My name is Lauren, and I have the opportunity to begin working on fixing circuit boards. I wanted to start on diagnosing problems with chips. I have a fair bit of experience in breadboard circuitry, and I can solder on PCBs as well. In addition, I have knowledge on how to read chip schematics and logic from college. My experience is rather minimal on the hands on side, though. I am not really sure where to begin on research. I would like to find resources on what tools I would need, and perhaps a beginners guide on how test chips both isolated from a circuit and integrated into a circuit. Any and all help or resources on getting started would be really appreciated.

#2 2 years ago

Tuukka

Pinside member

Lempäälä

5y 78,350 1,762 16 18

I think you should first try to isolate the problem at board level to a certain chip, and then try testing that one.

It depends on the circuit whether you can test chips on board. Many times the driver buffers or inverters can be tested by comparing inputs and outputs. More complex chips are best checked by substituting a known good one. But first check there are no overvoltages present.

#3 2 years ago

CHD

Cheddar

GoldenStatePin

Lodi, CA

11y 117K 5,181 17 10

There is an easy diode test for 7400 series ics. Place the red on ground and probe the other pins. Should be around .5 . Anything out of range verify against the schematic. Some pins are connected to ground or 5v.
Any that aren't because of a connection or suspect.
This is a quick and easy way to check a chip. There are instructions and a video on pinwiki

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