Troubleshooting and Repair of Electronic Systems

Introduction:

Problems can arise in every single piece of electronic equipment, making troubleshooting a crucial step to ensure the equipment functions as intended. This training aims to enhance learners' knowledge of the electronics troubleshooting and repair process through practical demonstrations. It also includes calculating fault currents in practical electrical power systems.

Short-circuit currents can be devastating and produce significant energy, necessitating careful calculations to ensure equipment ratings can handle these currents. Additionally, estimating these currents is essential for establishing appropriate test levels for various system protection devices.

Understanding the processes involved in troubleshooting and repairing electronics is vital for anyone involved in maintaining and repairing electronic devices. Numerous references to comprehensive troubleshooting and repair manuals provide instructions and recommended methods for addressing practical problems. For beginners, accessible guides covering basic concepts and common issues are also available.

Objectives:

At the end of the Electronics Troubleshooting and Repair course, participants will be able to:

• Appreciate the importance of safety precautions in operating AC and DC electronic circuits.
• Apply an analog/digital multimeter to troubleshoot voltage, current, resistance, and continuity.
• Elaborate on the distinction between AC and DC circuits.
• Perform de-soldering and soldering of electronic components on or off PCBs.
• Prevent moisture, water, and vibrations on PCB boards.
• Use recommended chemical sprays for cleaning PCBs.
• Describe how electronic components work using diagrams.
• Find code values for resistors, potentiometers, and capacitors.
• Identify and work with essential electronic components for diagnostics.
• Search semiconductor substitution manuals to find suitable replacements.
• Decode semiconductor part numbers and datasheets for application understanding.
• Draw and read simple electronic schematics from common gadgets.
• Practice testing and soldering skills.
• Identify sources for purchasing electronic components locally and internationally.
• Use specific test devices (ESR, Ring Tester) for testing various electronic components.
• State the significance of pure copper grounding wires in electrical circuits.
• Analyze PCB drawings to understand how detrimental components affect circuit functionality.
• Repair printed circuit boards containing components aimed at neglecting others.
• Enhance skills related to soldering and repairing electrical instruments.
• Develop a constructive perspective and independently formulate solutions to technical problems with minimal guidance.
• Navigate circuit schematic diagrams and explain their significance.
• Identify underlying causes of unstable output voltage and power outages in UPS devices.
• Repair universal power supplies concerning output issues when connected to loads.
• Start troubleshooting power supplies without visible blowouts.
• Use DC ammeter and light bulb flashing methods to identify faults in power supply units.
• Utilize digital/analog oscilloscopes (if applicable) for verifying critical waveforms on powered mainboards.
• Use low-cost EEPROM/Flash ROM programmers for troubleshooting.
• Employ rework stations to desolder and solder SMD/Spider ICs on PCBs.
• Use DC power supplies to locate shorted components in mainboards.
• Identify components likely to burn or short circuits using heat checkers.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on practical sessions
• Workshops on fault-finding principles
• Group activities and discussions
• Analysis of case studies
• Simulations of analog circuits
• Individual and group work
• Examinations and tests
• Guest speakers
• Hands-on problem-solving situations

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction to Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Fundamentals
• Troubleshooting Tactics and Terms
• Familiarizing with circuit schematics
• Preparing for Troubleshooting

Unit 2: Electronic Circuit Failure Analysis and Prevention

• Signs of a problem
• Factors leading to failure
• Types of failure
• Helpful terms in failure

Unit 3: Repair of the Device

• Servicing aids
• Measurement and test equipment
• Testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment
• Safety concerns
• Passive components testing
• Active semiconductor device testing
• Testing bipolar transistors
• Other active component testing
• Testing diodes, transistors, and in-circuit semiconductors with an oscilloscope
• Switches
• Safety issues related to plugs, sockets, and portable appliances

Unit 4: Analysis of Faults in Digital Systems

• Transition from analog to digital
• Integration of digital circuits
• Faults encountered in digital systems
• Debugging digital circuits
• Integration of digital circuits
• Definition of programmable logic devices (PLD) and memory
• Cautions

Unit 5: Repair of Power Supply and Subsystems

• Power supply
• Regulators
• Switched-mode power supply (SMPS)
• Oscillators
• Amplifiers
• Troubleshooting microprocessor-based systems

Unit 6: Wonderful Troubleshooting

• Noise
• Intermittent faults
• Sources of interference
• Static discharge
• EMI and EMC sources

Unit 7: Maintenance and Safety Aspects

• Goals of maintenance
• Benefits of preventive maintenance
• Benefits of effective maintenance management
• Maintenance policy clarification
• Structure of maintenance organization
• Management of maintenance
• Support documentation
• Safety aspects