Industrial Electrical/Electronic

Control Technology
Level-II
Based on March 2022, Curriculum Version 1

Module Title: - Testing Electrical and Electronics

Components/Parts
Module code: EIS IEC2 M03 0322
Nominal duration: 80Hour
Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

April, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
General Safety

Before working on any electronics, consider following these basic safety precautions to help
reduce any hazards.
 Remove any electronic equipment you’re testing or working on from the power
source.
 Never assume the power circuit is off. Test and test again with a voltmeter to
confirm.
 Remove fuses and replace them only after the power to the circuit is disconnected.
 Don’t connect power to a circuit until you’re done working on it and rechecked the
work.
 Always ensure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded
 If it’s damaged, replace it. For instance, replace cables instead of repairing with
insulating tape.
 Always use the right electronics repair and maintenance tools.
 Always return covers after removing them to reduce the risk of electric shock.
 Make sure your circuit is not overloaded.
Always have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, a basic first aid kit and a mobile phone
nearby.

Personal Safety

It’s important to ensure that you’re safe when working on electronic circuits. Here are some
personal safety precautions to keep in mind:
 Always keep your work area dry.
 Always work in a well-ventilated area.
 Don’t wear flapping or loose clothing when working.
 Don’t work with metallic jewelry on your hands like watches, rings and bracelets.
 Don’t use bare hands to remove hot parts.
 Always wear non-conductive shoes.

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  Always wear insulator gloves in your hands when carrying out repairs.
 When removing high-voltage charges on capacitors, always use a shorting stick.
 Don’t hold the test prods when measuring voltage over 300V.
 Always remove power to a circuit before connecting alligator clips.
 Always wear safety goggles.
 Be careful when handling large capacitors as they can still hold high voltage even after
you’ve disconnected the circuit from power.

1.2 Component testing instruments

Electronics components
Electronic components are categorized as active or passive depending on the functions they are
able to perform. In a nutshell, active components can, generally speaking, inject power into a
circuit and are capable of electrically controlling and amplifying the flow of electrical current,
whereas passive components cannot.

Unlike active components, passive components either consume or store energy. A simple way to
test whether a component is active or not is to measure the difference between its input and output
signals. If there is a decline in power, the component is passive. If the signal is amplified, it is
active.

All electronic circuits must contain at least one active component, and most electronic devices
contain both active and passive components.

Active and passive components. Passive component

• A passive component cannot deliver power or cannot process the electrical signal are known as
the passive component. E.g. resistor, inductor, capacitor

• An Active component is that which is capable of delivering power to some external device.
E.g. voltage source or current source

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Types of passive components

The passive components are used to limit the circuit current, vary the current or voltage in an
electrical circuit. Depending upon their construction and working principle the applications of
these components vary.

Resistors

A resistor is an electrical/electronic passive component used to limit the flow of current. The figure
represents the various types of resistors.

1.2.1. Specification of Resistors

The specification of resistors are :

 Resistance value
 Tolerance
 Power rating

1) Resistance value (Ohmic value):

The magnitude of the resistor is been expressed in terms of its resistance value. The resistance
value decides the quantity of current flow to be opposed. Thus the resistance value is expressed in
ohms (Ω) or kilo-ohms (KΩ) or mega-ohms (MΩ). The resistance value is either printed on the
surface of a resistor or by color bands.

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 Figure1. 1Resistance value (Ohmic value):

2) Tolerance:

Tolerance represents the maximum and minimum values of a resistance value. It is specified in
terms of percentage. It is been expressed as either ±% on the surface of the resistor or with the
help of a fourth color band.

3) Power Rating (Wattage rating):

Power rating specifies the maximum power in watts that the resistor can handle without being
destroyed or damaged. It also represents the power dissipation in the resistor in terms of I2R loss
(or heat).

Types of Resistor and their Symbols:

Based on their operation following are the types of resistor:

1. Fixed resistor
1. Wire Wound Resistors
1. Power type wire wound resistor
2. Precision type wire-wound resistor
2. Variable resistor
1. Continuously variable resistors
1. Potentiometers
2. Rheostats
2. Adjustable or pre-set resistors
1. Decade resistance boxes
2. Thermistors
3. Varistors.
1) Fixed Resistors

In these types of resistor, whose resistance value cannot be changed are called fixed resistors.
Generally, they are very cheap and small in size, hence, occupy less space. They are reliable and

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available in different ohmic and power ratings. Also, fixed resistor can be easily connected to the
circuit and withstand for more [Link] on the construction and material used, fixed resistors
are further classified into:

 Wire Wound Resistors

 Carbon Composition Resistors

a) Wire Wound Resistors:

As the name itself indicates that these types of resistor are manufactured by winding resistance
wire over a rod or tube. There are two types such as power type and precision type. The resistance
wire is generally Tungsten, manganin, Nichrome or nickel or nickel chromium alloy and the
insulating core is made of porcelain, Bakelite, press bond paper or ceramic clay material

b) Carbon composition resistors:

Figure1. 2Carbon composition resistors:

The mixture of fine powder of graphite lac and resin as a binder is moulded into rods.

These rods are baked in hydrogen 1400°C and copper leads are attached.

The whole assembly is provided with a varnish coating and colour bands.

Applications: These are used in electronic circuits and in low-power amplifiers.

2) Variable resistors:

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These are types of resistor, whose value can be varied either continuously or in steps are called a
variable resistor.
Based on the operation, these are classified into :
1. Continuously variable resistors :
1. Potentiometers
2. Rheostats
2. Adjustable or pre-set resistors
1. Decade resistance boxes
2. Thermistors
3. Varistors.
a) Continuously variable resistors:

i) Potentiometers (Pot):

These are continuously variable resistors used as voltage dividers in electrical and electronic
circuits. Potentiometers are of carbon film and wire-wound types.

Carbon Film Potentiometers:

Figure1. 3Carbon Film Potentiometers

 This is used in low power circuits.
 The constructional details are shown in the figure.

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  The mixture of carbon powder and resin is coated on a circular ring plate of insulating material.
Two leads are connected to the ends of the ring called as fixed terminals (1&3).

 The variable terminal (2) is fixed to the moving arm (rotating arm) which is connected to
the shaft at one end and wiper made of brass at other ends.
 The whole unit is enclosed in a metal casing.
Applications: These are used :
 In radios, Amplifiers and T.V. sets.
 To control volume and tone, in radio and T.V. etc.
 To control brightness and contrast in T.V. sets.
 Carbon film potentiometers are further classified into linear and logarithmic
potentiometers.

Wire Wound Potentiometers:

Figure1. 4Wire Wound Potentiometers

 Constructional details of wire wound potentiometer are shown in the figure.
 The nichrome wire is wound on asbesta cement or ceramic ring. The two ends of the ring
are connected to fixed terminal 1 & 3.
 The variable terminal (2) is connected to moving arm and the rotating shaft, through a slip
ring to wiper over the wire from one end to the other. Applications remain the same as the
carbon film potentiometers.

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ii) Rheostats:

Figure1. 5Rheostats
 A rheostat is a variable wire wound resistor, connected in series with the load to limit the
flow of current.
 The constructional details are as shown in the figure.
 The nichrome wire is wound firmly over a ceramic or cement tube. The two ends of the
wire are connected to 2 connecting terminals. (1 and 2).
 The resistance value can be varied by sliding contact that moves on the wire.

Applications: These are used:

 In electrical and electronic circuits to limit the current.
 Used as a resistive load.
 In laboratories, because of their small ranges of resistance values (10Ω-100Ω)

b) Adjustable or Preset resistors:

i) Decade Resistance Box (DRB):
 Decade resistance box is an adjustable resistor, whose resistance value can be varied in
steps.
 The constructional details are shown in the figure which consists of 3 to 6 sections made of
carbon resistors.
 The resistance of each section is varied in steps by selector switches fixed to dials.
Applications:
 It is used as test equipment and calibration equipment for multimeter carlibration.
 It is also used in laboratories for conduction of experiments.

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ii) Thermostats:
 Thermostats are thermally sensitive resistors, i.e. the resistance value varies with increasing
temperature.
 If resistance value decreases with an increase in temperature, then such thermistors are
known as negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors.
 In positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, the resistance value increases with
increase in temperature.
 The oxides of nickel manganese copper are mixed with binder and rods or discs are
formed. e) These rods or discs are heated at 1200° C. The silver is sprayed over the surface,
leads are soldered to silver contacts and resin, the coating is provided for external
protection.

Applications:
These are used,
 For measurement of temperature, thermal conductivity, wind velocity etc.
 Switching devices that are temperature-activated.
 In time delay relays and thermal relays.
 In voltage regulators.
c) Varistors (VDR):
 A varistor is a voltage-sensitive resistor, i.e. its resistance value varies with change in
applied voltage. It is also called a voltage-dependent resistor.

 These are manufactured by mixing silicon or carbide, metal oxide (zinc oxide + bismuth)
with a ceramic binder. Then it is pressed into discs or rods and heat-treated at 1200°C in a
controlled atmosphere.
 The leads are connected to the ends and the entire unit is placed in a ceramic body.
Applications:
These are used,
 As sensing element, in voltage stabilizer of T.V. and motor control circuits etc.
 In switch circuits, relays etc.
 To protect the components from inductive surge voltages
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR):

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Length dependent resistor is a bipolar semiconductor resistor, whose resistance value depends on
the intensity of incident light. i.e. when LDR is exposed to light its resistance value decreases and
when it is not illuminated its resistance value is very high (100 kΩ or more). This higher value of
resistance of LDR has known a dark resistance.

LDR is manufactured by depositing a thin film of cadmium sulphide or cadmium selenide on a

ceramic substrate. The leads of tin or indium are soldered to the ends of the deposited layer. The
thin layer is formed in a zig-zag fashion to increase the length and hence the resistance value. The
window is fixed on the layer to allow light to fall on a thin layer of cadmium sulphide.

Resistance Color Coding:

Resistors are manufactured in different sizes and shapes. If they are of big size then it is possible to
print their values on the surface of resistors themselves. But if they are of small size then, it is
difficult to print the values. So the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) has adopted the
Standard Color Coding method to indicate the resistance value.

 In this method, the different color bands are printed on the left end of the body of the resistor to
indicate the numerical values. The color code chart is given in table (A). To identify the resistance
value the following steps are adopted.
 Hold the resistor so that colour bands should start from the left-hand side
 Read the colour bands from left to right.
 The first band shows the first digit of the resistance value.
 The second hand indicates the second digit, the third band indicates the multiplier or
number of zeroes to be added after the second digit.
 The fourth band indicates the tolerance in percentage.

