Circuit Trainer LabAssignmentsIntro
Circuit Trainer LabAssignmentsIntro
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INTRODUCTION
Each experiment is divided into FIVE sections: The experiments should be performed using the
recommended test equipment whenever possible. Other
Objective
test equipment can be substituted when the person
States the desired outcome, identifying for the
performing the experiment is familiar with its operation.
student what the learning expectations are.
However, the procedures given for the experiment may
Introduction have to be modified.
Presents the theory involved, techniques, capabili-
ties, safety factors, limitations, various precautions, and PERFORMING EXPERIMENTS
helpful tips. Experiments should be performed after the students
Equipment Required have had the opportunity to study the related course
Identifies the materials required to complete the material, but before the introduction of the subject by
assignment. the instructor. Because the experiments directly parallel
the demonstrations presented by the instructor during
Procedures class presentations, students can check the accuracy of
Step-by-step instructions for conducting the experi- their measurements and conclusions. At the same time,
ment, including both a schematic and wiring diagram; the instructor can reasonably expect that the students
students are asked to draw conclusions as they work can answer some of the questions associated with the
their way through the assignment, culminating in their demonstration.
own summarization when the experiment is completed. For a demonstration to be the most effective, it
Questions should be presented at the appropriate time as part of
Offers the student a chance to immediately apply the lecture or illustrated talk. When a program has suf-
what they have just experienced. If the experiment was ficient equipment, the students can perform the experi-
properly conducted, the questions can be easily answered. ment while following the demonstration
As you read through this INTRODUCTION section, do procedures with the instructor. In this way they can
not be intimidated by the fact that much of this informa- personally verify the results of the demonstration and
tion may be entirely new to you. The idea is their own experiment simultaneously.
to become familiar with the equipment and how it is Ideally, experiments should be performed by two
utilized in the experiments. As you begin to actually con- students to each demonstrator/trainer. Under no circum-
duct the assignments, you will become more and more stance, should more than four students use one set of
proficient with the different types of equipment and the equipment. Even then, precautions should be taken so
Demonstrator itself. that all four students obtain hands-on experiences. The
This series of electrical experiments was written tendency is for one student to perform all the manipula-
for use in apprenticeship to correspond closely with the tive skills and measurements with the other students
individual electrical theory lessons being studied. The watching.
primary purpose of the lessons is to improve the student’s The application technique, performing experiments
understanding of the various electrical and electronic prin- in this case, is a powerful learning tool. When one
ciples and theories vital to the development of competent obtains for himself the results described in electrical
electricians. theory using a laboratory experiment, the information is
Equipment used in the experiments has been more fully understood and will be retained for a longer
standardized so that the results are the same each time period.
a particular procedure is followed. A self- Conducting experiments has another advantage. In
contained demonstrator/trainer, the Model Ed-Lab 651, order to fulfill the requirements of all of the experiments,
manufactured by CES Industries, Inc., was selected by electrical circuits must be wired accurately. Applying the
the NJATC for this purpose. electrical principles provides for the perfection of wiring
The test equipment recommended for use with the skills using schematics and wiring diagrams.
trainer is also standardized so that the procedures and Another side benefit of conducting experiments
the outcomes of the experiments and demonstrations is the necessity of the student learning how to use
will be consistent. The Model CES 4025 Digital Multime- electrical test instruments safely. A brief description of
ter, was selected to meet all the electrical and electronic the controls and operating instructions for the DMM is
parameters of the trainer. This DMM is described later included in this introduction. A more complete descrip-
in the Introduction. These sections should be studied to tion of measurement techniques can be obtained from
become familiar with the safe and proper operation of the “NJATC Demonstration Manual I, Test Instruments.’’
this equipment.
