Testing a UJT

Uni J unction Transistor

This testing procedure is for use with a digital multimeter in the OHM's test-range. The
UJT is a solid-state 3-terminal (TO-18 case) semiconductor. UJT's are used in
pulse/timing, oscillator, sensing, and thyristor triggering circuits. The most common one
being probably the 2N2646 from Motorola.

UJT testing is pretty easy once you know
how to do it.

1) With a Digital Multimeter, set in the
Ohms position, read the resistance between
the Base 1 and Base 2; then reverse the
meter-leads and take another reading.
Regardless of the meter-lead polarity the measured resistance
should approximately be equal (high resistance).

2) Now connect the negative (-) lead of the ohmmeter to the emitter of the UJT. With the
positive (+) lead, measure the resistance from the emitter to Base 1 and then from the
emitter to base 2. Both readings should indicate high resistance and about equal to each
other.

3) Exchange the negative lead to the emitter with the positive lead. Measure with the
negative lead the resistance between emitter and Base 1 and from Base 2 to emitter. Both
readings should show low resistance and about equal to each other.

4) Remember that the 'B1' pin should always be connected to the load and not B2.

I bench tested the following UJT models: 2N2646, NTE6401, ECG6401, 2N2647,
NTE6409. Tested with the above testing procedures. Testing method was accurate. I also
tested faulty UJT's of the same make and models. Testing method was also accurate.

The UJT's main application is (and was) to work with and connect to SCR's. It was
especially designed for this purpose. But with only a couple external components it can
produce an oscillator. As previously stated, only the UJT's B1 connection was designed to
work with a load. The 'load' is connected between the '0' volt rail and B1. The standard and
more common UJT for many decades was the 2N2646. These days trying to find one can
be difficult and expensive.