28/02/2016

Circuit Analysis and

Troubleshooting
A Six Step Procedure
Created by Jimmie Fts
Houston County Career Academy
for

Dr. Saifullizam Puteh

FPTV, UTHM

Essential Question
How can a standardized approach toward
electronic equipment troubleshooting save
many hours of equipment downtime and
costly repairs?

A Six Step Procedure?

A standardized approach toward electronic
troubleshooting and maintenance:

Prevents equipment down time

Saves time needed for repairs when required
Ensures operation to design standards
Saves money!

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The SIX-STEP Procedure

Use of a six-step procedure will provide a
logical approach to trouble analysis
The six-step procedure is as follows:
1. Symptom recognition
2. Symptom elaboration
3. Listing of probable faulty functions
4. Localizing the faulty function
5. Localizing trouble to the circuit
6. Failure analysis

1. Symptom Recognition
Determine if the equipment is functioning as
designed. Is it normal or abnormal?
A trouble symptom is a sign or indicator of a
malfunction
Use your senses of sight and hearing! Indicator
lights, speakers, meterssmoke!
Look for degraded performance as well; degraded
performance often leads to equipment failure
Know your equipment!

2. System Elaboration
Observe any built-in indicators for more
detailed information on symptoms
Obtain a detailed description of any trouble
symptoms
Similar symptoms can be caused by similar faults!
Check front panel switches and control settings
What fault is probably causing the specific
symptoms in question?

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Symptom elaboration requires an evaluation

of all observed displays
Indications must be evaluated in relation to
each other as well as the overall operation
Record information observed! For example:
How did each control affect an associated
meter or other indicator?
Think about the information before jumping
to a conclusion!

3. List Probable Faulty Functions

Many equipments have more than one
functional area or unit
Where can the trouble logically be in order to
produce the information gathered?
For example: Your computer contains RAM, a
motherboard, a processor, a power supply, a hard
drive.. What functional area might be at fault?
Dividing the equipment into functional areas
can save numerous trouble shooting steps

Functional Block Diagram!

Useful in the isolation of a fault!
Example:

Microphone: Converts sound energy into electrical energy at an audio frequency

Modulator: Amplifies the audio signal and sends it to the transmitter to change the carrier
signal to be modified
Transmitter: Provides an amplified radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna assembly
Antenna Assembly: Converts the electrical RF signal into an electromagnetic energy for
transmission. It also receives electromagnetic energy and converts it into an RF signal for the
Receiver Unit
Receiver Unit: Converts received RF signal into sound
Power Supply: Converts alternating (AC) voltage into suitable direct current (DC) for operation
of the various units

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4. Localizing the Faulty Function

Up to this point, no test equipment has been
required; only the equipment controls and
indicators have been used
You can probably make a decision on where
the most probable area for the malfunction is
Knowledge, skill, and proper test equipment
should now be used to isolate the faulty
functional area

Consider the Following Factors!

Which functional unit will give the best
information for eliminating other units?
Which test points are more easily accessible?
What past experience and history do you have
concerning similar faults with this particular
equipment?
Are there other external units that may
prevent proper operation of this unit?

5. Localizing Trouble to the Circuit

More extensive troubleshooting is now
required within the identified faulty unit
Isolate circuits within the faulty unit
Circuits and stages in circuit groups perform
basic sub-function vital tasks
Look for improper voltages, improper
waveforms, obvious component overheating
Isolate the defective circuit group!

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6. Failure Analysis
Steps 1 and 2 were used to recognize, verify, and
obtain descriptive information
Step 3 allowed you to make a logical selection of
the logical faulty unit
Step 4 provided for simple input-output tests and
localized the faulty functions
Step 5 localized the fault to the circuit within the
faulty unit
Step 6 will involve the actual replacement or
repair of faulty circuit components

Schematic Diagrams
Illustrate the detailed circuit arrangement of
electronic parts that make up complete circuits
Parts are represented symbolically
Show what is inside the blocks of the block
diagram
Often provide voltage and resistance charts
Actual faults can generally be traced to one or
several individual parts resistors, capacitor,
transistors, etc.

Complete, Degraded, Intermittent

Complete or abnormal performance of a
component usually results in equipment failure
Degraded performance is the result of
equipment not operating as designed or to
design specifications
An intermittent part malfunction refers to
something that stops operating, then begins
operating again

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Isolation of Faulty Parts

Observe the output signal of the circuit group
Voltage, duration, waveform shape
Conduct a visual inspection of parts and leads in
the circuit
Look for burned parts or defective connections
Perform resistance checks
Ensure ALL power sources are OFF to the unit
Dont expect identical readings to the schematic.
Tolerances of as much as 20% may be acceptable.
Some equipments may require specialized test
equipment. Refer to the Maintenance Manual.

BE AWARE of MULTIPLE FAULTS!

Often active components fail because of other
components within the circuit
Common causes of failures may include:
Biasing resistor value changes causing a defective
transistor
Defective capacitors failing to block DC current
Power surges from a power supply may cause burn-
out of system components
Excessive current usage causing defective fuses
Intermittent faults that cause random failure

Return of Equipment to Operation

After replacing the faulty part or components
always recheck equipment for proper
operation!
Record your actions.they may be needed for
future repairs!

Listing of
Localizing Localizing
Symptom Symptom Probable Failure
the Faulty Trouble to
Recognition Elaboration Faulty Analysis
Function the Circuit
Functions