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Ex: Write color code for the following resistors:

Ans: i) 1KΩ 10% tolerance: Brown Black Red Silver

ii) 3.3KΩ 5%: Orange Red Gold

Resistance Letter Code (BS 1852 Code) Method:

Generally, on larger power resistors, the resistance value, tolerance, and even the power rating are
written on the body of the resistor rather than color code. But when the component is dirty, it is
difficult to read the position of a decimal point or comma, so to overcome this misread British
Standard BS 1852 Standard coding system is used.

This method decimal point position is replaced by the suffix letters “K” for thousands or kilo
ohms, the letter “M” for millions of megaohms, and for both multiplier is denoted by letter “R”
when the multiplier is equal to or less than 1. Any number coming after R is equivalent to a
decimal point.

Sometimes after the resistance value, an additional letter is used, which represents the tolerance of
the resistor. The BS 1852 letter code and tolerance letter coding for resistors are shown below:

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Applications of Resistor

Resistors are used as:

 Electrical load
 Current limiter
 Voltage divider
 Biasing element
 Filter with capacitor
 Relay coil in thermal relays

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Inductors and Types Inductors are an electrical/electronic component that opposes a change
in current due to its self-inductance. It consists of a number of turns of fine wire of copper wound
on a core of some material (air, iron, powdered iron, or ferrite material) in spiral form.

When the current flows through a coil of inductor it induces EMF due to the effect of
electromagnetic induction which opposes the change in the cause for it (applied current).

Figure1. 6Types of Inductors

Following are the types of inductors:

 Iron Cored Inductors

 Air Cored Inductors
 Powdered Iron Cored Inductors
 Ferrite Cored Inductors
 Variable Inductors
 Audio Frequency Inductors
 Radio Frequency Inductors

1. Iron Cored Induct

The figure represents the constructional details and symbol of an iron-cored inductor which
consists of a coil wound on laminated iron core or cobalt or nickel alloys.

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 Figure1. 7Iron Cored Induct
Two lead are connected to two ends of the coil and is also center-tapped to the half of the length of
the coil.

It is also known as a transformer that consists of primary and secondary windings in which two
leads are soldered to primary and three

Applications: These are used:

 At low power frequency (50Hz) for building surge voltages.

 At audio frequency (20Hz – 20kHz) as AF chokes for tone control.
 As filter chokes with the capacitor in power supplies.

2 Air Cored Inductors

Figure1. 8Air Cored Inductors

The figure represents the constructional details of air-cored inductors which consist of air as core
material, i.e. coil is wound on an insulating Bobin that contains air.

These can be operated at radio frequencies.

Applications: These are used:

 As RF chokes, RF transformers andIF transformers

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3 Powdered Iron Cored Inductors

Constructional details of the powdered iron cored inductor are shown in the figure, in which
powdered iron rods are used as cores.

These are used at higher frequencies.

Applications: These are used:

 RF chokes, RF transformers in radio receivers.

 As IF transformers and IF chokes in radio receivers.
 As an arial coil in tuned circuits of radio receivers.
 For tuning radio connected with gang condensers.

4 Ferrite Cored Inductors

Ferrite cored inductors contain coils wound on a solid core made of ferrite material. These are pot
core and toroidal core type inductors as shown in the figure.

Applications: These are used at higher frequency ranges.

 For radio interference suppression.

 As filter chokes.
 For colour T.V. raster generation.

5. Variable Inductors

The inductors whose inductance value can be varied continuously are known as variable inductors.
The constructional details are shown in the figure.

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 Figure1. 9Variable Inductors
Threaded screw is used as a screw, which can be rotated in or out of the coil to vary the
inductance value.

Applications: These are used,

 Tuning circuits
 Coupling circuits
 Oscillator circuits
 Timing circuits

6 .Audio Frequency (A.F.) Inductors (AF Chokes)

Choke is an inductor that opposes a change in current. If choke operates at audio frequency range
then it is called an A.F. choke or A.F. inductor.

It contains a number of turns of thin wire wound on a laminated iron core as shown in the figure.

The wire is made up of insulated copper and the unit is placed in a metal casing.

Applications: AF chokes are used,

 As filter chokes in radio and T.V. receivers.

 For generating voltage surges in fluorescent lamp sets.
 In tube light sets.

7 Radio Frequency (R.F.) Inductors (R.F. Chokes)

These are designed to operate at the radio frequency range (>20 kHz), shown in the figure.

They consist of a number of turns of thin wire wounds on an insulator tube or powdered iron core.
For higher permeability, powdered iron cored is used.

Applications: These are used:

 Inductors are used.

 In radio transmitters.

Specification of Inductors

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The specifications of inductors are:
1. Inductance value
2. Resistance
3. Capacitance
4. Frequency range
5. Quality factor
6. Power loss
7. Current rating
8. Temperature coefficient
1) Inductance value:
2) The value of inductance is measured in terms of its inductance value and is expressed in
henries, mille henries, and micro henries.
3) Resistance is the ohm value of an inductor wire, which is expressed in ohms.
4/The current rating is the operating current of an inductor and it is measured in Amps.
5) Temperature coefficient:
The temperature coefficient represents the stability in inductance value with a change in
temperature. It is expressed in ppm/°c.
Applications of Inductors
Inductors are used in:
 Communication circuits
 Filter circuits
 Tuning circuits
 Magnetic amplifiers
 Fluorescent lamps
 Telemetric equipment
 Modulating and demodulation circuits
 Radar sets.

Capacitor:

A capacitor is a two-terminal passive electronic component that stores charge in an electric field
between its metal plates. it is made up of two metal plates (electrodes) separated by an insulator
known as the dielectric.

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 Figure1. [Link]
The capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store charge in its metal plates (Electrodes). Its unit
is Farad F.

One Farad is the amount of capacitance when a charge of one-coulomb causes the potential
difference of one volt across its terminals. The capacitance is always positive, it cannot be
negative.

Symbols Of Different Types Of Capacitors

Symbols of different Types of capacitors & its alternative symbols are given below.

Figure1. 11Symbols Of Different Types Of Capacitors

Types of Capacitors: Polar and Non Polar Capacitors with Symbols

Types of Capacitors

There are different types of Capacitors classified on the basis of their sizes, shapes & materials.
Different types of capacitors are given below with details.

The two main types of capacitors are fixed capacitors and variable capacitors.

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1) Fixed Capacitors:

As the name suggests, the fixed capacitor has a fixed capacitance value. It cannot be changed.
Fixed capacitors are further divided into two types i.e.

 Polar Capacitors
 Non-polar Capacitors
Polar Capacitors:

Polar capacitors or polarized capacitors are such type of a capacitor whose terminals (electrodes)
have polarity; positive and negative.

The positive terminal should be connected to positive of supply and negative to negative.
Reversing the polarity will destroy the capacitor. These type of capacitors are only used in DC
applications.

Polar capacitors are further classified into two types:

 .Electrolytic Capacitors
 Super capacitors

Electrolytic Capacitors:

An electrolytic capacitor is a type of polar capacitor that uses an electrolyte as one of its electrodes
to maintain heavy charge storage. It is made up of two metal plates whose positive (anode) plate is
covered with an insulating oxide layer through anodization. This insulating layer acts as the
dielectric. The electrolyte is used as the second terminal cathode. The electrolytes can be solid,
liquid or gas type material.

Such Types of capacitors have a high capacitance value ranging from 1 μF to 47000 μF. They are
only used in DC circuits.

The electrolytic capacitors are classified into three families

 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

 Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors

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  Niobium Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

In the aluminum Electrolytic capacitor, the electrodes used are made of pure aluminum. However,
the anode (positive) electrode is made by forming an insulating layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
through anodization. The electrolyte (solid or non-solid) is placed on the insulating surface of the
anode. This electrolyte technically acts as the cathode. The second aluminum electrode is placed
on top of electrolyte which acts as its electrical connection to the negative terminal of the
capacitor.

Figure1. 12Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Depending on its electrolyte, they are divided into two sub-types
 Non-Solid or Wet
 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
 Solid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors (SAL’s)

1) Non-Solid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Non-solid aluminum electrolytic capacitors use liquid or gel electrolyte. They are made of two
foils of aluminum with a paper in between which are impregnated with a liquid or gel-like
electrolyte. The anode aluminum foil is oxidized to form (AL2O3) dielectric. The cathode foil
serves the purpose of electrical contact for the electrolyte. Although, the cathode foil hanatural
oxide layer formed by air which increases its capacitance.

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 Figure1. [Link]-Solid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
 .
 Most common application is filtering in computer power supplies due to its small size and
reliability.
Advantages And Disadvantages
 They are available in small size and high capacitance.
 It is very stable and reliable, thus having longer life-span.
 It can operate on a wide range of temperature from -55° C to +125° C.
 They are expensive.
 They cannot tolerate reverse voltages.
3) Niobium Electrolytic Capacitors
In niobium electrolytic capacitor the anode is made of niobium metal (Niobium monoxide). It is
oxidized through anodization to form an insulating layer of niobium pentoxide. This layer acts as
the dielectric.

Ceramic Capacitors:

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As the name suggests the ceramic capacitor is a type of non-polar capacitor in which the dielectric
used is a ceramic material.

It is made of two layers of metal (usually nickel and copper) with ceramic (Para electric or
Ferroelectric) as the dielectric. These alternating layers are stacked together to provide high
capacitance value.

Figure1. 14Ceramic Capacitors

The minimum thickness of the ceramic dielectric layer is about 0.5 μm. The voltage rating of the
capacitor depends on its dielectric strength. Furthermore, the terminals are attached to electrodes &
the capacitor is covered in ceramic protective layer against moisture.

Related Post: What is the difference between a battery and a capacitor?

Ceramic capacitors are available in different shapes and styles.

 Ceramic disc shape: most commonly used type of ceramic capacitor having one layer of
ceramic disc sandwiched between electrodes with through-hole terminals.
 MLCC: multi-layer ceramic chip is rectangular shaped with multiple alternating layers of
metal and ceramic material with surface mounting terminals

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.

Silver mica capacitors:

Unlike clamped mica capacitor where sheets of mica are clamped with metal foils, the silver mica
capacitor is made of sheets of mica with metal (silver electrode) being coated on its both sides.
Multiple layers are added together to increase its capacitance. It is then dipped in an insulator
Epoxy for protection against humidity and air etc.

Figure1. 15 Silver mica capacitors

They are very stable and have low losses. They have a low tolerance of about +/- 1%. Its
capacitance depends very little on the applied voltage. The encapsulation protects the electrodes
from corrosion. Thus, they maintain a longer lifespan.

They are costly and have a larger volume as compared to ceramic capacitors. It can operate on
heavy voltage ranging from 100 v to 10 Kv with capacitance ranging from 47 pF to 3000 pF.