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Figure A Ed-Lab Model 651 Electronics Systems Lab
1. DC Power Supplies
There are two direct current power supplies on the
trainer (See Figure A). In respect to the chassis ground,
one supply has three positive output voltages, and the
other has three negative output voltages. One voltage Figure B Ed-Lab Model 651 AC Supply
of each source (+V1, -V1) is a variable voltage with a
range from zero to 9 volts. Each supply has two fixed
voltages. +V2 is 9 volts and +V3 is 5 volts. -V2 and -V3 2. AC Power Source
are both 9 volts. Refer to Figure B while reading the description
All of the output voltages are protected and of the AC Power Source. The terminals of the power
current limited. The power supplies are designed to limit transformer are available on the panel. The secondary
the current to a level that will not burn out the compo- of the transformer is center-tapped. Voltage between
nents on the panel. the center-tap and either of the other terminals is about
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10 volts, or 28 volts peak-to-peak. Voltage across the To use these voltage ranges, one lead is connected
secondary winding is 20 volts or 56 volts peak-to-peak. to the negative (–) banana jack above the meter. This is
the “COMMON’’ and is to be connected to the negative
3. DC/AC Multimeter polarity in the circuit. The other lead is inserted into the
The DC/AC Multimeter section of the Ed-Lab 651 desired +V range jack and is connected to the positive
trainer shown in Figure C has a 50 microampere, 5000 polarity in the circuit. In order to use these ranges, the
ohm moving coil meter movement. This meter is toggle switch in the lower right hand corner of the panel
connected to the banana jacks marked “+’’ and “-’’. must be set to its center (DC) position.
Internal multiplier resistors connected in series 50 µA meter movement has a voltmeter
with the meter movement convert this meter into a DC sensitivity of 20 kΩ/V. Typically, a 200 kΩ resistor is
voltmeter with ranges of +0.5V, +5V, +10V, and +50V. connected between the terminals of the +10V jack and
the + jack to the meter.
The two terminals (yellow and red) marked AC
provide for the multimeter to be used to measure AC
volts. The switch at the bottom right hand side of the
panel must be switched to either “50V AC’’ or “AC TVM
5V’’ in order to measure alternating voltage. In the 50V
AC position the switch is up. A full-scale deflection of
the meter would indicate 50V, and the lower scale of the
meter would be used to measure values between 0-5V.
When the range switch is set to 50V, the meter imped-
ance is low with an impedance of about 10 kΩ.
When the switch is put down in the AC TVM 5V
position, the meter becomes a transistor voltmeter.
The input to the meter is applied through transistors.
This increases the input impedance into the megohm
range. This position is suitable to use for measuring the
frequency response of circuits without the problem of
meter loading.
Figure C Ed-Lab Model 651 DC/AC Multimeter
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The multimeter can also be used as a DC ammeter. tude can be varied with the SINE AMPL control between
The range of the meter is from 50 µA to 100 mA in five zero and 4.54 Vrms, or 12.84 Vp-p. Also, the LO-HI
ranges. For readings above 50 µA, the four resistors switch above the SINE AMPL control provides for 30 dB
illustrated on the panel are used in parallel with the of attenuation of the sine wave output in the LO position.
meter movement’s resistance of 5 kΩ. For each scale, The amplitudes of the triangular and square waves
the current through the meter is limited to 50 µA with are fixed at about 8 Vp-p. An external potentiometer can
the remainder of the current passing through the shunt. be used to vary these amplitudes when necessary.
The four shunts are marked 5 mA, 10 mA, 50 mA, and The frequency of the generator can be varied by
100 mA. Note that as the shunt value is decreased, applying a positive voltage to the FVCO jack. This is use-
the current range increases. When these resistors are ful when you wish to sweep a band of frequencies for
not used as shunts, they may be used in some of the alignment purpose.
demonstrations. A SYNC output jack is available on the generator.
This signal is taken from the square wave through a
4. Resistors large resistor to reduce noise generation. The signal
A bank of 25 resistors ranging from 100 Ω to 4.7 M from this jack can be used as an external trigger for the
Ω is located directly below the nine volt power supplies oscilloscope. This insures that the sweep always starts
at the top of the trainer. (See Figure D). The two 100 Ω precisely at the same voltage point each time.
resistors are rated at one watt. The other resistors are Jacks A and B provide positive and negative output
one-half watt. All the resistors have a 5% tolerance. voltages from the frequency control circuit of the
The four shunt resistors on the meter panel, 2.5 Ω, 5 generator. The positive voltage is at Jack A, the negative
Ω, 25 Ω, and 50 Ω, can also be used in some of the voltage is at Jack B. The voltage level is about ten volts.
demonstrations. These voltages are used to generate a VCO voltage to
Four linear potentiometers with values of 1 kΩ, 10 reduce effects of varying source voltage.
kΩ, 100 kΩ, and 1 MΩ, are located at the lower left
hand corner of the demonstrator. The values are marked 6. Capacitors (not used in DC Theory)
on them. These may be used as fixed value resistors as There are 17 capacitors located on the panel. They
well as variable types. range in value from 150 pF to 100 µF. All capacitors of
5 µF or greater are electrolytic. Their polarity must be
5. Function Generator (not used in DC Theory) observed when connecting to a voltage.
The function generator shown in Figure F has a
frequency range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz in five ranges. The
Frequency control varies the frequency within each range.
