Circuit Board Tester

Posted in Tools and measuring, on 2015-07-15

Circuit diagram:

Circuit Board Tester

Parts:

  • R1,R2___________22K 1/4W Resistors
  • D1______________LED (Any dimension and shape, preferably red)
  • D2______________LED (Any dimension and shape, preferably green)
  • Q1____________BF245 or 2N3819 General-purpose N-Channel FET
  • Q2____________BC547 45V 100mA NPN Transistor
  • Q3____________BC557 45V 100mA PNP Transistor
  • Probe_________Metal Probe 3 to 5 cm. long Two Miniature Crocodile Clips (Red and Black)

Comments:

This little circuit indicates the basic integrity of a printed board, detecting 0V, positive supply voltage from less than 3V to 30V and floating parts. If the probe is floating, as it would be in a broken track, then both LEDs barely light up, since there is no current to drive the transistors, but if the probe touches 0V or a positive voltage one or other lights. A digital signal should light them in proportion to the mark-space ratio whereas the output of a circuit oscillating at a frequency rate below about 20Hz will cause the LEDs to flicker alternatively. The LEDs will illuminate always at a constant intensity, no matter the voltage supply used, because they are fed by a very simple Fet constant-current generator (Q1).

Note:

  • The Black clip must be connected to the negative ground of the board under test.
  • The Red clip should be connected to a positive voltage source (not exceeding 30V) available on the same board.

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