CHAPTER 3

ELECTRONIC
COMPONENT TESTING
Learning Outcome (LO)
At the end of this chapter, student should :-
 Understand passive and active components and know how its
work
 Perform diagnosis technique to identify fault in passive and
active
PASSIVE components
 Not capable to increase the poser of signal
 Not capable to amplify
 Can increase current or voltage by an LC circuit that
store energy.
 Example : resistors, capacitors, inductors and
transformer
ACTIVE component
 ACTIVE components increase the power of a signal and
must be supplied with the signal and a source of power.
Examples are bipolar transistors, field effect transistors
etc.
 The signal is fed into one connection of the active device
and the amplified version taken from another connection.
In a transistor, the signal can be applied to the base
connection and the amplified version taken from the
collector.
 The source of power is usually a dc voltage from a battery
or power supply
 Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
1. Remove power from the circuit containing the resistor. This can be done by
unplugging it from the mains or by removing the batteries if it is a portable device. Keep
in mind that some devices still can be charged with a potentially harmful voltage until
minutes after removing its power!
2. Isolate the resistor from the circuit. An attempt to measure a resistor that is still
connected to the circuit can yield an incorrect calculation, as part of the circuit might
also be measured.
• Disconnect one end of the resistor from the circuit. It does not matter which end of
the resistor is disconnected. Disconnect the resistor by pulling on the resistor. If the
resistor is soldered in place, melt the solder with an electronic grade soldering iron
and pull the resistor free using small needle nose pliers. Soldering irons are available
at electronic parts and hobby stores.
3. Inspect the resistor. If the resistor shows signs of blackening or charring, it may be
damaged by excess current flow. A resistor showing blackening or charring should be
replaced and discarded.
Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
Isolate resistor

Inspect & Read value of resistor

Reattach or replace resistor

Measure with DMM
 Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
4. Read the resistor value visually.The resistor value will be printed on the resistor.
Smaller resistors may have their value indicated by color coded bands.
• Note the resistor tolerance. No resistor is precisely the value indicated on it. The
tolerance indicates how much the printed value may vary and still be considered a
properly sized resistor. For example, a 1,000 ohm resistor with a 10 percent
tolerance indication is still considered to be accurate if it measures no less that 900
ohms and no more than 1,100 ohms.
5. Prepare a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure the resistor.
• Ensure that the DMM comes on and does not indicate a low battery condition.
• Set the adjustable scale of the DMM to the next setting higher than the expected
resistor value. For example, if the DMM may be set to scales that are multiples of 10
and a resistor marked as 840 ohms is to be measured, set the DMM to the 1,000
ohm scale.
6. Measure the resistance. Connect the 2 leads of the DMM to the 2 legs of the resistor.
Resistors have no polarity, so it does not matter which DMM lead is connected to which
resistor leg.
 Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
7. Determine the actual resistance of the resistor. Read the result shown on the
multimeter. In determining whether or not the resistor is within the allowable range for
that resistor, do not forget to take the resistor tolerance into account.
8. Reattach a resistor that gives an accurate reading. Reconnect it to the circuit by
pressing it back into place if you pulled it free with your fingers. If the solder joint had to
be melted and the resistor had to be disconnected using pliers, melt the solder with the
soldering iron and use the needle nose pliers to push the resistor back in to place.
9. Replace a resistor that measures outside of the acceptable value
range. Discard the old resistor. Resistors are available in electronics parts stores and
hobby stores. Note that replacing the malfunctioning resistor will not necessarily fix the
problem, if the resistor fails again the source of the problem should be sought elsewhere
in the circuit.
Variable Resistor
 It is ohmic resistance value can be adjusted. Either
mechanically (potentiometer, rheostat) or electronically
(digital potentiometer).
 A device essence of electro-mechanical transducer and
normally works by sliding a contact over a resistive element.
 Variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using 3
terminals it is called a potentiometer.
 When only two terminals are used, it functions as a variable
resistance and is called a rheostat.
 Electronically controlled variable resistors exist, which can be
controlled electronically instead of by mechanical action.
These resistors are called digital potentiometers.
 Variable Resistor

Potentiometer Rheostat Digital Resistor

Variable Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
1. Knowing the Potentiometer
At base of potentiometer can see the maximum resistance value
engraved. Here 1Mega ohm is the maximum value of resistance
this potentiometer has.