They are still used in modern electronic circuits because of its high voltage and power handling
capabilities such as RF broadcast transmitter, amplifiers, high voltage inverters, and resonance
circuits etc.

[Link] Capacitors:

Such types of capacitors whose capacitance can be changed either mechanically or electrically is
known as the variable capacitors. They don’t have fixed capacitance value instead they provide a
range of values. They are used in tuning LC circuits for a radio receiver, impedance matching in
antennas.

These variable capacitors are divided into two main types based on its operating mechanism

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  Mechanically
 Controlled
 Electrically Controlled

Mechanically Controlled Variable Capacitors

These variable capacitors capacitance value can be changed mechanically through a knob or a
screwdriver. They are made of semi-circular metal plates with a dielectric in between them.

Figure1. 16Mechanically Controlled Variable Capacitors

One set of plates which is movable is known as rotor & the other set of plates which is stationary is
known as the stator. The rotor rotates around a shaft that increases or decrease the distance
between the plates which changes the capacitance of the capacitor.

Applications of Capacitors

There are some of the general application for all types of capacitors.

 Smoothing power supply’s output.

 Power factor correction
 Frequency filters, high pass, low
 pass filters.
 Coupling & Decoupling of signals.
 Motor Starter.
 Snubber (Surge absorber & Noise filter)
 Oscillators

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Active components

 Diode
 Transistor
 Thyristor

Diode is known as a semiconductor component because it is made from semiconductor materials

such as silicon or germanium (both give different results of the diodes).

Diodes can pass a current in our desired direction and block the current if it flows in the opposite
direction. Just imagine it as a one way street. This is why we can convert AC voltage into DC
voltage because it blocks the current when its value is in the negative area.

What is Diode Symbol

Diode symbol illustrates its function in a smart way. It contains an arrow with a “wall” at its end

Figure1. 17just as drawn below.

Diode Symbol

Diode is a two terminal component and its terminals named with:

Anode

Cathode

Anode represents the direction we desire to flow or also known as forward biased. Cathode
represents the direction we desire to block or also known as reverse biased.

What is Diode Structure

After looking at the explanation above, we need to know how diodes can behave like that. Its
unique work principle comes from its semiconductor materials such as silicon or germanium.

26
As long as the anode voltage is higher than cathode voltage, the current is forward biased, current
is flowing through in the circuit without any problem.

As long as the cathode voltage is higher than anode voltage, the current is reverse biased, current is
not able to flow past the diode and no current flows in the circuit.

Types of Diodes

This is where we will spend most of our time, learning what are the types of diodes used in every
circuit application. The types of diodes are:

No
1 Light Emitting Diode (LED)

2 Zener diode
3 Schottky diode

4 Photodiode
5 PN junction diode
6

P-N J1unction Diode

27
The P-N junction diode is made up of semiconductor material. It consists of two layers of
semiconductors. One layer is doped with P-type material and the other layer with N-type material.
The combination of these both P and N-type layers form a junction known as the P-N
junction. Hence the name P-N junction diode.

Figure1. 18 P-N junction

It allows the flow of current in the forward direction and blocks it in reverse direction. They are
also known as rectifier diode used for rectification.

There are different types of diodes that use the P-N junction with variation in doping
concentration. They are discussed below.

Small Signal Diode

It is a type of P-N junction diode which operates on low voltage signals. Its junction area is very
small. Due to which, the junction has less capacitance & low charge storing capacity. It enables the
small signal diode to have high switching speed with very fast recovery time. However, its
limitations are low voltage and current parameters.

Due to its high switching speed, these types of diodes are used in circuits with high frequencies.

Related post: Different Types Of Relays, Its Operation & Applications

Rectifier Diode

A rectifier diode is a type of P-N junction diode, whose P-N junction area is very large. This
results in high capacitance in reverse direction. It has low switching speed.

This is the most common and most used type of a diode. These types of diodes can handle heavy
current and are used in converting AC into DC (Rectification).

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Schottky Diode The Schottky diode, named after a German physicist Walter H. Schottky, is a type
of diode which consists of a small junction between an N-type semiconductor and a metal. It has
no P-N junction. The plus point of the Schottky diode is that it has very low forward voltage drop
and fast switching. As there is no capacitive junction (P-N junction), the Schottky diode switching
speed is very fast.

Figure1. 19 Schottky Diode

The limitation of Schottky diode is that it has low reverse breakdown voltage and high reverse
leakage current.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) The light emitting diode is also a type of P-N junction diode that
emits light in the forward bias [Link] is made up of a direct-band semiconductor.
When the charge carriers (electrons) cross the barrier and recombine with electron holes on the
other side, they emit photon particles (light). While the color of the light depends on the energy
gap of the semiconductor.

LED converts electrical energy into light energy.

Photodiode

The photodiode is a type of P-N junction diode that converts the light energy into electrical
current. Its operation is opposite to that of an LED.

Every semiconductor diode is affected by optical charge carriers. It is why they are packaged in a
light blocking material.

In the photodiode, there is a special opening that allows the light to enter its sensitive part.

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When the light (Photon particles) strikes the PN junction, it creates an electron-hole pair. These
electron and hole flow out as electrical current. To increase its efficiency, a PIN junction diode is
used.

A photodiode is used in reverse bias and they can be used in solar cells.

 Related Post: Types of Fuses – Its Construction, Operation & Applications

Laser Diode

Zener Diode

Zener diode is named after Clarence Malvin Zener who discovered the zener effect.

It is a type of diode, which not only allows the flow of current in the forward direction but also in
reverse direction. when the reverse voltage reaches the breakdown voltage known as Zener
voltage it allows the current flow.

The Zener diode has heavier doping concentration than a normal P-N junction diode. Hence, it has
a very thin depletion region.

In forward bias, it operates as a simple P-N junction diode (Rectifier).

In reverse bias, it blocks until the reverse voltage reaches breakdown. After that, it allows the
current flow with a constant voltage drop.

SCR is a four-layer P-N-P-N semiconductor switching device. It has three terminals Anode,
Cathode, and Gate.

SCR is essentially a diode with an external control input known as the gate input. It allows current
flow in one direction.

When SCR is connected in the forward bias, it won’t yet allow the flow of current. This is known
as the forward blocking mode.

To make SCR conduct in the forward mode, it either needs the necessary voltage to cross
its breakover limit or by applying a positive pulse to its gate input.

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To turn off SCR, either decrease the current below the holding current point or turn off the gate
input and short circuit the anode-cathode momentarily.

In reverse bias, the SCR does not allow current even after applying gate input. But if the reverse
voltage reaches reverse breakdown voltage, the SCR starts conduction due to avalanche
phenomena.

SCR is used for controlling high power circuits, rectification of high power AC

Shockley Diode

Shockley diode is a four layer PNPN diode. It resembles SCR but it has no control or gate input.

Shockley diode tends to stay ‘ON’ once it is turned ‘ON’ & tends to stay ‘OFF’ when it is turned
‘OFF’.

As we know that the Shockley diode has no gate input so the only way to switch it ‘ON’ is by
applying Forward voltage greater than its breakdown voltage.

After applying the voltage greater than its breakdown voltage, it will allow the current flow.

Transistor

Transistor is an active component and that is establishing all over electronic circuits. They are
used as amplifiers and switching apparatus. As the amplifiers, they are used in high and low level,
frequency stages, oscillators, modulators, detectors, and in any circuit need to perform a function.
In digital circuits, they are used as switches.

The transistor is electronic equipment. It is made through a p and n-type semiconductor. When a
semiconductor is placed in the center between the same type of semiconductors the arrangement is
called transistors. We can say that a transistor is the combination of two diodes it is a connection
back to back. A transistor is a device that regulates current or voltage flow and acts as a button or
gate for electronic signals.

Types of Transistors

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Transistors consist of three layers of a semiconductor device, each capable of moving a current. A
semiconductor is a material such as germanium and silicon that conducts electricity in a “semi-
enthusiastic” way. It’s anywhere between a genuine conductor such as a copper and an insulator
(similar to the plastic-wrapped roughly wires).

Transistor Symbol

A diagrammatic form of n-p-n and p-n-p transistor is exposed. In-circuit is a connection drawn
form is used. The arrow symbol defined the emitter current. In the n-p-n connection, we identify
electrons flow into the emitter. This means that the conservative current flows out of the emitter as
indicated by the outgoing arrow. Equally, it can be seen that for the p-n-p connection, the
conservative current flows into the emitter as exposed by the inward arrow in the figure.

Figure1. 20PNP and NPN Transistors

There are so many types of transistors and they each vary in their characteristics and each has its
possess advantages and disadvantages. Some types of transistors are used mostly for switching
applications. Others can be used for both switching and amplification. Still, other transistors are in
a specialty group all of their own, such as phototransistors, which react to the amount of light
shining on it to produce current flow through it. Below is a list of the different types of transistors;
we will go over the characteristics that create them each up

What are the Two Main Types of Transistors?

Transistors are classified into two types like BJTs and FETs.

Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)

Bipolar Junction Transistors are transistors that are built up of 3 regions, the base, the collector,
and the emitter. Bipolar Junction transistors, different FET transistors, are current-controlled

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devices. A small current entering the base region of the transistor causes a much larger current
flow from the emitter to the collector region. Bipolar junction transistors come in two major types,
NPN and PNP. An NPN transistor is one in which the majority of the current carriers are electrons.

Electron flowing from the emitter to the collector forms the base of the majority of current flow
through the transistor. The further types of charge, holes, are a minority. PNP transistors are the
opposite. In PNP transistors, the majority of current carrier holes. BJT transistors are available in
two types namely PNP and NPN

Figure1. 21Bipolar Junction Transistor pins

PNP Transistor

This transistor is another kind of BJT – Bipolar Junction Transistors and it contains two p-type
semiconductor materials. These materials are divided through a thin n-type semiconductor layer. In
these transistors, the majority charge carriers are holes whereas the minority charge carriers are
electrons.

In this transistor, the arrow symbol indicates the conventional current flow. The direction of
current flow in this transistor is from the emitter terminal to the collector terminal. This transistor
will be turned ON once the base terminal is dragged to LOW as compared with the emitter
terminal. The PNP transistor with a symbol is shown below.

NPN Transistor

NPN is also one kind of BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistors) and it includes two n-type
semiconductor materials which are divided through a thin p-type semiconductor layer. IN the NPN
transistor, the majority charge carriers are electrons whereas the minority charge carriers are holes.

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The electrons flow from the emitter terminal to the collector terminal will form the current flow
within the base terminal of the transistor.

