Benchtop troubleshooting tool
22 November 2000
Test & Measurement
Huntron's Tracker 4000 provides state-of-the-art troubleshooting methodology using analog signature analysis techniques. Huntron says that the dual trace CRT display quickly compares 'known good' component signatures with the device under test, thus detecting subtle problems such as IC leakage, intermittent faults, open capacitors etc. This is performed without the need to power up the circuit under test and perhaps cause further damage.
The Tracker 4000 can supply any combination of a possible 6000 selections of voltage, source resistance and test frequency. Up to 20 customised test groups can be stored internally with up to four ranges per group, so the best possible range of test parameters may be determined to produce the optimum display of the device's signature. According to the company its unique STAR (safe tracker active range) feature prevents damaging a component by setting test parameters beyond its current limitations. An integral pulse generator allows the testing of gate-fired devices such as SCRs and TRIACs.
Test versatility
The range of test parameters available makes the Tracker 4000 capable of troubleshooting a wide range of components. Passive devices, surface mount, low voltage logic, C-MOS, TTL and mixed-signal technology boards are all within the Tracker 4000's capability. Testing a circuit with differing combinations of voltage, resistance and frequency allows the user to effectively isolate components, essentially eliminating any parallel influences. For example if a capacitor is tested at 200 mV, any shunt semiconductors will remain turned off and the capacitor will be tested as if out of the circuit. Testing at a higher voltage and lower frequency will eliminate the effects of the capacitor and display the signature of the parallel device.
The Tracker works by applying a current-limited AC signal across two points of a component. This forms the unique V/I signature that represents the overall health of the device under test. Analysing the signature can quickly determine whether the component is good, bad, or marginal.
Further reading:
Real-time monitoring for smart power distribution
CST Electronics
Test & Measurement
By leveraging high-precision measurement, high-speed wave-recording, and AI-enabled analytics, the InHand Wireless Overhead-lines System empowers power utilities to accurately identify line faults and perform comprehensive load analysis.
Read more...
Compact vector network analyser
Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
Siglent Technologies has introduced the SNA5000X-E Vector Network Analyzer, a compact, cost-effective solution engineered to meet essential RF testing needs, while maintaining dependable performance.
Read more...
Smart digital fibre sensor
Avnet Abacus
Test & Measurement
Panasonic Industry Europe has introduced the new FX-250 digital fibre sensor designed to support users in their daily working routines as effectively as possible.
Read more...
Compact USB spectrum analyser solution
Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
The HAROGIC SAN Series USB Spectrum Analyser is a compact USB-based spectrum analyser and receiver that covers a broad frequency range from 9 kHz up to 9 GHz.
Read more...
B&K Precision’s Series 1820B frequency counter
Comtest
Test & Measurement
These compact and versatile instruments are designed for a wide range of frequency measurement applications, from telecommunications to verification and validation of oscillators.
Read more...
How transition-edge sensors detect microwave radiation
Test & Measurement
The elegant interplay of superconductivity, thermal physics, and precision electronics makes TES technology a cornerstone of modern low-energy photon detection.
Read more...
Compact high precision magnetometer
Future Electronics
Test & Measurement
Bosch Sensortec has introduced the BMM350, a compact 16-bit, 3-axis magnetometer engineered to deliver high accuracy, low noise, and exceptional energy efficiency in space constrained designs.
Read more...
Ultra compact NTC thermistors
RS South Africa
Test & Measurement
Murata Manufacturing Co. has expanded its compact NCU03 series of NTC thermistors with two ultra-small 0603M devices tailored for consumer and automotive designs.
Read more...
Omniflex uses LoRaWAN to track water usage
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Test & Measurement
Omniflex has helped New South Wales Ports improve its ability to track water usage by installing remote monitoring to 38 water meters at its Port Kembla site, sending the data to the NSWPorts web portal.
Read more...
Surviving the extremes: Understanding shock and vibration in MEMS sensors
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
By considering factors such as mechanical headroom, damping, and system-level robustness, designers can ensure that the chosen sensor not only survives, but performs reliably over time.
Read more...
printer friendly version