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Troubleshooting SMPS Problems (PWM Type)
Troubleshooting SMPS Problems (PWM Type)
Switch Mode Power Supplies (often called current conditions by shutting do wn. MIC #1 - Unregulated B+ - This circuit
"choppers'', switchers" or simply Most SMPS component failures or load includes the linear power supply, standby
"SMPS ") are used extensively in many changes cause the SMPS to completely supply, primary of the switching
AC-powered devices, such as computers , shut down and produce a "dead chassis" transformer, and the switching transistor.
monitors, television receivers, and VCRs. symptom. This can make troubleshooting
This Tech Tip provides a 6-step procedure difficult and confusing. Is the shutdown MIC #2 - Startup & Drive - This section
to use for isolating problems in the PWM caused by too much high voltage?; the B+ provides the control signal for the
type of SMPS that are typically used in being pulled down? ; too much load switching transistor. The heart of MIC #2
consumer electronic equipment. Tech Tip current?; a supply component failure? ; or is the driver circuit. It can be a single
#203 explains how SMPS operate.Tech a defective safety circuit? stage transistor or a current mode
Tip #204 provides information on how to controller IC.
determine whether the SMPS is the cause Without a logical procedure , SMPS
of an inoperative chassis. troublesh ooting can be frustrating . But MIC #3 - Secondary Circuits - The
you can break the SMPS shutdown loop secondary circuits include the secondary
Why SMPS Troubleshooting Is and quickly isolate the defective area in 6 winding of the switching transformer and
Different Than Linear Supplies easy steps. the components (diodes capacitors, etc.)
that provide power to the loads. Most
Conventional linear power supplies The Four Key Circuits SMPS have 2 to 5 loads.
usually continue to supply an output, even
if a load shorts, a filter capacitor opens, or Before we look at these six steps , let's MIC #4 - Feedback & Control - Most
half of the bridge quits. Isolating the briefly review the four general sections PWM SMPS feedback loops provide four
defective component in a linear supply (most important circuits or MIGS) that functions:
usually consists of tracking too low, too make up a SMPS, as shown in Figure 1. •Output voltage sampling for regulation
high or lost DC voltages. The SMPS, on (Refer to Tech Tip #203 for a complete • High voltage monitoring
the other hand, requires a different explanation of each MIC). •System control micro for power ON/OFF
•Ground isolation through opto-isolators
troubleshooting process. Here's why:
Linear Power
Supply
First, replacing a burnt resistor, shorted Switch
diode or bad transistor in a SMPS does
not guarantee a fix as with the linear
supply. Simply fixing the SMPS supply by
replacing a burned part often causes the Load
#
205
!i·tii
6-Step Troubleshooting Procedure
Step #1
The following six steps are proven to be a Check Standby
safe , effective method of isolating the Supply
problem to a specific MIC. Combining
these steps with dynamic component
Normal I Missing
analyzing will get even the toughest SMPS • Repair Sta ndby Supply
up and running.
Step #2
WARNING:
Substitute for
Always use an Isolation Transformer. Main Load
All SMPS contain both hot and
- Outputtoo
high / low
I SMPS IOutput
dead normal - SMPS is good
chassis (floating) grounds. You will • check external safety
cause damage to the SMPS and/or shutdown circuits
your test equipment if you connect • check loads
test equipment to a hot ground, or Step #3
attempt to tie the hot and cold Remove Drive
grounds together. to Switching
Transistor
First, confirm that the Driver IC has start- Vary the applied
up voltage. In most switch mode power voltage around the
normal B+ value
suppl ies the start-up voltage is obtained
using the LC102
from a resistor divider network off the Leakage supply
linear unregulated B+ supply . Always
check for start-up voltage before checking
Power ON From HV
if the oscillator is running. Connecting a from safety
probe to the oscillator test point can SYSCOM uP shutdown