2. Making Connections to the Multimeter

Connect the multimeter probes according to their polarity. The red
wire goes to the positive and black goes to the ground or neutral.

3. Adjusting the Multimeter for Measuring Resistance

4M ohm is the starting range for measuring resistance in Mega ohms. As our
pot is of 1 Mega Ohm, 4M ohm range is more than sufficient to measure 1
Mega ohm.

4. Measuring Total Resistance in the Potentiometer

Maximum resistance of this pot can be obtain by connecting the probes
at both the ends. Here .795 is the maximum resistance this potentiometer
has.
Variable Resistor - Testing Using Multimeter
5. Connecting Probes to the Lugs of Potentiometer.
The positive probe is connected to the middle lug while the negative probe is
connected to the first lug. Position of the lugs can be changed but it will affect the
change of resistance i.e. changing the terminals will change the minimum and
maximum point of the resistance.

6. Maximum Resistance
The knob is turned to its maximum position and by
connecting the probes to the terminals of the
potentiometer; digital multimeter displays the value of
resistance.

7. Varying the Resistance

The knob of the potentiometer is turned
anticlockwise and the resistance of the
potentiometer is decreased.

8. Minimum Resistance
As the knob is rotated to its minimum position
resistance also comes to its minimum value.
 Fuse
 An electrical safety device that removes electrical current from an
electrical circuit when the current in the electrical circuit is too
high.
 A fuse is a length of wire that melts (breaks or blows) when the
current through it is above a certain level – the fuse rating.
 The 'fuse rating' is the electrical current that will blow the fuse, for
instance 3 amps, 10 amps or 13 amps.
 A fuse is a current sensitive piece of wire – when the fuse is working
the wire is not broken, when the fuse has ‘blown’ the wire breaks.
 Type of test :
 Visual test
 Multimeter test
 Fuse - Testing by Visual & Multimeter
1. Visual Test of a Fuse
• The first test is to do a visual check of the fuse. If the fuse has a broken or melted connector, it is
blown.
• A good fuse does not contain a broken connector and connects from one end of the fuse to the
other.

Blown fuse Good fuse

2. Electrical Test of a Fuse

• Conducting an electrical test to check for continuity from one end of the fuse to the other.
• It done by taking a multimeter and putting it in continuity mode. Place one probe on one end of
the fuse and the other probe on the other end.
• If the multimeter beeps, this means that the fuse is continuous and, therefore, the fuse is good.
This is because it it continouous, meaning no broken connection.
• If the multimeter does not beep and shows a large resistance, this means the fuse is blown. This is
because the connector is not continuous, meaning it's broken and not connected.
 Fuse - Testing Using Multimeter
2. Electrical Test of a Fuse
• If your multimeter does not have a continuity mode, check the fuse with the ohmmmeter of the
multimeter.
• Place the multimeter on the ohmmeter setting and place the probe leads across the 2 ends of
the fuse.
• If the reading is very low, a few ohms, then the fuse is continuous and, thus, good.
• If the reading is get is very high, such as several Megohms, the fuse is broken and, thus, bad,
and should be replaced.
 Inductor - Testing Using Multimeter
 In the inductor, there is resistive material and every resistive
material has its resistance, using that resistance measurement its
possible to find out that an inductor is good one or not.
 Check the inductor resistance using multimeter;
 set multimeter on the ohmmeter setting then connect the
multimeter probes on both terminals of an inductor
 Inductor - Testing Using Multimeter
 If the measured value is in few ohms than the Inductor is working properly
because functional inductors normally show the resistance of few ohms. Usually,
it should be greater than 1Ω and less than 11Ω (1Ω to 11Ωs).
 If the measured inductor’s resistance is high, then the inductor is defective
and you must replace it.
 If the measured inductor’s resistance is very, very low almost 0Ωs. This
indicates that the inductor is internally shorted and you need to replace it.
 Switches
 Function is to interrupt a circuit so that it can be switched off and switched on.
 Other types of electronics switch enable circuits to be routed through to different points.
 Types of electronics switches
 Toggle switch
 Two position switch.
 The internal construction includes a spring such that it is held firmly in the position to which it has been switched.
 Push button switch
 Mainly used for electronic circuits.
 Used when a push action is required to give a momentary connection.
 Alternatively they can be used to provide a push on - push off action.
 Rocker switch
 Similar to toggle switches.
 Mainly ON-OFF functions and have a two position capability.
 Some include an integral neon lamp to indicate when the circuit is on.
 Rotary switch
 Operated by turning a knob.
 Selecting the correct position enables the relevant connections to be made.
 As rotary switches can have many positions, they enable a particular point to be connected to one of a number of
other points in the electronics circuit.
 Switches - Testing Using Multimeter

