Computer

Systems Servicing
Lesson
Testing Electronics
6 Components [Part 1]
In your previous lessons, you were taught how to terminate and connect
electronics circuit. Due to frequent use of our devices, it is not avoidable that
something not good will happen to some components or parts of our device. As part
of testing of functionality of a device/equipment, we will review first the different
component symbols used in schematic diagrams.

Common Components and their Schematic Symbols

Name/Description Actual Component Schematic Symbol

(a)

Resistor

Fixed resistors (a) carbon

composition resistor (b)
wirewound resistor b)

Non Polarized Capacitor

Common types are Mylar

and Ceramic

Electrolytic Capacitor

It is polarized type of
capacitor

Rectifier Diode

Used primarily in
converting AC to DC

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 Light Emitting Diode

Emits light when current

flow through it

Transformer
Usually these is a step
down Power transformer

Inductor
A coil of wire

NPN Transistor

The three leads are: base,

emitter and collector

PNP Transistor

Integrated Circuit (IC)

Composed of resistors,
diodes and transistors in
a package

Speaker

An audio output device

Relay Switch

Electrically controlled
switch

An effective electronics technician or troubleshooter must have a thorough

knowledge of electronics, test equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and
equipment repair. Analog and digital circuits occasionally fail, and in most cases a
technician is required to quickly locate the problem within the system and then
make the repair. The procedure for fixing a failure can be broken down into three
basic steps.
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Step 1: DIAGNOSE
The first step is to determine whether a problem really exists. To carry out this
step, a technician must collect as much information about the system, the circuit,
and the components used, and then diagnose the problem.

Step 2: ISOLATE
The second step is to apply a logical and sequential reasoning process to isolate the
problem. In this step, a technician will operate, observe, test, and apply
troubleshooting techniques in order to isolate the malfunction.

Step 3: REPAIR
The third and final step is to make the actual repair and final test the circuit.

To troubleshoot, you will need a thorough knowledge of troubleshooting techniques,

a very good understanding of test equipment, documentation in the form of technical
and service manuals, and experience.

Basic Measuring and Test Equipment

A variety of test equipment is available to help you troubleshoot analog or digital

circuits and systems. Some are standard, such as the Multi-tester and oscilloscope,
which can be used for either analog or digital circuits. Other test instruments, such
as the logic clip, logic probe, logic pulser, and current tracer, have been designed
specifically to test digital logic circuits.

The Analog Multi-tester

The analog Multi-tester, also known as a VOM

(volt- ohm-milliammeter), is an electronic
measuring instrument that combines several
measurement functions in one unit. A typical
multimeter can measure voltage, current, and
resistance.

The Digital Multimeter

 A digital multimeter is a test tool used to measure
two or more electrical values—principally voltage
(volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). It is
a standard diagnostic tool for technicians in the
electrical/electronic industries.

Oscilloscope

Oscilloscopes, or scopes are an important tool of

an electronics engineer or tester. An oscilloscope
is an item of electronics test equipment that
enables waveforms to be seen and in this way
makes it very much easier to see any problems
occurring in an electronics circuit.

Component Substitution

In many cases it is possible to replace a failed component with an exact

replacement. The use of "exact" is often critical. Unfortunately, there are times
when an exact replacement is unavailable. This is particularly true if the
equipment is old or imported. In such cases you may have no choice but to
substitute with a close rather than exact replacement. This is permissible in many
cases, provided that several important factors are kept in mind.

This should be equal to or greater than that of the original component. In the case
of test and measuring instruments, capacitors should not only be close-tolerance
types but should also be high-stability components. As with resistors, if the
capacitors used here change with age or temperature, the instrument will become
unreliable.

a. Transformer
Replacement should have the same turns ratio, voltage/current ratio and rating as
the original component. The power rating (VA) and frequency range are also
important.

b. Transistor
Transistor substitution is fairly common, particularly with lower cost equipment. In
some cases you may have a choice between a numbers of different transistors. At
other times the replacement must be exact.

c. Resistors
Be sure that the replacement component has the same power rating and resistance
value. Its tolerance must be at least as good, and can be better.

d. Capacitors
Ensure that the replacement component has the same capacitance value as that of
the original, and that its tolerance is the same or better. The working voltage rating
must also be the same or better (greater).

e. Other Components
The same considerations apply to other types of components (diodes, fuses,
speakers, etc.). In every case, it is necessary to proceed with caution, and to be
sure that the replacement is correctly rated.

Datasheet

A datasheet, data-sheet, or specification sheet is a document that summarizes the

performance and other characteristics of a product, machine, component (e.g.,
an electronic component), material, subsystem (e.g., a power supply), or software
in sufficient detail that allows a buyer to understand what the product is and a
design engineer to understand the role of the component in the overall system. In
component substitution, it’s safer and reliable to consult the specifications of
certain component.

Sample datasheet
https://intranet.ctism.ufsm.br/gsec/Datasheets/IRF740.PDF