30 January 2002Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Joker 500 is an instrument from Test and Rework Solutions that has been designed while keeping in mind the needs of the technician during the repair process of a defective board. In general, the repair process is a loop within the final test procedure.
When a fault is detected the test system indicates the failure mode and the assembly is passed to the repair section for corrective action. The reasons for reject are mainly short circuits and defective or wrong components. When the repair operator receives a board, he needs a quick means to resolve these problems. The Joker 500 has four main application areas: short circuit localisation; component testing; multimeter functions; insulation resistance test.
For short circuit localisation three methods are used to precisely locate the short: Magnetic mode stimulates the shorted tracks with AC while the current flow is detected using a probe which captures the magnetic flux. The operator can follow the current path and arrive at the point where the current passes from one track to the other - the short circuit point. The resistive mode is based on the measured resistance between shorted tracks. Once the operator knows which are shorted tracks, two probes are randomly placed on each shorted track and then moved looking to minimise the resistance. The multilayer mode is useful to locate shorts on different planes of multilayer PCBs. This more sophisticated test method has two current generators connected to the four corners (on the same plane) of the board. A fifth test clip is put on a random point on the other shorted layer. The LCD display of the Joker has an arrow that indicates to the user in which direction the probe has to go and the distance from the short-circuit. The region of the short - less than 1 cm - is located, then by resistive mode the exact point may be located.
The second most common group of failures identified by automatic test systems are incorrect or faulty component placements. The Joker can test and verify components, resistors, capacitors and Zener diodes (up to 250 V) It operates at a lower 0,3 V to prevent damage to current low voltage components. The instrument can also inject very 'soft' currents and since it is current-programmable it can be used to simulate an MDA with currents as low as 10 µA, but also up to 160 mA, to verify power diodes etc.
A standard 5 1/2 digit multimeter is incorporated within the Joker, and for high voltage insulation testing, a fully programmable voltage of up to 250 V d.c. is available permitting measurements with its megohmmeter in excess of 1000 MOhm.
Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge Actum
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.
Read more...Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector ZETECH ONE
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.
Read more...The new reality of PCB material supply Jemstech
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.
Read more...Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1 Vepac Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.
Read more...Zero PFAS die attach paste Testerion
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With silver price volatility increasing and sustainability requirements accelerating across semiconductor assembly, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions introduces ATROX CD 560-1, a zero per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) alternate silver filler die attach paste.
Read more...Precision jet printing for advanced PCB designs MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s BA 01 small dot ejector delivers unmatched precision in solder paste jet printing for advanced PCB designs.
Read more...Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...200 W of power in a space-saving design Vepac Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Hakko FX-972 Soldering Station delivers high-performance soldering in a compact package, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version