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Figure G Ed-Lab Model 651 Electronics Systems Lab
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Figure H Ed-Lab Model 651 Electronics Systems Lab
pole, double throw, toggle switches labeled A, B, C, and PNP transistors. Q4—Q7 are NPN transistors. Q8 and
D. There is also a momentary contact switch at the bot- Q9 are FETs (Field Effects Transistor). Q10 is a UJT
tom of the panel to the left of the toggle switches. This (Unijunction Transistor). Q11 and Q12 are SCRs (Silicon
switch is labeled “M’’. Control Rectifier). Q13 is a Triac.
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Connecting these two points together will improve the
reception.
23. Transformer Module (not used in DC Theory) Figure K CES 306 Power Transformer Module
Another accessory is the Transformer Module CES
306. It has two, 115V:24V, 60 Hz transformers mounted Figure K illustrates the transformer module and pro-
on a printed circuit board that can be plugged into the vides the pin connections for the windings. The
PC socket on the trainer. The secondary of the trans- primary windings are connected to the black leads. The
formers is center tapped. The secondary windings are secondary windings are connected to the red leads with
rated at 0.2A. white leads for the center taps.
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When making connections through the banana
jacks, use the pin numbers marked on the left. For
example, when making connection with the jack marked
16/14, Pin 16 of the transformer card is connected to
this point.
The Transformer Module is used in various experi-
ments to illustrate transformer operation, connections,
and ratios. This module is also used as an inductor
when higher values of inductance are required than
those already available on the panel.
Safety Rules
Safety rules should always be considered and ad-
opted by anyone making electrical measurements. The
basic safety rules for using the digital multimeter are:
1. Read the operating manual thoroughly and be sure
you understand it before attempting to
operate the meter.
2. Never exceed the maximum electrical parameters
of the meter. These are 750 VAC and 1000 VDC at
Figure L CES Breadboard the Ohms/Volts jack. Voltage at the Common jack
should not exceed 500 V. Maximum current is 2 A
DIGITAL MULTIMETER MODEL CES 4025 at the “A’’ jack, and 10 A at the “10A’’ jack.
Figure M is an illustration of the Model CES 4025 3. Always start readings on the highest meter range
digital multimeter. This meter has the capability to of the current or voltage function to be measured.
measure DC and AC voltage and current, resistance, The meter in Figure P is shown set on the high-
and temperature when using the optional accessory for est DC voltage range. Set the meter to this range
this purpose. Input impedance is 10 MΩ for all voltage when not in use.
ranges except the 200 mV range which has an imped- 4. Avoid grounding yourself when measuring voltage
ance of 40 mΩ. The meter has overload protection on or current. Use appropriate safety equipment.
all ranges except for the 10 A.
5. Never apply a voltage to the meter when the DMM
Audible continuity checks can be made at two posi-
is set to measure current. The 10 A range is un-
tions of the function-range switch. An audible tone will
protected and has a very low internal resistance.
be heard for short conditions and for circuit resistance
A hazard can be created if a voltage is applied to
up to about 20 to 30 Ω. In addition, there is also a
this terminal.
provision for testing diodes.
The instrument requires a DC9V battery. Battery life 6. Disconnect all leads from the meter when access-
is about 900 hours. The display provides a “LOBAT’’ ing the fuse or battery.
indication during the last 20% of the battery’s life. If the
Operating Controls and Jacks
reading becomes unstable and dim, replacement of
The ease of operation of the modern DMM is its
the battery is indicated.
primary feature. The Model CES 4025 has only three
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operating controls and four banana jacks for connecting ings would be 9 V, 10 V, or to the whole volt. If the
test leads to it. These controls and jacks are identified in range switch had been accidentally set to 200 mV
Figure P. or 2 V, and over voltage indication (“1’’) would be
displayed. Accuracy of the voltage measurements
1. Power Switch is ±0.5%, ±1 digit.
The power slide switch is located on the left hand
side of the meter. In the up position, the meter is on.