1. Verify ohm meter operation. Turn on the multimeter. Select the ohm
meter function. Set the resistance range to 'x1.' Skip this step if the ohm
meter has 'autorange' capability.

2. Insert the leads into the meter Touch the probe tips together to
verify that ohm meter is functioning. With the probes touching,
the meter should display 1 ohm or less. A high reading or no
reading means that is something wrong with the meter.

3. Connect the red lead to one of the terminals on the switch.

Connect the black lead to the other terminal on the switch.
Put the switch into the ON position. The meter should display
1 ohm or less, meaning the switch is 'ON.'
Switches - Testing Using Multimeter

4. Put the switch into the 'OFF' position. The meter should display
'OL' or a very high resistance, meaning the switch is 'OFF.'

5. Operate the switch on and off for a few more times. If the meter
display changes from 'ON' condition to 'OFF" condition, the switch
operates normally. If the display does not change from 'ON' to
'OFF' condition, then the switch is defective.
 Diode
 An electrical component that allows the flow of current in only one
direction.
 2 ways of testing diode using Digital Multimeter :
a. Diode mode
b. Ohmmeter mode.
 Diode Mode Testing
 Identify the terminals anode and cathode of the diode.
 Keep the digital multimeter in diode checking mode by rotating the
central knob to the place where the diode symbol is indicated. In this
mode multimeter is capable to supply a current of 2mA approximately
between the test leads.
 Connect the red probe to the anode and black probe to the cathode. This
means diode is forward-biased.
 Observe the reading on meter display. If the displayed voltage value is in
between 0.6 to 0.7 (since it is silicon diode) then the diode is healthy and
perfect. For germanium diodes this value is in between 0.25 to 0.3.
 Diode - Testing Using Digital Multimeter

Forwad bias Reverse bias

• Now reverse the terminals of the meter that means connect the red probe to cathode and
black to anode. This is the reverse biased condition of the diode where no current flows
through it. Hence the meter should read OL (which is equivalent to open circuit) if the
diode is healthy.
 Diode - Testing Using Ohmmeter Digital Multimeter

 Identify the terminals anode and cathode of the diode.

