Troubleshooting Electronic

Circuits
Eng. Hassan Alotaibi
 Problem-Solving Analysis
• Before attempting to service a device, you must first
develop an understanding of problem solving and how
this concept applies to overall troubleshooting and
repair. Think of servicing a device as having three
phases: (1) situational analysis, (2) problem solving, and
(3) decision making.

• You must proceed in this logical manner; otherwise

mistakes, accidents, and wasted time and expense may
result. For example, many troubleshooters, upon the
discovery of a blown fuse, just replace the fuse, instead
of first determining the source of the problem, perhaps
only to have another fuse blow.
First: Situational analysis

It is defined as simply looking at the overall condition of the

device and determining whether a problem even exists.
Begin this step by asking questions and making observations
as follows:

1. Discuss the defect with the owner or operator.

2. Compare the problem with others from your past
experiences.

Perhaps there is no problem at all, and it is an operating error.

4. Identify the existing state of operation with the desired
state.
5. Make an overall observation of the situation, noting
symptoms and relevant changes.
Second: Problem solving
• Problem solving is the second phase and is completed when it has been determined through situational
analysis that a problem exists that needs further investigation.
• Problem solving is triggered by a deviation from a standard or a desired state. Examples include a
malfunctioning or inoperable device.
• Troubleshooting is the process of problem solving. It is in this phase that the cause of a problem is identified.
• The first step in problem solving is obtaining necessary schematics, manufacturer’s specifications and servicing
manuals, and tools and equipment.
• Do not shortchange this step by jumping in and wasting a lot of time attempting to repair a device, when simply
reading the servicing guide could have easily solved the problem. Once you are organized, begin by doing the
following:
1. Describe the problem.
2. Compare the problem situation with known operating conditions prior to the breakdown.
3. Describe all known differences such as the symptoms, noises, and smells noticed when defect occurred.
4. Compare the “what is” with the “what is not.” Which components are okay and which are not, and to what
degree are the components defective?
5. Analyze differences through testing by paying close attention to obscure and indirect relationships. For
example, slight tolerance changes in components or physical color changes can signal causation.
Third:- Decision making
• Decision making is defined as examining various
solutions or repair alternatives and selecting the
best option.
• For example, if it is determined that an electric
motor is the cause of the problem, there could
be several alternatives in deciding how to repair
the overall system. The motor could be repaired,
it could be replaced by the same model, or an
entirely new upgraded model could be
substituted depending on the operating
conditions of the overall system. The
troubleshooter might decide that upgrading the
motor is more cost-effective because the
likelihood of future premature breakdowns is
reduced. When deciding which alternative to
utilize, you must consider all the advantages and
disadvantages for each alternative along with
contingency planning.
 Testing Basic Components
Resistors: The main purpose of the resistor is to limit current flow and/or reduce voltage.
Most resistors are made of carbon or wire and are manufactured in prescribed ohmic
values. For example, a 1000-ohm (Ω) resistor at 10 percent tolerance is color-coded brown,
black, red, and silver. Therefore, on an ohmmeter the resistor should measure between 900
and 1100 Ω. An open resistor will have infinite resistance, and a defective resistor could
have any value below 900 Ω or above 1100 Ω. Resistors are rated in watts, which
determines the ability of the resistor to absorb the heat produced within the resistor. The
actual physical size of the resistor determines its wattage rating. A larger resistor can simply
absorb more heat than a smaller one. The most common defects of resistors are physical—
cracking and charring

What other electronic components

should is tested like resistors?
 Testing Basic Components
Potentiometers:
 Testing Basic Components
Inductors:-
Can be tested using an ohmmeter. While the windings of an
inductor are often shorted, open circuits tend to account for
the majority of defects. When you use the ohmmeter, an
inductor, depending on the size and number of windings,
should have resistance from about zero to a few hundred
ohms. Larger inductors with many turns of wire generally
measure some resistance. A shorted inductor would
measure zero resistance. An open inductor would measure
infinite resistance.

OR use an inductor analyzer to check the inductance.

 Testing Basic Components
• Batteries can be checked by voltage and amperage testing. The correct
voltage output of a battery is very important. An excellent battery should
exceed its rated value. For example, a new dry cell rated at 1.5 V direct
current (dc) should measure 1.5 to 1.6 V. On the other hand, an old, weak
battery will read less than 1.5 V.
Capacitors:
Testing Basic Components
There are several techniques that can be used to test capacitors:
1. Resistance measurement (ohmmeter)
When you check a capacitor, place the ohmmeter on a high scale such as 10,000 Ω and place the leads of
the ohmmeter across the leads of the capacitor. First, make sure you have discharged the capacitor by
short-circuiting the leads with a piece of wire or a screwdriver. When the leads of the meter have been
placed across the capacitor, the needle should deflect upward and then slowly drop back down to near
zero. Failure to deflect the needle indicates an open capacitor, and failure of the needle to drop down
indicates a shorted capacitor.

2. Capacitance measurement (capacitor checker)

3. Spark test
4. Bridging
Suspected defective capacitor is bridged (or jumped) with
a known good capacitor within +10 percent of the rated value
Diode:-
Testing Basic Components

Use either an ohmmeter DVM or a diode or

transistor checker. When checking a diode with
an ohmmeter, you can use the low-/high-
resistance reading technique. You place the
selector switch on R × 100 and you place the
leads across the diode. In the forward-biased
direction, the ohmmeter should read less than
100 Ω (i.e., low-resistance reading). In the
reverse-biased direction, the ohmmeter
should read about 5000 Ω (i.e., high-resistance
reading).
Testing Basic Components
Integrated Circuits:-
Testing Basic Components
Although there are various shapes, types, and sizes of ICs, the
troubleshooting techniques used are common to all:
1. Use of senses
Look for obvious problems such as corroded, defective, or damaged pins,
sockets, or solder connections. Make sure the IC is completely
inserted in its socket.
Touch? A hot IC is a good indication of a defect

2. Heating and/or freezing

Heating the component with a hot blower—noting the performance of
the circuit—and then cooling or freezing the component.

3. Voltage check
Using a voltmeter or an oscilloscope. Simply measure the voltage of each
pin of the IC and compare it, or the waveform, with the manufacturer’s
operating voltages or waveform.
4. Capacitor bypass
5. Substitution
6. Logic pulse probe