In the transistor, the less amount of current supply at the base terminal can cause supply huge
amount of current from the emitter terminal to the collector. At present, the commonly used BJTs
are NPN transistors, as the electrons mobility is higher as compared with the mobility of holes.
The NPN transistor with a symbol is shown below.

Field Effect Transistor

Field Effect Transistors are made up of 3 regions, a gate, a source, and a drain. Different bipolar
transistors, FETs are voltage-controlled devices. A voltage placed at the gate controls current flow
from the source to the drain of the transistor. Field Effect transistors have a very high input
impedance, from several mega ohms (MΩ) of resistance to much, much larger values.

This high input impedance causes them to have very little current run through them. (According to
ohm’s law, the current is inversely affected by the value of the impedance of the circuit. If the
impedance is high, the current is very low.) So FETs both draw very little current from a circuit’s
power source.

Figure1. 22Field Effect Transistors

Thus, this is ideal because they don’t disturb the original circuit power elements to which they are
connected to. They won’t cause the power source to be loaded down. The drawback of FETs is that
they won’t provide the same amplification that could be gotten from bipolar transistors.

Bipolar transistors are superior in the fact that they provide greater amplification, even though
FETs are better in that they cause less loading, are cheaper, and easier to manufacture. Field Effect
Transistors come in 2 main types: JFETs and MOSFETs. JFETs and MOSFETs are very similar

34
but MOSFETs have even higher input impedance values than JFETs. This causes even less loading
in a circuit. FET transistors are classified into two types namely JFET and MOSFET.

JFET

The JFET stands for Junction-Field-Effect transistor. This is simple as well as an initial type of
FET transistors which are utilized like resistors, amplifiers, switches, etc. This is a voltage-
controlled device and it doesn’t use any biasing current. Once the voltage is applied among gate &
source terminals then it controls the current flow among the source & drain of the JFET transistor.

The Junction Field Effect Transistor (JUGFET or JFET) has no PN-junctions but in its place has a
narrow part of high resistivity semiconductor material forming a “Channel” of either N-type or P-
type silicon for the majority carriers to flow through with two ohmic electrical connections at
either end normally called the Drain and the Source respectively.

Figure1. 23Junction Field Effect Transistors

There are two basic configurations of a junction field-effect transistor, the N-channel JFET and the
P-channel JFET. The N-channel JFET’s channel is doped with donor impurities meaning that the
flow of current through the channel is negative (hence the term N-channel) in the form of
electrons. These transistors are accessible in both P-channel and N-channel types.

MOSFET

MOSFET or Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor is most frequently used among

all kinds of transistors. As the name suggests, it includes the terminal of the metal gate. This
transistor includes four terminals like source, drain, gate & substrate, or body.

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 Figure1. 24MOSFET
As compared with BJT and JFET, MOSFETs has several benefits as it provides high i/p
impedance as well as low o/p impedance. MOSFETs are mainly used in low power circuits
especially while designing chips. These transistors are available in two types like depletion &
enhancement. Further, these types are categorized into P-channel & N-channel types.

The main features of FET include the following.

 It is unipolar because the charge carriers like either electrons or holes are accountable for
transmission.
 In FET, the input current will flow because of the reverse bias. Therefore the input
impedance of this transistor is high.
 When the o/p voltage of the field-effect transistor is controlled through the input voltage of
the gate, then this transistor is named the voltage-controlled device.
 In the conduction lane, there are no junctions present. So FETs have less noise as compared
with BJTs.
 The characterization of gain can be done with transconductance because it is the ratio of
o/p change current and input voltage change
 The o/p impedance of the FET is low.

Advantages of FET
The advantages of FET as compared with BJT include the following.
 FET is a unipolar device whereas the BJT is a bipolar device
 FET is a voltage-driven device whereas the BJT is a current-driven device
 The i/p impedance of the FET is high whereas BJT has low
 The noise level of FET is low as compared with BJT
 In FET, thermal stability is high whereas BJT has low.
 The gain characterization of FET can be done through transconductance whereas in BJT
with a voltage gain

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Applications of FET
The applications of FET include the following.
 These transistors are used within different circuits to decrease the loading effect.
 These are used in several circuits like Phase shift Oscillators, Voltmeters & Buffer
amplifiers.

FET Terminals
FET has three terminals like source, gate, and drain which are not similar to the terminals of BJT.
In FET, the Source terminal is similar to the Emitter terminal of BJT, whereas the Gate terminal is
similar to the Base terminal & Drain terminal to the Collector terminal.

Source Terminal
In FET, the source terminal is the one through which the charge carriers enter the channel.

This is similar to the emitter terminal of BJT

The source terminal can be represented with ‘S’.

The flow of current through the channel on the source terminal can be specified like IS.
Gate Terminal

In a FET, the Gate terminal plays an essential role to control the flow of current throughout the
channel.

The flow of current can be controlled through the gate terminal by providing an external voltage to
it.

Gate terminal is a blend of two terminals which are internally connected and are doped heavily.
The conductivity of the channel can be modulated through the Gate terminal.

This is similar to the base terminal of BJT

The gate terminal can be represented with ‘G’.

The flow of current through the channel at the Gate terminal can be specified as IG.

Drain Terminal

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  In FET, the drain terminal is the one through which the carriers leave the channel.
 This is analogous to the collector terminal in a Bipolar Junction Transistor.
 The Drain to Source voltage is designated as VDS.
 The Drain terminal can be designated as D.
 The flow of current moving away from the channel at the Drain terminal can be specified
as ID.

Different Types of Transistors

There are different types of transistors available based on the function like the small-signal, small
switching, power, high frequency, phototransistor, UJT. Some kinds of transistors are mainly used
for amplification otherwise switching purposes.
Small Signal Types of Transistors
Small signal transistors are used mainly used to amplify low-level signals but can also function
well as switches. These transistors available through an hFE value, that specifies how a transistor
amplifies input signals. The range of typical hFE values is from 10 to 500 including the highest
collector current (Ic) rating ranges from 80 mA to 600mA.
These transistors are available in two forms like PNP and NPN. The highest operating frequencies
of this transistor have from 1 to 300 MHz. These transistors are used when amplifying small
signals like a few volts & simply when a mill ampere of current is used. A power transistor is
applicable once a huge voltage, as well as current, is used.
Small Switching Types of Transistors
Small Switching Transistors are used like switches as well as amplifiers. The typical hFE values
for these transistors range from 10 to 200 including least collector current ratings which range
from 10 mA to 1000mA. These transistors are available in two forms like PNP and NPN
These transistors are not capable of the small-signal amplification of transistors, which can include
up to 500 amplification. So this will make the transistors more helpful for switching, although they
may be used as amplifiers for providing gain. Once you require additional gain, then these
transistors would function better like amplifiers.
Power Transistors
These transistors are applicable where a lot of power is used. The collector terminal of this
transistor is allied to the base terminal of metal so that it works like a heat sink to dissolve surplus

38
power. The range of typical power ratings mainly ranges from approximately 10 W to 300 W
including frequency ratings which range from 1 MHz – 100 MHz.

Figure1. 25Power Transistor

The values of the highest collector current will range between 1A – 100 A. Power transistors are
available in PNP & NPN forms whereas the Darlington transistor comes in either PNP or NPN
forms.

High-Frequency Types of Transistors

High-Frequency Transistors are used especially for small signals that work at high frequencies and
used in high-speed based switching applications. These transistors are applicable in high-frequency
signals & should be capable of turning ON/OFF at extremely high speeds.

The applications of high-frequency transistors mainly include HF, UHF, VHF, MATV, and CATV
amplifier as well as oscillator applications. The range of maximum frequency rating is about 2000
MHz & the highest collector currents range from 10 mA – 600mA. These are obtainable in both
PNP & NPN forms.

Phototransistor

These transistors are light-sensitive and a common type of this transistor looks like a bipolar
transistor where the base lead of this transistor is removed as well as changed through a light-
sensitive region. So this is the reason that a phototransistor includes simply two terminals in place
of the three terminals. Once the outside region is kept shady, then the device will be turned off.

39
 Figure1. 26Phototransistor
Basically, there is no flow of current from the regions of the collector to the emitter. But, whenever
the region of light-sensitive is exposed toward daylight, then a small amount of base current can be
produced to control a much high collector to emitter current.

Similar to normal transistors, these can be both FETs and BJTs. FETs are light-sensitive
transistors, not like photo bipolar transistors, photo FETs utilize light to produce a gate voltage that
is mainly used for controlling a drain-source current. These are very responsive to changes within
light as well as more delicate as compared with bipolar phototransistors.

 Unijunction Types of Transistors

Unijunction transistors (UJTs) include three-leads that work completely like electrical switches so
they are not utilized like amplifiers. Generally, transistors work like a switch as well as an
amplifier. However, a UJT does not give any kind of amplification due to its design. So it is not
designed for providing enough voltage otherwise current.

The leads of these transistors are B1, B2 & an emitter lead. The operation of this transistor is
simple. When voltage exists between its emitter or base terminal then there will be a small flow of
current from B2 to B1.

Figure1. 27Unijunction Transistor

The control leads in other types of transistors will provide a small additional current whereas, in
UJT, it is quite opposite. The primary source of the transistor is its emitter current. The flow of
current from B2 to B1 is simply a small amount of the whole combined current, which means that
UJTs are not appropriate for amplification but they are suitable for switching.

Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT)

40
AlgaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are used for digital and analog microwave
applications with frequencies as high as the Ku band. HBTs can supply faster-switching speeds
than silicon bipolar transistors mostly because of reduced base resistance and collector-to-substrate
capacitance. HBT processing requires less demanding lithography than GaAs FETs, therefore,
HBTs can priceless to fabricate and can provide better lithographic yield.

This technology can also provide higher breakdown voltages and easier broadband impedance
matching than GaAs FETs. In assessment with Si bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), HBTs show
better presentation in terms of emitter injection efficiency, base resistance, the base-emitter
capacitance, and cutoff frequency. They also present good linearity, low phase noise and high
power-added efficiency. HBTs are used in both profitable and high-reliability applications, such as
power amplifiers in mobile telephones and laser drivers.

Darlington Transistor

A Darlington transistor sometimes called a “Darlington pair” is a transistor circuit that is made
from two transistors. Sidney Darlington invented it. It is like a transistor, but it has a much higher
ability to gain current. The circuit can be made from two discrete transistors or it can be inside an
integrated circuit.

The hfe parameter with a Darlington transistor is every transistor hfe multiplied mutually. The
circuit is helpful in audio amplifiers or in a probe that measures a very small current that goes
through the water. It is so sensitive that it can pick up the current in the skin. If you connect it to a
piece of metal, you can build a touch-sensitive button.

