- #1
mremadahmed
- 16
- 1
Does anyone knows how to check an IC if it is working or not ?
Testing an Integrated Circuit: How to Determine if Your IC is Functional
- Thread starter mremadahmed
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Circuit
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around methods for determining the functionality of integrated circuits (ICs). Participants explore various approaches, considerations, and common pitfalls in testing ICs, with a focus on practical techniques and troubleshooting strategies.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest measuring voltage on each pin and comparing it to expected values based on the circuit and datasheet.
- There is a caution about the risk of shorting pins during measurements, which could damage the IC.
- One participant emphasizes the importance of identifying the IC's chip number and consulting the datasheet for troubleshooting guidance.
- Another viewpoint highlights that ICs are generally reliable and suggests checking other components, like electrolytic capacitors, before assuming the IC is faulty.
- A participant mentions that datasheets often include test circuits that can help verify the IC's functionality.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on the reliability of ICs versus other components, with some suggesting that ICs are less likely to fail than capacitors. The discussion includes multiple approaches to testing ICs, and no consensus is reached on a single best method.
Contextual Notes
Participants note the importance of understanding the specific circuit and pinout of the IC, as well as the potential for faulty components other than the IC itself. There are mentions of varying levels of experience with IC testing, which may influence the techniques suggested.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in electronics repair, circuit design, or troubleshooting integrated circuits may find the discussion beneficial.
- #2
berkeman
Admin
- 69,517
- 25,085
mremadahmed said:
Sure.
- #3
Windadct
- 1,452
- 411
I agree with Berk...I am sure somebody does.
- #4
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,409
- 7,475
That's not very nice, is it, chaps?
- #5
jim hardy
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Dearly Missed
- 9,864
- 4,896
Basic approach hasn't changed since vacuum tube days.
Begin by measuring voltage on each individual pin, write it down.
Then ask yourself "Does that make sense for this circuit?"
You'll have to know your IC's pinout and understand the circuit where it is used. Datasheet is a good place to start.
Always check power pins first.
old jim
Begin by measuring voltage on each individual pin, write it down.
Then ask yourself "Does that make sense for this circuit?"
You'll have to know your IC's pinout and understand the circuit where it is used. Datasheet is a good place to start.
Always check power pins first.
old jim
- #6
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,409
- 7,475
You also need to be very careful not to short pins together when you are trying to measure the signals on the pins. It is not a trivial skill and you could find you have broken a perfectly good chip if you are clumsy with it.
- #7
Mordred
Science Advisor
- 2,243
- 169
On the IC there should be a chip number. Find that then google that number and look for a data sheet. Post that and we can better help you troubleshoot it.
- #8
vk6kro
Science Advisor
- 4,079
- 41
If you are working on a piece of equipment with no circuit and obscure integrated circuits, don't assume the ICs are at fault.
ICs are usually very reliable.
However, if you find an IC with the same voltage on most of its pins or running very hot (or cold) you could start to get suspicious.
Realistically, though, if you reach the stage of changing ICs that are not in sockets, just in case they are faulty, you should give up.
It is much more likely that a faulty electrolytic capacitor will go faulty than an IC, so if you want to try a random fix, that is more likely to get a result.
I have seen TV repairs done like that. Change all the electros first and then diagnose if it still doesn't work.
If you have well known ICs in sockets and you have a spare one, you can substitute the spare if you remove the old one carefully. You might get lucky.
At least be sure you are in the right area of the circuit, though. If a signal goes into an IC but doesn't seem to come out anywhere, at least you are right to be suspicious.
ICs are usually very reliable.
However, if you find an IC with the same voltage on most of its pins or running very hot (or cold) you could start to get suspicious.
Realistically, though, if you reach the stage of changing ICs that are not in sockets, just in case they are faulty, you should give up.
It is much more likely that a faulty electrolytic capacitor will go faulty than an IC, so if you want to try a random fix, that is more likely to get a result.
I have seen TV repairs done like that. Change all the electros first and then diagnose if it still doesn't work.
If you have well known ICs in sockets and you have a spare one, you can substitute the spare if you remove the old one carefully. You might get lucky.
At least be sure you are in the right area of the circuit, though. If a signal goes into an IC but doesn't seem to come out anywhere, at least you are right to be suspicious.
- #9
Windadct
- 1,452
- 411
Also - many ICs Datasheet shave some form of a test circuit shown - often related to testing the timing and response to inputs. If that circuit works - the IC should be fine.
Similar threads
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 11 ·
- · Replies 14 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 1 ·