MULTIFUNCTIONAL PROBE TESTER

The aim of this research is to provide a multifunctional probe tester which have the capability to conduct signal integrity testing on populated boards, test open pins on IC, and measure resistor and capacitor values, as well as check for shorts and opens on inductors, diodes, MOSFETs, relays, and transformers. This piece of gadget will speed up and gives accurate testing for out of the circuit and in circuit testing. The study is developmental which utilized the prototyping method. The process of developing the gadget undertakes several stages from designing the circuit, programming the different functions and calibrating them to test components inside the printed circuit board. The critical part is to put it into a very compact enclosure that will make it portable and to fit in small spaces during testing components in-circuit. It utilized micro controller chip programmed to perform the measurement functions. After finishing the gadget testing of its functionality and effectiveness was conducted. Several problems were encountered especially in the programming part. However, all identified defects were all eliminated, and the test comes out perfectly. The multifunctional probe tester has eight functions: voltmeter, ohmmeter, pulse generator, ASCII reader, pulse width measure, pulse width modulation, frequency counter and square wave generator. From the typical tester that measures resistant, voltage and current, special functions were added that is very useful particularly in making a circuit or devices. The gadget is designed to measure a few electrical entities up to 25 volts DC only. In the light of the findings, it was found out that a multifunctional probe can be designed and constructed using microcontroller technology. Eight functions were integrated into a single gadget that is very useful for electronic enthusiasts. Some flaws were found during the tryout but were already fixed and adjusted. Each function passed the testing and was calibrated based on standards compared to commercially available counterparts.