Figure1. 28Darlington Transistor

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What is an Integrated Circuit (IC)

Normally bipolar junction transistors, diodes and field effect transistors are commonly used
electronics component in electronic circuit. These components are interconnected along with
required resistors and capacitors to form an electronic circuit. This type of circuit is known as
discrete circuit as each of the components can be separated from the circuit as when required.
Nowadays there is a new trend of producing electronic circuit where on a semiconductor wafer
numbers of diodes, transistors, and capacitors are permanently fabricated.

Rectifier is an electric circuit that transforms AC current into DC the process of AC to DC

conversion is known as rectification.
 There are numerous categories of diodes some were used in the previous year such as
Vaccum tube diode, mercury arc valves, etc.
 Currently, semiconductor diodes are used as rectifier circuits.
 There are numerous applications of rectifies but most commonly used is in DC power
supply and transmission system that transmit high voltage DC.
 There are 2 main types of rectifier first one is the half-wave rectifier and the second one
full-wave rectifier.
 Half wave rectifier converts positive cycle of AC into DC and its circuit consists of a single
diode.
 A full-wave rectifier converts a complete cycle of alternating current into the direct current
and its circuit uses 2 or 4 diodes for rectification.
 The output obtained by these filter circuit is not pure dc and have some ripples to make it
pure dc and smooth different filter circuits are used.

1.2. component testing instruments

Electrical tester tools are used for measuring various electrical parameters. These parameters
include current, voltage, resistance, continuity, etc. It is commonly used by professional
electricians and electrical contractors to test live wires, circuit breakers, electrical panels or power
transformers. They are both multi-function and single-function devices that can conduct typical
electrical testing duties. The various types of an electrical tester include clamp meters, insulation

42
testers, multimeters, ohmmeters, voltage detectors, etc. The purpose of writing this article is to
discuss and guide you with the functionality and uses of all electrical testers. It will help you in
selecting the right tester for your project.

The testing equipment used to detect faults in the operation of electronic devices by creating
stimulus signals and capture responses from electronic devices under test is known as electronic
test equipment. If any faults are detected, then identified faults can be traced an rectified using
electronic testing equipment. Most often all electrical and electronic circuits are tested and
troubleshooted to detect faults or abnormal functioning if any.

Figure1. 29Basic Electronic Testing Equipments

Therefore, testing equipment is necessary to find and analyze the circuit conditions, for checking
electronic test equipment and maintenance in various industries. Many industries utilize different
types of electronic test equipment ranging from the very simple and inexpensive to complex and
sophisticated ones.

Types of Electrical Electronic Testing Equipments

The Basic Electronics Testing Equipments Under this Category Include the Following

Voltmeter

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A basic electronics device or instrument used to measure voltage or electrical potential difference
between two points in electrical circuits is known as voltmeter. There are two types of voltmeters:
analog and digital. An analog voltmeter moves a pointer across a scale in proportional to the
voltage of the electrical circuit. A digital voltmeter measures an unknown input voltage by
converting the voltage to a digital value by using a converter and then displays the voltage in
numeric form.

 Ohmmeter
An electrical instrument that measures electrical resistance is known as an ohmmeter. The
instrument used to measure small value of resistance are micro-ohmmeters. Similarly meg-
ohmmeters is used to make large resistance measurements. Resistance values are measured in
ohms (Ω). Originally, ohmmeter is designed with a small battery to apply a voltage to a resistance.

Figure1. 30Ohmmeter
It uses a galvanometer to measure the electric current through the resistance. The scale of the
galvanometer was marked in ohms (Ω), because the fixed voltage from the battery assures that the
resistance decreases and the current through the meter increases.

 Ammeter
A measuring instrument which is used to measure the electric current in a circuit is known as an
ammeter. The units of measurement for electric current is amperes (A) Earlier ammeters were
laboratory instruments which depend on the earth’s magnetic field for operation. In an era of the
19th century, improved instruments were designed which could be placed in any position and
allows accurate measurements in electric power systems.

Ammeter

44
The smaller currents can be measured by using milliammeters or micro ammeters, units of
measuring the smaller current are in the milliampere or micro-ampere range. There are different
types of ammeters such as moving-coil, moving magnet and moving-iron, etc.

 Multimeter
A multimeter is an electronic instrument used to measure the three basic electrical characteristics:
voltage, current and resistance. It has multiple functions and acts like ohmmeter, voltmeter and
ammeter and also used for household wiring, electric motors, testing batteries and power supplies.
The multimeter is a handheld device with a needle over a numeric LCD digital display for
indication purpose. It is also used to test continuity between two points in an electrical circuit.
There are three types of multimeters made available in the market such as: digital multimeter,
analog multimeter and fluke multimeter.

Figure1. 31 Multimeter
The Following are used for Testing Stimulus Signals of the Circuit under Test

Power Supplies

A power supply is an electronic instrument that supplies electric energy to an electric load.
Regulated power supplies refers to a power supply which supplies a variety of output voltages used
for bench testing of electronic circuits, with the variation of output voltages or some preset
voltages. Almost all the electronic circuits make use of a DC source of power for operation. A
regulated power supply consists of various blocks such as an ordinary power supply and a voltage
regulating device. The output generated from ordinary power supply is fed to the voltage
regulating device that provides the final output. The main function of a power supply is to convert
one form of electrical energy into another.

45
 Figure1. 32Power Supplies
Clamp Meters - It is an electrical testing tool as a combination of a digital multimeter with a
current sensor. It is preferred for measuring the high level of current in the circuit without
disconnecting it. The advanced versions can measure voltage, continuity and resistance as well
along with the current. They are preferred for both safety and convenience. The clamp meters are
basically used for service, installation and maintenance. It is applicable to use on industrial
equipment, industrial controls, residential and commercial systems, and HVAC. Its 3 types include

 Current transformer - It can measure alternating current

 Hall effect - It can measure both alternating and direct current.
 Flexible type - It has a Rogowski coil that can measure only ac. It is suitable for use in
confined space or congested areas.

Cord Flexing Testers - It is used for testing and measuring the quality of power cords. It
determines whether the material in the flexible cable can withstand constant flexing under an
electrical load.

Insulation Testers - It is used to prevent the users from hazards like an electric shock, short
circuits that occurs when the insulation in electrical parts are used in industrial plants, buildings,
etc. The portable type of tester is used for testing insulation resistance, continuous current,
alternating current, etc. Also, it is used for testing supply lines to protect the user and ensure the
proper functioning of the system.

46
 Figure1. 33 Insulation Testers
Voltage Detector

The standard electrical test kits consist of a multimeter, voltage tester and a receptacle tester. The
voltage tester is used to identify voltage in circuit breakers, wires or outlets. At the same time, the
receptacle tester is used to identify a common wiring problem. The kits include batteries as well.

Electrical testing equipment is used for creating signals and capturing responses from electrical
devices that are under testing phase. It is used to ensure the proper functioning of system and
identifying the existing faults. These equipment are majorly used in engineering and assembly
tasks and while performing the production testing or troubleshooting units in the field. You can
find all types of electrical testing equipment online of high-quality brands and at budget price
rates.

How To Test Electrical & Electronics Components using Multimeter?

Testing Electrical and Electronics Components and Devices using Digital and Analog
Multimeter

Troubleshooting with Multimeter

We all know the role and importance of “Troubleshooting” in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering. Most EE components and elements used in Electrical and Electronics equipment,
devices and instruments are common in their functions and operations. In this article, we will show
how to check different components and devices using multimeter (DMM and AMM).

47
To be a good analyzer and troubleshooter, you must know the following basic techniques and have
good skills in Electrical and Electronics troubleshooting, design and analyzing electric / electronic
circuits. For this purpose, we have started a multimeter tutorial where we will use DMM (Digital
Multimeter) and AVO Meter (Ampere-Voltage-Resistance Meter) or Multimeter (Digital/Analog)
to test different electrical / electronics devices, instruments and components to find their terminals
and condition such as are are they short, open, good or faulty.

In this basic multimeter tutorial, We will use digital and analog multimeter to check the following
electrical and electronic components, devices, tools and instruments:

 Cable and Wires

 Switch/Push Buttons
 Fuse
 Capacitors & Inductors
 Resistors & Burnt resistors
 Diodes and LED
 Battery
 Transistors
 Relays

In troubleshooting, we use different kinds of basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Tools but the main and important tool is Multimeter. Let’s see how to test different electrical and
electronic components and devices using digital and analog multimeters.

Cable and Wires

To check if the cable and wires are in good condition or broken before sizing the proper cable &
wire for Electrical Wiring installation, we perform the continuity test. For this purpose, take AVO
meter (or Digital Multimeter) and select “Resistance” (in AVO meter…Rotate the knob to the “Ω”
or Resistance).

Now connect both terminals, i.e. both naked ends of the cable/wire with the AVO or Digital
Multimeter Terminals. If the meter reading shown “0 Ω”, it means Cable/Wire is in “Good

48
Condition”. On the other hand, if meter reading is “Infinite”, it shows the cable/wire may be
defective or broken. So you need to replace it with a new one.

Switch/Push Buttons

Use the same method (mentioned above for checking the cable and wires)…to perform this
method correctly, you will need to apply this method in both cases (ON & OFF positions) on
switches and push buttons…In other words, first apply this method on switches/push buttons and
then “Push” the push button and perform the same method again.

In the first attempt, if the meter reading is “Zero” and in the second attempt, the meter reading is
infinite, it means the Switch/Push button is in good condition. If Multimeter reading is “Zero” or
“infinite” in both attempts, it means the switch is in short circuit or continuity connection is broken
and you should replace it with a new one.

Fuse

To verify Fuse condition, i.e. is “Fuse” in good condition or damaged? … We perform the same
method I.e. continuity test as mentioned above. In short, if the meter reading is “Zero” it means
Fuse is in good condition. If Multimeter reading is infinite, it means Fuse continuity may be
broken or blown. So you should replace it with a new one immediately.

Capacitor

We have already discussed the topic “How to Check a Capacitor with Digital (Multimeter) and
Analog (AVO Meter), By Eight (8) Methods with pictorial views.

In this tutorial, you can check and test using a Digital Multimeter or AVO meter if the Capacitor is
Good, Short or Open?

Diode & LED

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We have updated a detailed post about “How to Test a Diode using Digital & Analog Multimeter”
by four methods. In this multimeter tutorial, we have shown different things about diodes such as
using diode mode in DMM and resistance mode in DMM and AMM to identify the terminals of
Diode, LED and Zener diode. In addition, you may also check if the diode is good, bad, short or
open.

Transistor

In another detailed multimeter tutorial about “How to Check a Transistor by Multimeter

(DMM+AVO)” you may find the Base, Collector and Emitter of a transistor by using Digital and
analog multimeter. Also, There is an easy method to remember the direction of NPN and PNP
transistors. In short, in this tutorial, You will be able to use the multimeter in resistance mode
(Digital + Analog multimeter) or hFE / Beta mode (Only DMM) to test a transistor if it is good,
faulty, short or open.