 Keep the digital multimeter (DMM) in resistance or ohmmeter mode by
rotating the central knob or selector to the place where ohm symbol or
resistor values are indicated. Keep the selector in low resistance (may be
1K ohm) mode for forward-bias and keep it in high resistance mode
(100K ohm) for the reverse bias testing procedure.
Diode - Testing Using Ohmmeter Digital Multimeter
 Connect the red probe to the anode and black probe to the cathode. This
means diode is forward-biased. When the diode is forward-biased, the
resistance of the diode is so small.
 If the meter displays a moderately low value on the meter display, which may
be a few tens to few hundred ohms, then the diode is good and healthy.
 Reverse the terminals of the multimeter such that anode is connected to black
probe and cathode to red probe. So the diode is reverse biased.
 If the meter shows a very high resistance value or OL on meter display, then
the diode is good and functions properly. Since in reverse biased condition
diode offers a very high resistance.
 Digital Multimeter read a very low resistance in the forward-biased condition
and a very high resistance or OL in reverse-biased condition.
 If the meter indicates a very high resistance or OL in both forward and
reverse-biased conditions, then the diode is said to be opened. In other hand, if
the meter reads a very low resistance in both directions, then the diode is said
to be shorted.
 Diode - Testing Using Analogue Multimeter

• Keep the multimeter selector

switch in low resistance value
• Connect the diode in the forward-
biased condition by connecting the
positive terminal to anode and
negative to the cathode.
• If the meter indicates a low
resistance value, then it says that the
diode is healthy.

• Now put the selector in high resistance position and reverse the terminals of the meter by
connecting positive to the cathode and negative to anode. In this case, the diode is said to
be in reverse bias.
• If the meter indicates OL or a very high resistance, then it refers to the perfect condition of
the diode.
• If the meter fails to show above readings, then the diode is said to be defective or bad.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
 LED is a semiconductor diode that emits light when positive
current flows from the anode to the cathode of the LED.
LED - Testing Using Multimeter
 Identify the terminals anode and cathode of the LED.
 Place the multimeter selector in diode mode.
 Connect the probes of the meter to LED such that it is
forward-biased.
 If the LED is working properly, then it glows otherwise the
LED is defective.
 Reverse-biased testing cannot be possible with LED since it
doesn’t work in reverse-biased condition.
 Zener Diode
 Doped semiconductor diode which is designed to operate in
reverse direction or optimising the breakdown region.
 Ohmmeter Test
 Forward bias : Place the positive probe on the anode and the negative
probe on the cathode of the diode (black strip).
 Diode shows moderately low resistance, range in few hundreds of
thousands of ohms (example :450KΩ).

Forward bias Reverse bias

 Zener Diode - Testing Using Multimeter
 Reverse bias : place positive probe of the multimeter to cathode of
the diode and the negative probe is on the anode of the diode.
 Diode shows much higher resistance, over 1MΩ.
 A typical reading may be 2.3MΩ. The multimeter may even indicate
'OL' for an open circuit, since the resistance is so high.
 Zener diode good : low resistance in the forward biased direction
and very high resistance in the reverse biased direction.
 Open Diode : Diode reads high resistance in both directions – means
diode is open. Diode should not measure very high resistance in the
forward biased direction.
 Shorted Diode : Diode reads low resistances in both directions -
means diode is shorted. Diode should not measure low resistance in
the reverse biased direction.
 Linear Transformer
 Consist of 4 terminal device comprising of 2 magnetically coupled coil.
 2 coil : Primary Coil & Secondary Coil
 Linear transformer – Coil wound on a magnetically linear material for
which magnetic permeability is a constant. Example linear material :
plastic, air, Bakelite, wood, etc

Transformer Resistance Test

 Connect Ohmmeter across
 The two ends of the primary winding and measure.
 The two ends of the secondary winding and measure.
 The resistance at primary and secondary may differ due to number of
turns/winding.
 Open circuit : Primary and Secondary will show infinite.
 Short Circuit : Primary and Secondary will show 0.
Transformer - Testing Using Multimeter
 Capacitor - Testing Using Multimeter
 Set the meter to high ohms range, above 10k and 1m ohms.
 Point probe leads on the capacitor, red to positive and black to
negative.
 The meter should start at zero and then moving slowly toward
infinity. This means that the capacitor is in working condition.
 If the meter stays at zero, the capacitor is not charging through the
battery of the meter, meaning it is not working.
 Voltage Regulator
 Device that takes in an input voltage and regulates it down to the
voltage that it is rated for.

