Frequently asked questions:
Q: How does it work an In-circuit tester, on logic ICs ?
A: A digital generator implement signals to the input of each IC, and a logic analyzer read the output of the same IC.
Q: How Mi perform in circuit logic IC testing ?
A: Perform real test of true table, not VI component test. User choose one of the 12 logic output patterns, depending of the IC kind, and then, user again, read the timing diagram, and compare it with the true table of the specific gate.
Q: Is it difficult to perform such a test ?
A: Although need a small initial adaptation period, and depends from the IC complexity, after the first successful test, the convenience of testing increase dramatically!
Once you have the datasheet of the IC to see the true table, you can start testing. Datasheet can be found in electronics databook, or internet. The included ThimbleProbes help a lot to test most of the logic ICs.
A: Although need a small initial adaptation period, and depends from the IC complexity, after the first successful test, the convenience of testing increase dramatically!
Once you have the datasheet of the IC to see the true table, you can start testing. Datasheet can be found in electronics databook, or internet. The included ThimbleProbes help a lot to test most of the logic ICs.
Q: Is it fast?
A: Depend from the type of IC.
A: Depend from the type of IC.
For example 4011, 4001, 4584, 40106, 4069, 4049, 7414 7404 etc, can be tested in few seconds each.
Q: Can it cause damage on adjacent ICs connected output ?
A: No. Output is equipped by 2 stages of safeties, to avoid any damage. Of course, user's manual directions should always be followed.
Additionally a group of 6 LEDs, inform user if there are shortings on any logic generator's channels.
Q: Does the adjacent connected ICs effect testing results ?
A: No. Logic generator is resilient enough for a short circuit, but strong enough to ignore the outputs of adjacent connected ICs.
A: No. Logic generator is resilient enough for a short circuit, but strong enough to ignore the outputs of adjacent connected ICs.
Q: What kind of probes use the Mi device ?
A: There are two kinds of probes: the classic grab clips, and the ThimbleProbes.
A: There are two kinds of probes: the classic grab clips, and the ThimbleProbes.
The classic grab clips, can be used for permanent contact, The forky type tip, fit for both THT and SMT devices.
The ThimbleProbes are special probes, to allow quick test on the spot, One person can handle simultaneously 4 probes!
Their tips are sharp and made from steel, to penetrate debris or varnish, better than any other probe in the market. The shape of every tip is slightly forky, to prevent slipping out from the measured pin.
Most of the work will be done by ThimbleProbes, because the up to 4 probes are enough not only for 2 or 3 pin devices, but also for opamps, 1-3 input gates, and optocouplers.
Q: How the Mi device perform in circuit opamp IC testing ?
A: Mi device, export a special set of signals for opamps, When an opamp work properly, a specific waveform appear on screen. There are few exceptions to consider. All described in user manual, in order to manage them properly.
Q: How the Mi device perform in circuit opamp IC testing ?
A: Mi device, export a special set of signals for opamps, When an opamp work properly, a specific waveform appear on screen. There are few exceptions to consider. All described in user manual, in order to manage them properly.
Q: Oscilloscope maximum frequency of 200Khz is it too low ?
A: For IC testing is more than enough. Additionally is enough to observe any waveform needed in the field of automation.
A: For IC testing is more than enough. Additionally is enough to observe any waveform needed in the field of automation.
The limitation of frequency, doesn't make by any meaning Mi inferior.
Comparing to other portable oscilloscopes in the market, Mi provide 2 input channels, with external trigger source, post trigger function, and built in a powerful wave generator.
Logic analyzer can read signals up to 950KHz.
Q: Is it easy the operation of Mi device with so many functions in it ?
A: The Mi device philosophy, is to press buttons a minimum of times, to configure the device for the tasks the user wants most.
A: The Mi device philosophy, is to press buttons a minimum of times, to configure the device for the tasks the user wants most.
Unit power up automatically once connected to power, without press a single button.
Just pressing + and - buttons located at the left of the device, internal settings, input, output and other adjustments, change completely, to allow user to execute all main functions, without any other adjustments.
By powering up the device VI function start automatically.
By pressing + or counter pressing -, menu follow the order below:
- Logic IC tester / logic analyzer/ logic generator
- Triple frequency meter
- Dual voltmeter
- Opamp IC tester / oscilloscope
- Back to VI function again
Under the device the user always can find the Quick Guide, to navigate him through the menu.
A: Is isolated from the rest of the unit.
Is useful for more complex connections, or for out of the circuit IC testing.
Q: Does Mi device support connection to computer ?
A: Yes, in any form. Specifically support the following:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Android
Q: The measured data can be stored for future use ?
A: Yes they can in your connected computer. Could be waveform, signature or timing diagram.
Q: How many function can work simultaneously ?
A: Six, and they are the following:
- Oscilloscope
- Logic analyser (3 of 4 bit)
- Logic generator
- Wave generator
- Optocoupler driver
- Power supply output
However the information on screen might be to much, and confuse user.
Q: How much power Mi device consume ?
A:When idling, 200mA. Maximum power depend from many factors.If you are going to use your own power supply unit, should exceed 1.5A of nominal current.
Q: Which is the maximum voltage of logic analyzer input ?
A: +18V, Over that, visual and audible alarm occur. Never apply voltage over +20V
Q: Which is the maximum voltage the oscilloscope can tolerate ?
A: 20V @ x1 scale140V @ x10 scale. Device should set prior to x10 scale before apply voltage
higher than 27V.
Q: Why Mi as an IC tester?
A: Because:- Eliminate the lost time of desoldering
- Helps to avoid thermal and mechanical stress caused by desoldering
- Reduce the possibility to blindly replace a working IC, with a new uncertain one
- Handle better the protective coating or debris contact issues, during test
- Support both old THD and the today SMD ICs
- Handle better the disabled gates
- Not effected by the adjacent components
- Can work in a very wide voltage range 3-18V logic
- Provide 14 logic channels, and 4 analog, covering most cases
- Execute real, visual, by timing diagram true table test
- No need an extra good PCB (in most cases unavailable), for comparison
- No need an extra good IC for comparison
- Although is not necessary, you can execute comparison test if you like
- No need defect unfocused module testing
- Support TTL and CMOS logic
- Support analog logic and digital ICs testing
- Support both internal and external power supply
- Have built-in mini breadboard for IC test, comparison test, or extra wiring support
- Have 12 logic testing patterns, including a random one
- Include a powerful VI signature tester, which promote IC testing in many ways
- Provide bidirectional computer interface
- Can also store to computer, waveforms, timing diagrams, signatures, etc
- Have low and flexible power supply, and can work even with a Power bank, for hours
- Is really affordable
- can provided training if needed
- Is small, portable, and fit everywhere
- Is not only an IC tester
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