, digital oscilloscope and if you need one a function generator. Don't cheap out on the oscilloscope if you are taking up electronics for a while, the modern entry level models (digital) are quite advanced and better value for money. You can purchase a component tester circuit for your digital scope or make one if you are curious, fairly inexpensive or use a function generator to achieve similar result. |
| Stray Electron:
I agree with Shock's last paragraph about not cheaping out on a scope for troubleshooting but I disagree with his statement that a CT is the last thing that you need. You can learn a LOT about component behavior by using a CT. My advice to buy a good digital scope and not worry using it for CT'ing. Then buy a cheap analog scope and build an octopus CT circuit. All of the scopes that I have seen that have built in CTs are 20MHz or less and they're not adequate for troubleshooting modern electronics. I recently passed up a B&K scope with built in CT for $15 in a surplus store (a B&K 2120 IIRC). It was only 10 or 20 MHz and only tested two terminal devices (such as diodes) and not three terminal devices such as transistors. I also agree with Wallace's statement that it's next to impossible to understand the hash that digital scopes make of X-Y curves. I was lucky enough to find one of the little B&K Component Testers (a curve tracer) that about 6 or 7 inches wide and about 3 inches tall and that uses an about 3" CRT and I use it all of the time, even though I have two Tek 575s and a Tek 576. |
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