Measuring Input Measuring Output

 Regulator - Testing Using Multimeter
 Using multimeter and place it in the DC voltage setting.
 Use probes of the multimeter and place the positive probe (normally
the red probe) on the input pin of the voltage regulator and the
negative probe (normally black probe) on the ground pin. The voltage
that we should read should be higher than the voltage the regulator is
rated to output. This is normally 1-2 volts higher.
 To measure the output voltage, place multimeter DC voltage setting
and place the positive probe on the output pin of the regulator and the
negative probe on the ground pin.
 Read the output voltage. Example : LM7805 rated to output 5 volts
 Optoisolator/Optocoupler

 Device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another

through a short optical transmission path while providing electrical
isolation between two circuits.
 It couples high voltages from one side of the circuit to the other
without any direct electrical contact.
 Convert the electrical energy into a beam of light using a light
emitting diode, and then directing the light towards a light sensor such
as a photodiode or phototransistor which converts the optical energy
back into electrical energy.
 Isolate the two circuits, prevents voltage spikes, and decreases noise
and interference associated with communication connections.
 Application : power supplies, control and monitoring systems,
communications, and other.
Optoisolator/Optocoupler
Optoisolator - Testing Using Multimeter (Method 1)
 Optoisolator - Testing Using Multimeter (Method 1)

 Turn ON multimeter and select Resistance mode.

 Connect the multimeter ( X1K Ohm or X10K Ohm ) between emitter
and collector like this: red probe to collector and black probe to
emitter.
 Connect a resistor of a few hundred ohms (100 ohms) in series with the
LED anode (Pin 1).
 Turn on the power supply
 Press the push button and start increasing the voltage from 0 to 2…5
volts.
 Output : Ohmmeter shows output resistance decreases as the input
voltage increases and viceversa.
 Result : Optocoupler IC is Good.
 Optoisolator - Testing Using Multimeter (Method 2)

• Turn ON multimeter and select DC Voltage mode.

• Connect a resistor of a few hundred ohms (100 ohms)
• Push button in series with the LED anode, after give +5V DC power supply to this
circuit.
• Output :
• Push button is press - display the voltage reading is near 0V or 0.2V DC.
• Push button is unpress - display the voltage reading is near 5V or 4.9V DC.
• Result : Optocoupler IC is Good.
 Optoisolator - Testing Using Multimeter (Method 3)

• Turn ON multimeter and

select DC
Voltage mode.
• Connect a resistor of a
few hundred ohms (100
ohms)
• Push button in series with
the LED anode,after
give +5V DC power
supply to this circuit.

• Output :
• Push button is press: LED will ON.
• Push button is unpress: LED will OFF.
• Result : Optocoupler IC is Good.
 Transistor
 Testing transistor is similar like testing diode.
 Types of package and leads possition :
 Transistor - Testing Using Multimeter

Test NPN transistor for short circuit between collector (C) and emitter (E).
1. Test the resistance between C-E.
2. Then reverse the positive and negative meter connections and test again.
Result :
• Meter reads zero or a few ohms in tests 1 and 2 - short circuit between C-E
• If both readings are infinity, continue with test 3.
 Transistor - Testing Using Multimeter
Test forward resistance of B-E and B-C junctions.
3. Connect the positive meter lead to the B, and test the resistance at C junction
by connecting the negative meter probe.
4. Place positive lead on B, and negative lead to E pin, and measure the
resistance of this junction.
Result :
• For tests 3 and 4 - forward resistance reading of around 250 to 1K ohms in
both cases.
• If reading is zero ohms meaning short circuit and a faulty transistor. In this
case, as a double check, continue with tests 5 and 6.

Test reverse resistance of B−E and B−C junctions.

5. Connect negative meter lead to B and positive lead C.
6. Connect negative meter lead to B and positive lead E
Result :
• In tests 5 and 6 both junctions should read infinity. This indicate transistor is
GOOD
• If any of one test fail, means transistor fauly.
 Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)
 It is 3 terminal and 4 layer semiconductor current controlling
device.
 Mainly used for the control of high power.
 Combination of 4-layer diode, 4-layer device
SCR - Testing Using Multimeter

• Set Multimeter to X1 ohm.