Battery

In the basic test meter tutorial about “How to test a battery with Test meter?” you will be able to
find if the battery is in good condition, charged, needs to be charged, low charge / current, high
charge / current or is it faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

Resistor & Burnt Resistors

To check if the Resistor is in good condition or broken, we use a multimeter. For this purpose,
take AVO meter (or Digital Multimeter) and select “Resistance” (in AVO meter…Rotate the knob
to the “Ω” or Resistance). Now connect both ends of the resistor with the AVO or Digital
Multimeter Terminals. If the meter reading shows the exact value of resistance or with a
percentage tolerance, it means Resistor in “Good Condition”.

For Example, 1kΩ = 1000Ω with a 5% tolerance will show the reading near about 950Ω to 1050Ω.
On the other hand, if meter reading is “Infinite”, it shows the Resistor may be defective or broken
and open. So you need to replace it with a new one (exact value).

Good to know:

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You can also check the value of a burnt resistor using a digital or analog multimeter by the
following three handy methods.

Related Post: How to find The value of Burnt Resistor ( By three handy Methods )

Relay Coils & SSR Relay

To test an SSR (Solid state relay) and electromechanical relay coils by using a multimeter, You
will have to follow the detailed and step by step guide about “How to Test a Relay? Checking SSR
& Coil Relays“.

Measuring Electrical Quantities Using Multimeter

Voltage

In the very first measuring tutorial posted as “How to Measure Voltage using Digital and Analog
Multimeter?“, you will know how to know the value of eclectic potential or voltage using analog
or digital multimeter.

Current

In the second measuring tutorial named as “How to Measure Current using Digital and Analog
Multimeter?” you will learn how to measure the amount of electric current using a digital or
analog multimeter.

Power

In the detailed post about How to Measure Power using Digital and Analog Multimeter? You can
find and measure the amount of electric power using DMM and AMM. The basic procedure is to
measure both voltage and current and multiply to get the value of power.

Resistance

Measuring resistance via multimeter has been step by step described in the post of How to
Measure Resistance using Digital & Analog Multimeter?

Frequency

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You may check the detailed post about How to Measure Frequency using a Multimeter? In this
post, you will be able to measure the frequency of a circuit using digital and analog multimeters.

Capacitance

In our previous tutorial under the title of “How to Measure Capacitance using a Multimeter?” you
can find the value of capacitance of a capacitor using a multimeter in both the basic and
capacitance mode.

Unit Two: Test Electrical/electronic component/ parts

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Preparation of testing electrical/electronics components

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  Proper methods of testing electrical/electronics components
 Correct use of test/measuring instrument
 Confirmation of electrical/electronic part data and value
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Prepare and test Electrical/electronic components and parts for de-soldering
 Use appropriate methods in testing electrical /electronic circuits
 Follow Correct use of test/measuring instrument
 Confirm the electrical/electronic parts data, function and value

2.1 Preparation of testing electrical/electronics components

Before getting into any specific electronic component testing process. It is important that we
understand the testing process in general.

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This general process will help us in the long run. As it will make us prepare for the unseen or
uncertain situations throughout our career and working with electronics.

So, there are two types of electronics components. One group is called the Active Components
while the other is called the passive Components.

Active components are those that need external power for their operations. They provide some
type of gain to the circuit. Example are: diode ,bipolar transistor

While on the other side there are passive components. They don’t need any external power for
their proper operations. And don’t provide gain, in fact they dissipate power example
resistor ,capacitor

So, there are two different groups of components. This means that there should be two separate
sets of testing procedures as well. And you are absolutely right. We will discuss them soon.

Now, besides active and passive. There are two very important categories of electronics
components.

They are:

 Through holes components

 Surface mount devices (SMDs)
Through holes components are those which have thick terminals you may say legs that go through
the holes of PCBs.

While on the other hand SMDs are soldered on the surface of the PCBs. Both components have
their own uses and advantages. It is not like which is better – it totally depends on what you are
designing.

So until now, we know there are active and passive components, and there are through holes and
SMDs components. It should be understood now that to handle each type and category we should
have to follow their own specific testing procedure in order to get satisfactory results.

Purpose of testing equipment

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Testing equipment is one of the key pieces of equipment that is available to an engineer. They
provide you with the ability to test circuitry or components with known units (such as volts, amps,
etc) to prove whether there is a fault or issue.

Some of the most common applications where testing equipment is used are:

 Fault-finding in electrical circuits

 Testing for the presence of voltage
 Testing motors
 Circuit design
 Planned preventative maintenance checks
 Testing electrical components
 Testing electrical components

When fault finding they can help you quickly identify where an issue is within a circuit or
highlight if a component is faulty.

What job roles require the use of electrical testing equipment ?

There are a number of different job roles and industries that require the use of electrical testing
equipment. We will take a look at some of the most common ones below:

Electrical engineers – electrical engineers require testing equipment when testing equipment, fault
finding and performing checks like testing for dead. They are extremely useful and can be found in
almost every engineer’s workshop.

Electricians – electricians require testing equipment when they are installing new components,
fault finding within a circuit and performing safety checks.

Design engineers – the use of electrical testing equipment is extremely important to design
engineers. When they build circuits or are testing their prototypes they may need to test certain
levels of voltage, current or resistance. They can also come in handy if a fault occurs as they can
diagnose the issue with a meter of some sort.

Automotive engineers/mechanics – if an electrical fault occurs within a motor vehicle an

automotive engineer will use this to test out the circuit.

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Testing engineers – engineers that perform tests such as PAT testing, voltage level testing, etc
require the use of testing equipment. They help gather readings and identify any faults with large-
scale electrical circuits and systems. Without electrical testing equipment, their jobs would be
extremely tough.

Like any testing equipment in any industry, you will need a basic level of electrical skills to be
able to use the testing equipment correctly. Electrical knowledge may also be required when
selecting the correct test to perform on a device such as a multimeter which can perform multiple
test

2.2 Proper methods of testing electrical/electronics components

General Methods for electronic components testing

Ok with that said let’s look at two known and proven methods to test any electronic component in
general.

Once we understand them generally then it would be easy to apply them and change them
according to a specific component under test. Let’s explore them one by one.

Method 1: The Visual Inspection

Method 2: Using the test equipment

Visual Inspection

As you can guess from the name, it is the method of generally seeing a component with our eyes.
Visual inspection is so important. Because sometimes you don’t need to test a bad component. As
it is sometimes so obvious by eyes that the component is busted open and there is no need to test it.
So, before going for any further testing process the first step to electronic components testing is to
visually see the component. f it is busted open, there is leakage, broken, cracked, color has
changed, – then it is time to directly replace that component if it is inside a circuit board. Or don’t
even think to use that component if it is off the circuit.

Using the test equipment Test equipment is the essential tool and device used for testing
electronic circuits and components.

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There are many testing tools available on the market. Each tool has a specific job to perform. And
to be honest, the need for these tools totally depends on what project you work on.

General Precaution

 Disconnect the power source before checking, servicing, repairing or installing electrical
equipment and devices.
 Always, Select the higher value in Digital or analog Multimeter, and then, gradually reduce
it to the proper valve.
 Never try to work on electricity without proper guidance and care
 Read all the instructions and cautions and follow them strictly.
 The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of
this information or try any circuit in the wrong format so please! Be careful because it’s all
about electricity and electricity is too dangerous

The Most Common Electronic Components That Fail?

Instead of relying on individual component failure rates, it may be more useful to classify
components according to failure modes or source of failure. Generating a list of component failure
types that can be practically utilized would improve quality control methods for electronics
manufacturing. Such a list of the most common types of electronic components that fail is
presented below.

How Can Electronic Component Failures Be Avoided?

As explained above, component failures are possible and in some cases even probable. By
committing to habits that focus on mitigating the potential causes of electronic component failure,
you can increase the likelihood that your boards and components will perform as intended over
their operational lifetimes.

Habits for Avoiding Electronic Component Failures

 Utilize conformal coating.

 Information on conformal coating standards.
 Apply moisture protection methods.

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  Information on the best PCBA moisture protection methods.
 Follow good handling and storage guidelines.
 Information on the best storage guidelines to follow.
 Understand and apply good thermal dissipation and distribution techniques.
 Information on thermal dissipation versus thermal distribution.
 Utilize protection circuitry.
 Information on protecting against high currents.
 Apply radiation hardening techniques, if necessary.
 Information on radiation hardening for electronics.
 Ensure the structural integrity of board construction.
 Information on ensuring PCBA structural integrity.
 Ensure your component procurement process is secure.

Information on de-risking your component procurement process.

Avoiding component failure is not limited to selection during design. Instead, it requires a
partnership with your CM to effectively institute the guidelines listed. At Tempo Automation, the
PCB industry leader for high-quality fast circuit board prototyping and low volume production,
quality control is woven into all aspects of our operations

2.3 Correct use of test/measuring instrument

Correct measuring AC current using Digital Multimeter:

 Turn off the power supply to the circuit.
 Switch ON the multimeter.

 Turn the knob to AC current “Ô (denote by letter A with wavy “~” sign on top of it).

 Set the current range of the meter by turning the dial. The range should be selected to the
largest expected value. Use maximum range for unknown current
 Insert the black probe into the COM (common) socket of the meter.
 Insert the red probe into the current socket having the letter “A” or “mA” on it.

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  Most DMM has separate sockets for low current (fused) and high current (unfused). The
low current socket is usually identified by having mA written on it. Use the socket
according to the expected current range. Otherwise, you may damage the meter.
 Break the circuit at the point of measurement.
 Connect the black probe to one of the two points at the point of measurement
 Connect the red probe to the other point at the point of measurement.
 Turn ON power supply to the circuit.
 Note the reading from the meter. DMM provides simple and easy to read numbers on its
screen.
 If the range is set at maximum, reduce it using the selector knob to increase the accuracy.
 Once the measurement is complete, switch off the power supply to the circuit.
 Remove the red probe first and then the black probe.

Rotate the knob back to voltage or resistance position and switch off the multimeter. If you want to
keep the probes inserted in the meter, try to place the probes in the voltage socket.

Note: Do not touch the tips of the lead even if one of them is connected. Do not touch the wires
with bare hands. Do not allow the tips of the lead to connect with one another. Be very careful
when working on AC current of the mains as it can shock or electrocute a person if necessary
precautions are not taken.

