EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: dazz1 on January 01, 2020, 05:20:40 am
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Hi
I am looking for a modern curve tracer mainly for power FET testing.
I have an analog scope.
I have looked at a range of options including Thai Kits, Elektor, Locky-Z Intelligent Curve Tracer etc. All of these found have problems or deficiencies.
Brand name built testers like Huntron or Tektronix on e-bay are too expensive so a kit would be ideal.
Any suggestions?
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From W2AEW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOLLoa2fH24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOLLoa2fH24)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwo3pEH7hUE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwo3pEH7hUE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWY-pakm_OM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWY-pakm_OM)
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Hi
I have an Elektor audio sig-gen I built I think in the 90s. Based on your video, I can rig together a simple tracer. That is all I need.
Cheers.
I would still like to find a budget kit designed NPN/PNP/Fets. The eye-watering prices on e-bay indicate a good demand.
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You might want to mention your budget.
The cheap curve tracers that plug into the oscilloscope (aka octopus) are good for a quick visual test, identifying unmarked components and comparison against known good components. Then you get into the area the Huntrons cover which is more signature analysis and circuit troubleshooting. The older dynamic curve tracers have broader voltage and current ranges, stepped and adjustable ranges of operation. Generally the more expensive you go the more thoroughly you can characterize a range of devices at and above operational limits.
Curve tracers now have combined into semiconductor and component analyzers which have been expanded by software. Not a curve tracer but the budget option is the AVR transistor/component testers. You can either build the official Germany design or buy a cheap one from China, they go for about $10-30 or so.
Here is an octopus circuit (http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/May-June2017/Ferreora.pdf) with an adjustable voltage range, the next step up from a basic one.
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I'm finishing up a new Curve Tester for release shortly.
Will be available in a few versions ranging from 200V, 20A (on a lower voltage setting!) to +/-800V (for tubes), with secondary supply for screen and heater supplies. The model aimed at semiconductor poweramplifier engineers will do 400V (2A) on high range and 40V (20A).
Not set prices yet, but it will be competetive with some of the kits if you factor in some labour. USB based and aiming for better than 0.1% accuracy and of-course proper support and warranty.