• Place the red probe to the Cathode
and black probe to the Anode pin.
• Result : No reading

• Without removing black probe from

Anode, slight black probe till touch
Gate. Now, black probe touching
Anode and gate together.
• Result : Multimeter shows low
resistance.
• Remove the black probe from the
GATE pin (the black probe still
touching the Anode pin).
• Result : Multimeter shows low
resistance.
SCR - Testing Using Multimeter

• This is due to the conduction of SCR as the meter battery is

usually able to supply current more than the holding current.
• If the SCR could hold the resistance then the SCR is
considered good. If it can’t hold then the SCR is faulty.

• If black probe removed from the Anode pin and connect it

back, the pointer should show high resistance
 Triac
 Used in AC power control applications.
 Able to switch high voltages and high levels of current, and
over both parts of an AC waveform.
 Power switching application

Physical structure Equivalent circuit Schematic symbol

TRIAC - Testing Using Multimeter
Step 1 Step 2
• Select Diode Mode at • Connect Negative
DMM test lead to MT1 and
• Connect positive Positive test lead to
test lead to MT1 MT2
and Negative test • Result : DMM shows OL
lead to MT2 or 1 OR OPEN
• Result : DMM • Place positive test lead to
shows OL or ‘1’ or Gate = 0.1272V.
OPEN (MEANS
OVER LOAD)
 Quartz Crystal
 Generate an electrical signal of precise frequency by utilizing
the vibrating crystal’s mechanical resonance made
of piezoelectric material.
 There are different types of piezoelectric resonators, but
typically, quartz crystal is used in these types of oscillators.
 Hence, these oscillator electronic circuits are named as crystal
oscillators.
Quartz Crystal - Testing
1. Using Oscilloscope
• A crystal oscillator produces a sine wave when excited.
• Check at oscillator pin whether the clock is working properly.
• Test the crystal with power on.
• Use Oscilloscope to check on the crystal which will reveal very unstable
waveform.
• In this case, replacing the microprocessor solved the no high voltage
problem and the crystal waveform shown a perfect sine wave.
Quartz Crystal - Testing
2. Using Frequency Counter
• The measurement must be taken when the equipment power is ‘On’.
• Place the probe of the meter or frequency counter to the crystal pin and
read the measurement.
• Make sure your frequency counter meter has the range that is higher
than the crystal frequency you are checking.
• If the crystal is 8 MHz then meter should show in that range.
• If the readout of the crystal is 2.5MHz then replace it.
Relay
 Another electronic switch that opens or close the circuit
contacts by using electronic component without any
mechanical operation.
 In this relay, the current carrier pilot relaying scheme is used
for the protection of the transmission line.
 Relay - Testing Using Multimeter
• Check the relay coil's resistance
• Place the multimeter to ohmmeter (Ω) setting
• Place the probe leads of the multimeter on the 2 terminals of the
relay's coil. (No polarity)
• Read value must in range of rated coil resistance (Check datasheet),
the coil works.
• If low resistance or very high resistance, the coil is either shorted or is
open.
 Relay - Testing Using Multimeter
• Test the Relay Contacts with Ohmmeter
• Test the NC (Normally Closed) Terminal of a Relay
• Using ohmmeter (Ω) setting. Place one probe on the COM terminal and the other
probe on the NC Terminal.
• Make sure that you read a resistance of near 0Ω.
• Test the NO (Normally Open) Terminal of a Relay
• If Normally Open Terminal (in double throw relays) should read a very high impedance
(several megohms (MΩ)) from the NO (Normally Open) terminal to the COM
terminal.
• Using ohmmeter (Ω) setting.
• Place one probe on the COM terminal and the other probe on the NO Terminal.
• Make sure that you read a high resistance of several Megohm (MΩ).