2.4 Confirmation of electrical/electronic part data and value

A data sheet , data-sheet , or spec sheet is a document that summarizes the performance and other
characteristics of a product, machine, component (e.g., an electronic component ), material, a
subsystem (e.g., a power supply) or software in sufficient detail that allows a buyer to understand
what the product and a design engineer to understand the role of the component in the overall
system. Typically, a datasheet is created by the manufacturer and begins with an introductory page
describing the rest of the document, followed by listings of specific characteristics, with further
information on the connectivity of the devices. In cases where there is relevant source code to
include, it is usually attached near the end of the document or separated into another file. Data-
sheets are created, stored and distributed via Product information management or Product data
management systems.

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Depending on the specific purpose, a datasheet may offer an average value, a typical value, a
typical range, engineering tolerances, or a nominal value. The type and source of data are usually
stated on the datasheet.

A datasheet is usually used for the commercial or technical communication to describe the
characteristics of an item or product. It can be published by the manufacturer to help people choose
products or to help use the products. By contrast, a technical specification is an explicit set of
requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service.

Unit Three: Methods of testing construction of electrical /electronic circuit

This unit to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content coverage
and topics:
 Continuity and accurate operation test of Complete construction circuit
 Unplanned events or conditions
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Test continuity for Electrical/electronic components and parts for de-soldering
 Respond to unplanned events or conditions
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3.1 Continuity and accurate operation test of Complete construction circuit
Electric Circuit is a complete circular path that electricity flows through. A simple circuit consists
of a current source, conductors and a load. The term circuit can be used in a general sense to refer
to any fixed path that electricity, data or a signal can travel through.

Figure 3.1 Parts of simple electric Circuit

 Power Source (Battery, Alternator, Generator, etc.) is needed to supply the flow of
electrons (electricity).
 Protection Device (Fuse, Fusible Link, or Circuit Breaker) prevents damage to the circuit in
the event of a short.
 Control Device (Switch, Relay, or Transistor) allows the user control to turn the circuit on
or off
 Load Device (Lamp, Motor, Winding, Resistor, etc) .converts the electricity into work.
 Conductor (a return path, wiring to Ground) provide an electrical path to and from the
power source.

Alternating Current & Direct Current

Direct current

Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by
sources such as batteries, power supplies, thermocouples, solar cells, or dynamos. Direct current
may be obtained from an alternating current supply by use of a rectifier, which contains electronic
elements (usually) or electromechanical elements (historically) that allow current to flow only in
one direction. Direct current may be converted into alternating current with an inverter or a motor-
generator set.

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Direct current is used to charge batteries and as power supply for electronic systems. Very large
quantities of direct-current power are used in production of aluminum and other electrochemical
processes. It is also used for some railways, especially in urban areas. High-voltage direct current
is used to transmit large amounts of power from remote generation sites or to interconnect
alternating current power grids.

Figure3.2 Dc current
The supply of current for electrical devices may come from a direct current (DC) source or
an alternating current (AC) source. In a direct current circuit, electrons flow continuously
in one direction from the source of power through a conductor to a load and back to the
source of power. Voltage polarity for a direct current source remains constant. DC power
sources include batteries and DC generators.

Alternating current

By contrast, an AC generator makes electrons flow first in one direction then in another.
In fact, an AC generator reverses its terminal polarities many times a second, causing
current to change direction with each reversal.

Electrical power

Electrical power is the rate of energy consumption in an electrical circuit. Power P in an electrical
circuit is given by the product of potential difference V and current I, The unit of power is the watt,
W

Types of electrical circuits

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Depending upon the condition of the circuit A.C. or D.C. circuits are classified into three circuits
they are:

 Closed-circuit
 Open circuit
 Short circuit

Open Circuit

A circuit which has no return path for current to flow in it (i.e. which is not completed) is known
as an open circuit. In other words, a circuit where voltage tends to the EMF (of generating source)
and no current is flowing at all is called an open circuit.

Example of an open circuit: A circuit with an open switch or blown fuse where the light bulb
connected to the battery. So the bulb won’t glow as the circuit is not completed i.e. it is an open
circuit and there is no flowing current in it.

[Link] circuit
2. Closed-Circuit

In the closed-circuit the current path is closed i.e. current starts from the positive terminal of the
supply, through the line, load, neutral and ends in the negative terminal of the supply. The closed-
circuit is shown in the figure.

[Link] test

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A continuity test is an important test in determining the damaged components or broken
conductors in a circuit. It can also help in determining if the soldering is good, if the resistance is
too high for flow of current or if the electrical wire is broken between two points.

This is a quick audible alarm test using a digital multimeter to determine whether an electrical
circuit or wire is complete or broken.

This test can be applied to a circuit as a whole or in sections—on individual components or

sections of wiring. A break in continuity can be caused by mechanical damage, corrosion of
components, or simply a switch being left open.

Why Do We Use Continuity Test?

Continuity test very important test in troubleshooting of any circuit. Various uses of continuity
tests are:

 To check the wire connection inside the circuit. These wires may be broken.
 It is used for Identifying damaged component.
 It is also used for checking the quality of soldering.
 It is used for identifying a specific wire or electrical connection.

There are mainly two methods for checking the continuity of a circuit using a multimeter.
 The first method is to use the continuity mode in the multimeter, which is specially made for this
purpose.
 The second method is to use the Ohmmeter.

Using Continuity Mode

The steps for continuity test using continuity mode is given below:
 De-energize the circuit, if it has any power input.
 Set the dial of the multimeter in continuity mode (continuity mode is shown by the symbol
of sound)
 Insert the black probe into the COM port.
 Insert the red probe into the V, Ω port.
 Now touch the probes with each other. If the meter beeps or gives reading 0 that means the
meter works fine.
 Now connect the probes to both ends of the component or wire that you want to test.

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  If the meter shows 0 and beeps, it means the path is complete (close) or the component
allows the flow of current.
 If the meter does not beep & show 1 or OL, it means the path is broken (open) or the
component does not allow the flow of current.
The continuity in non-directional, it does not matter which probe should be connected to which
side. The result is always the same except some cases like diodes which allow the flow in only one
direction.
Using Ohm-Meter
An Ohmmeter can also be used to determine the circuit whether it is a closed or open circuit,
which is the main purpose of a continuity test.
Steps for continuity test using an ohmmeter
 First de-energize the circuit, if it has any power source.
 Set the dial of the multimeter to resistance mode Ω. If it has many ranges, set the dial to
the minimum range.
1. Before conducting an electrical continuity test, contact the hose manufacturer for
instructions on the proper method and criteria.
2. Use a multimeter to perform the test. A multimeter registers electrical resistance in ohms.
3. Compare the multimeter reading to the one provided by the hose manufacturer. If the
multimeter does not register or the reading is not what the hose manufacturer specified,
reinstall the couplings to ensure that the grounding wire is contacting the couplings.
4. Retest the assembly.
5. Record the results, and tag or mark the assembly.
Follow these steps to complete the continuity test procedure with an auto range digital meter:
1. Make sure all power is off in the circuit you are testing.
2. Set the selector dial to Ω (audible alarm symbol).
3. Connect the test lead and probes on the load terminals as shown (Figure 5). The audible
alarm will indicate continuity without a need for taking your eyes off the work.
4. Touch the probes together to check the leads, connections, and battery life. The audible
alarm should sound. With the leads apart the meter should display OL or I, depending on
the manufacturer.
5. If this is the last test you are doing, turn the meter to “off” and store it in a safe place.

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 [Link] for a Continuity Test
Continuity Test For Capacitor
You can test a capacitor using the continuity test.
 Remove the capacitor if it is in a circuit.
 Discharge it carefully if charged.
Using Continuity Mode
 Set the Multi-meter in continuity mode & insert the black & red probe as described above.
 Place the red and black probes of multi-meter across positive & negative terminals of the
capacitor respectively.
 If the capacitor is good, the reading should start from ‘0’ as the capacitor is charging from
the multi-meter. The reading will increase & eventually becomes infinity or OL, which
means that the capacitor became fully charged & open.
 If a capacitor is damaged, multi-meter will either show very low value (short) or infinity
OL (open).
Using Resistance Mode
 Set the dial of the multimeter in resistance mode.
 Place the red probe on the positive terminal and black probe on the negative terminal of the
capacitor
 If the resistance starts increasing from 0 Ohm to infinity, the capacitor is good. Because it
was charging at the beginning.

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  If the meter reads very high resistance initially even when it was discharged, the capacitor
is damaged (open).
 If the readings show very low resistance, the capacitor is short.
Continuity Test For Inductor:

You can also test an inductor using the continuity test.

An inductor is a coil & both terminals of the coil are electrically short.

 First, you need to remove the inductor from its circuit. It can be tested while connected in a
circuit but it depends on the circuit itself. Best way to test it is to remove it.
Using Continuity Mode
 Turn the knob of Multi-meter in continuity mode.
 Insert the black & red probe in COM & V-ohm jack respectively.
 Place the probes of multi-meter across both terminals of the Inductor respectively.
 If the Inductor is good, the multimeter will beep and the reading will show very low values.
But it will not Identify any damaged or short turns.
 If the inductor is damaged, multi-meter will not beep and the reading will be 1 or OL
(open).
Using Resistance Mode
 Set the dial of the multimeter in resistance mode & set it to the lowest possible settings.
 Place the probes on both terminals of the inductor.
 If the ohm-meter shows a resistance of few Ohm, the inductor is good
 If the resistance is very low (close to 0), then the inductor has probably short turns.
Test a Diode by Analog & Digital Multimeter
Troubleshooting Electronic Devices & Components
Troubleshooting in electronic and electrical engineering is an important part and one must know
the basic skills and knowledge about the components to design and troubleshoot a circuit. It is
advisable to test component before assembling and placing in a circuit.
Sometimes, we get unexpected results and we must perform some tests to find whether the
component and device is working properly or we should replaced with a new one. For this
purpose, we have started some Digital and Analog multimeters tutorials where we will discus how

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to test different electrical and electronics components. Today, we will have to discuss how to test a
diode using DMM and AMM by 4 methods.
How to Test a Diode
Diode is a simple PN Junction and two terminal device which allow to flow current though it in
one direction (Forward Bias). It is the most used component in different electronic designs and
systems like rectifiers, LED lights related circuits, voltage multiplying circuits, solar panels, logic
gates etc.
Diode Terminal Identification (Anode + Cathode)
When the cathode terminal of diode is connected to the neutral and anode to positive, It is called in
forward bias position and it acts like a short switch where current starts to flow through it. Cathode
to positive and anode to neutral is called reverse bias and diode is acts as open switch which is
know as reverse bias (This case is reverse in case of zener diode).
Before testing a diode, We must know the diode terminals like Anode (+) and Cathode (-). In most
cases, there is a white band color coating on normal PN junctions diodes which indicates as
cathode terminal and the rest is anode. In other cases, there are different colors are used and the
color coated sides are cathode as shown in fig below. Below is a tutorial that shows how to test a
normal PN Diode, LED, and Zener Diode by different methods..
Diode can be check and tested by 4 methods using digital or analog multimeters.

