PCB Copy Board Debugging Method

For the new PCB copy board that has just been taken back, we must first roughly observe whether there are problems on the board, such as whether there are obvious cracks, whether there are short circuits, open circuits, etc. If necessary, check whether the resistance between the power supply and the ground wire is large enough.

For a newly designed copy board, debugging often encounters some difficulties, especially when the copy board is relatively large and there are more components, it is often impossible to start. But if you master a set of reasonable debugging methods, debugging will get twice the result with half the effort.

PCB copy board debugging step one

For the new PCB copy board that has just been taken back, we must first roughly observe whether there are problems on the board, such as whether there are obvious cracks, whether there are short circuits, open circuits, etc. If necessary, check whether the resistance between the power supply and the ground wire is large enough.

PCB copy board debugging step two

Then it is time to install the components. Independent modules, if you are not sure that they are working properly, it is best not to install all of them, but to install part by part (for relatively small circuits, you can install them all at once), so that it is easy to determine the fault range. Avoid having trouble getting started when you encounter problems.

Generally speaking, you can install the power supply first, and then power on to check whether the output voltage of the power supply is normal. If you do not have much confidence when powering up (even if you are sure, it is recommended that you add a fuse, just in case), you can consider using an adjustable regulated power supply with a current limiting function.

Preset the over-current protection current first, then slowly increase the voltage value of the regulated power supply, and monitor the input current, input voltage, and output voltage. If there is no over-current protection and other problems during the upward adjustment process, and the output voltage has reached normal, it means that the power supply is OK. Otherwise, disconnect the power supply, find the fault point, and repeat the above steps until the power supply is normal.

PCB copy board debugging step three

Next, install other modules gradually. After each module is installed, power on and test it. When power on, follow the above steps to avoid over-current caused by design errors and/or installation errors and burn out components.

There are generally several ways to find faults:

1. Measuring voltage method. The first thing to confirm is whether the voltage of each chip's power supply pin is normal, then check whether the various reference voltages are normal and whether the working voltage of each point is normal. For example, when a general silicon transistor is turned on, the BE junction voltage is about 0.7V, while the CE junction voltage is about 0.3V or less. If the BE junction voltage of a transistor is greater than 0.7V (except for special transistors, such as Darlington, etc.), it may be that the BE junction is open.
2. Signal injection method. Add the signal source to the input terminal, and then measure the waveform of each point, in turn, to see if it is normal to find the fault point. Sometimes we also use simpler methods, such as holding tweezers with our hands and touching the input terminals of all levels to see if the output terminals respond. This is often used in amplifying circuits such as audio and video (but note that the hot bottom plate This method cannot be used for circuits with high voltage or high-voltage circuits, otherwise it may cause electric shock). If there is no response to the previous level, but there is a response to the next level, it means that the problem lies in the previous level and should be checked.
3. Of course, there are many other ways to find fault points, such as watching, listening, smelling, touching, etc. "Look" means to see if there is any obvious mechanical damage to the component, such as cracks, burns, deformation, etc.; "listen" means to hear whether the working sound is normal, for example, something that shouldn't ring, the place where it should be, or the sound Abnormality, etc.; "smell" is to check for peculiar smells, such as burnt smell, capacitor electrolyte smell, etc. For experienced electronic maintenance personnel, they are very sensitive to these smells; "touch" is to use Test whether the temperature of the device is normal, for example, it is too hot or too cold. Some power devices will heat up when they work. If they feel cold to the touch, it can be judged that they are not working. But if the place that shouldn't be hot is hot or the place that should be hot is too hot, that won't work either. General power transistors, voltage regulator chips, etc., working below 70 degrees is completely fine. What is the concept of 70 degrees? If you press your hand up, you can hold it for more than three seconds, which means that the temperature is below 70 degrees (note that you must touch it tentatively first, and don't burn your hands).

Well, about debugging, we will talk about so much for the time being. If you want to learn more about debugging methods and experience, you can find some books on home appliance repair and have a look. A good designer should first be A good maintenance staff.