When the slide switch is moved down into the off posi-
tion, an audible tone is heard.
4. COM Jack
The COM jack is used for all measurements. The
black test probe is connected to this point.
5. Ω/V Jack
This jack is used in conjunction with the COM jack
to measure all DC/AC voltages, resistance,
continuity checks, and temperature. Figure N CES Model 4025 Digital Multimeter set to
measure DC/AC voltage
6. A Jack
The A jack in conjunction with the COM jack is used
to measure DC/AC currents in the range of 200 mA to 2 A. DC Current Measurement
To measure DC current with the Model CES
7. 10A Jack 4025 DMM:
This jack is used in conjunction with the COM jack 1. Set the Function/Range selector switch to the
to measure all DC/AC currents in the range of 2A to 10A. desired range of current. If you do not know the
DC Voltage Measurement current limitation in the circuit, always set to the
To measure DC voltage with the Model CES highest range (10 A). See Figure O.
4025 DMM:
1. Set the Function/Range selector switch to the
desired range of voltage. If you do not know the
voltage limitation in the circuit, always set to the
highest range (1000 VDC, 750 VAC). See Figure N.
2. Set the DC/AC switch to the “DC’’ position.
3. Connect the black test lead to the COM jack and
the red test lead to the Ω/V jack.
4. Connect the test probes across the test points in
the circuit. Read the value from the display. For
the greatest accuracy, the Range switch should
be set at the lowest range that the value can be
read. For example, to read 9 volts, the range set-
ting would be on the 20 V range. Typical readings
will be 8.99 V, 9.00 V, 9.01 V, or to the hundredth
of a volt. If the Range switch is set to the 200 V
position, typical readings would be 8.9 V, 9.0 V, Figure O CES Model 4025 Digital Multimeter set to
9.1 V, or to the tenth of a volt. If the range switch measure DC/AC current
is set in the 1000 V position, the typical read-
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2. Set the DC/AC switch to the “DC’’ position. Diode Test
3. Connect the black test lead to the COM jack and Remove all power from the diode under test. Maxi-
the red test lead to the A jack. For currents greater mum test voltage is 3.2 Vrms with a maximum current
than 2 A, use the 10A jack. If the A jack is used of 2 mA. To test a diode with the Model CES 4025 DMM:
for currents greater than 2 A, the fuse will blow to 1. Set the Function/Range selector switch to the
protect the circuit. diode position. See Figure Q.
4. Connect the test probes in series with the test
points in the circuit. Read the value from the
display. For the greatest accuracy, the Range
switch should be set at the lowest range that the
value can be read. Accuracy is ±0.5% of reading,
±1 digit for ranges 200 mA through 20 mA, and
±0.8% of reading, ±1 digit for ranges 200 mA
through 10 A.
Resistance Measurement
Remove all power from the circuit in which resis-
tance is to be measured. To measure resistance with the
Model CES 4025 DMM:
1. Set the Function/Range selector switch to the
desired range of OHMS. See Figure P.
2. Connect the black test lead to the COM jack and
the red test lead to the Ω/V jack.
Figure Q CES Model 4025 Digital Multimeter set to test
3. Connect the probes across the component or a diode
circuit that the resistance value is desired.
4. Read the ohmic value from the display. Accuracy 2. Connect the black test lead to the COM jack and
of the reading is ±0.5% of reading, ±1 digit, for the red test lead to the Ω/V jack.
all ohm ranges except the 20 MΩ range, with an
3. Connect the probes across the diode so that the
accuracy of ±1%, ±1 digit.
red lead is connected to the anode (P material)
and the black lead is connected to the cathode
(N material).
4. When testing a diode under the conditions of Step
3, the approximate forward voltage of the diode
is indicated for a good diode. A shorted diode will
give a “0.000’’ indication on the display. An open
diode will give a “1’’ on the display.
5. Reverse the leads across the diode so that it is
now a reversed diode. A good diode will give a
“1’’ display. If the reading is “0.000’’ or another
number, the diode is defective.
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Continuity Check
Remove all power from the circuit. To make a conti-
nuity check with the Model CES 4025 DMM:
1. Set the Function/Range selector switch to one of
the continuity check positions. See Figure R.
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