Figure.3.6.. Diode Terminal Identification (Anode + Cathode)

Testing Diode using DMM (Diode Test Mode + Resistance Mode)
The best practice to test a diode in “Diode test” mode by measuring the voltage drop across the
diode in case of forward biased. Keep in mind that diode in forward-biased acts as closed switch
which let to flow current in it like conductors. In reverse-biased diode, it acts like an open switch
and doesn’t permit current to flow in it as it acts like a resistor.

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Forward Biased: When the Positive (Red) test lead is connected to the anode (+) and negative
(Black) test lead is connected to the cathode (-) of diode. In Forward-biased, the diode acts like
close switch and will pass the current through it like conductors.
Reverse Biased: If we do the reverse as mention above i.e. RED Test lead to cathode (-) and
BLACK test lead to the Anode (+) of the diode. In revere-biased, the diode acts like open switch
and will not let pass the current through it like resistor.
Steps:
1. Remove the diode from the circuit i.e. disconnect the power supply across the diode which
has to be tested. Discharge all the capacitor (by shorting the capacitor leads) in the circuit
(If any).
2. Set the meter on “Diode Test” Mode by turning the rotary switch of multimeter.
3. Connect the diode leads to the multimeter test leads and note the reading.
4. Now, Connect the diode lead to the multimeter test leads in reverse direction (i.e. Reverse
the test leads) and note the measurement.
 If the multimeter shows 0.5V – 0.8V for common silicon diodes and 0.2V- 0.3V in case of
germanium diodes in the first attempt, its mean the diode is in good condition (forward-
biased).
 If multimeter display “OL” in reverse biased, It is good as well.
 If multimeter does not show measurements I.e. if multimeter display “OL” reading in both
direction (Forward-biased and reverse-biased), its mean diode is dead and acting as an open
switch which doesn’t allow current to flow in it. In case of shorted diode, there will be zero
voltage drop across the diode as current will flow through it and it acts like a short path for
current. The diode needs to be changed then.
 If the multimeter displays approximately 0.4V in both directions, its mean the diode is
short and need to be replaced with new one.
If “diode test is not available in case of digital multimeter or you have to test the diode with analog
multimeter, Resistance mode (Ω) can be used to test the diode as alternative.
 Testing Diode by Multimeter (DMM & AMM in Resistance Mode)
Steps:

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 1. Remove the diode from the circuit and make sure that power supply is disconnected from
the circuit and there is no voltage across the diode which has to be tested. Also, discharge
all the capacitors by shorting their leads in the circuits if any.
2. Set the meter on “Resistance mode (Ω)” Mode by turning the rotary switch of multimeter.
For better result, set the Ω range on 1kΩ for forward bias and 100kΩ for reverse bias as
shown in fig below.
3. Connect the RED test lead to the anode of the diode and BLACK test lead to the cathode of
diode (Forward Bias) as shown in fig. Note the measurement and reading.
4. Now reverse the test leads i.e. RED test lead to cathode and BLACK to anode (Reverse
Bias) and note the reading and measurement displayed by multimeter.
 If multimeter shows 1k Ω to 10 MΩ (not OL or infinite ∞), its mean the diode is in good
condition (forward-biased). Mostly, the best value is below 1kΩ i.e. for good diode, the
forward bias resistance should be low.
 If multimeter shows “OL” in reverse biased. The diode is good as well.
 If the multimeter displays same reading and measurement in both directions (i.e. forward
biased and reverse bias), its mean diode is bad and need to be replaced accordingly.
 If multimeter shows the same results i.e. low resistance or high resistance (OL) in both
direction (forward and reverse bias), the diode is short and open respectively. In other
words, if the multimeter shows 0Ω resistance in both reverse and forward bias, the diode is
short, if ohmmeter shows ∞, OL or very high resistance in both forward and reverse bias,
the diode is open and need to be replaced with new one.
 To make sure the result is accurate, the best practice is that test and compare the result of
good diodes in Resistance Mode.
How to test LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Before testing a diode, we must identify the diode terminal i.e. anode and cathode. For LED, the
longer terminal of diode is anode (+) and the shorter terminal is cathode (-). In other cases, the flat
terminal of diode is cathode and the other side is anode as shown in below fig.
Related Post: How to Calculate the Battery Charging Time & Battery Charging Current – Example

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 Figure.3.7. Terminals Identification (Anode & Cathode)
To test an LED with digital or analog multimeter, follow the instructions given below.
 Disconnect the LED from the circuit and power supply if it is already connected in a
circuit.
 Find the LED terminal i.e. anode and cathode (as shown in above fig)
 In case of digital multimeter, set the meter on “Diode Test” Mode (in case of analog
multimeter, set the multimeter on Resistance or continuity mode) by turning the rotary
switch of multimeter.
 Connect the LED in forward biased with multimeter test leads i.e. cathode to black (-ve)
and anode to Red (+ve) test leads.
 If the LED glows, it doesn’t need to say it is in good condition and working properly,
otherwise LED is defective and it should be changed.
 In reverse biased (LED anode to Black (-ve) and cathode to Red (+ve) test leads), it won’t
work and multimeter wont show any reading as LED will not flow current through it i.e. it
acts like an open switch same as diode.

How to test Zener Diode

Zener diode is something else as compared to normal diodes as simple PN junctions diodes
operated in forward biased and not in reverse bias. The case is reverse in case of zener diode as it
only operates in reverse based when the applied reverse voltage is greater than the zener
breakdown voltage. This way, we need additional simple circuit to check whether the zener diode
is good or bad.

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 Figure. [Link] a Zener Diode by DMM & AMM
To check a zener diode with digital or analog multimeter, follow the instructions below.

Disconnect the zener diode from the circuit and power supply if it is already connected in a circuit.

Find the zener diode terminals i.e. anode and cathode as it is same as normal LED and PN junction
diodes (as shown in above fig)

Connect the zener diode across a variable or known (such as 12V DC) supply voltage source in
series of 100Ω resistance and then connect the zener diode reverse bias (cathode to Red (+ve) and
anode to Black (-ve) test leads of multimeter as shown in fig.

In both of digital or analog multimeter, set the meter on “DC Voltage” test mode by turning the
rotary switch of multimeter.

Increase the supply voltage gradually to the zener diode and note the meter reading displayed on
screen. The meter reading should increase until the breakdown voltage of zener diode (in case of
12VDC supply voltage, the breakdown voltage is 6V) when you increase the supply voltage step
by step from low to high. After this, meter should not show additional value i.e. it must shows a
constant value (Such as 6V in case of 12VDC supply voltage). When meter stop at specific value
and not showing another value when you still increasing the supply voltage, you should not
continue to increase the supply voltage otherwise, diode may destroy.

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  If it is the case, the zener diode is in good condition otherwise, the zener diode is faulty and
need to be changed.
De-soldering/soldering of electronic parts
 Solder
Solder is a low-melting alloy, especially one based on lead and tin, used for joining less
fusible metal. 5.3.
 Soldering
Soldering is joining with this alloy. Prior to soldering it is a good idea to have all components
organized as it will make populating the PCB more efficient.

Soldering quality and performance vary depending on tip geometry, board thickness, temperature,
flux type, solder type, technique, etc

Soldering Iron:

Soldering iron is an essential tool for soldering. A soldering iron should give sufficient heat to melt
solder by heat transfer when the iron tip is applied to be soldered. The selection of the soldering
iron can be made as regard to its tip size, shape and wattage. The tips are made in shape of pencil,
flat and rectangular. Soldering irons have different wattages depending on the types of work
required. Example 25W, 40W, 60W, 100W etc.

 Soldering Techniques
Soldering is the act of heating two metals (a pad and a lead) and a solder alloy to form a solder
joint. As the joint cools, a strong electrical and mechanical connection is formed.
 Select the correct tip and tip temperature (see previous sections).
 Turn on the system; wait for the tip to heat up (5-10 seconds).
 Clean the tip on a sponge with the following qualities:
 Damp, not dry—use de-ionized water.
 Clean, not dirty.
 Sulfur-free (do not use household sponges).
 Contact the terminal and the pad simultaneously, and feed wire core solder into the joint.

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  Do not feed solder into the tip while you solder. Feeding solder into one part of the tip may
cause the flux to activate in only one spot. This feeding may cause a hole in the iron plating
of the tip
 Hold the tip steady until the joint is filled evenly with solder.
 Do not rub the tip against the lead.
 Do not apply too much pressure to the joint.
 Good contact with a wet surface is sufficient to pass heat efficiently into the solder joint.
 After soldering, clean the tip on the sponge, tin the tip with RMA solder, and turn the
system off.
 Flux

Flux is a cleaning agent to remove oxidation during soldering. Heating a metal uses rapid
oxidation. Oxidation prevents solder from reacting chemically with a metal. Flux cleans the metal
by removing the oxide layer.

3.3 Unplanned events

Actions to reduce Unplanned events

Accidents, malfunctions, and unplanned events are accidents or upset events or conditions that are
not planned. Many accidents, malfunctions, and unplanned events are preventable and can be
readily addressed or prevented by good planning, design, equipment selection, hazards analysis
and corrective action, emergency response planning, and mitigation.

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) impacts associated with unplanned events are considered
in Section 8.16. To ensure OH&S readiness of the workforce for unplanned events, the project
will:

 use national and international standards

 use equipment that can accommodate unplanned events
 provide readiness training • establish a corporate OHS management system

How to minimize work place unplanned events

 Undertaking planned maintenance to maintain optimal operating performance.

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  regularly inspecting facilities and safety critical activities to ensure they are within the
intended design conditions
 monitoring of areas of geotechnical instability

Operation sheet 1 Test electrical/electronics components

Operation title: Continuity test For Inductor:

Purpose: it is used for checking an inductor coil & both terminals of the coil

Instruction: covering that is wrapped over the splice by soldering technique

Write your observation and conclusion in this activity

Equipment, tools and materials:

1. Multi-tester 5 pc .Long noise plier

2. Digital multi meter
3. Soldering gun
4. Soldering lead

Steps in doing the task

1. Continuity Test For Inductor

2. First remove the inductor from its circuit.
3. Turn the knob of Multi-meter in continuity mode.
4. Insert the black & red probe in COM & V-ohm jack respectively
5. Place the probes of multi-meter across both terminals of the Inductor respectively. If the Inductor
is good, the multimeter will beep and the reading will show very low values. But it will not identify
any damaged or short turns.

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