I've got a boatload of chips that I'm unsure they're fully functional.
What's the best (and most economical) way to tell if they're good?
What's the best (and most economical) way to tell if they're good?
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How Do You Test ICs
- Thread starter shawncruiksh
- Start date
IC tester.
OP
OP
Last edited:
Are they on a board or loose?
SNESNESCUBE64
Well-known member
For out of circuit chip testing I use my ABI chipmaster, it's been pretty good so far. I know that the some eprom programmers like the TL866 have chip testing functionality and might be your best bet. Some of the superpro ones do too.
Snee Snee Scubes always gives good advice!
SamWhiskey
Well-known member
Too many false positives.
RCT pro is all you need.
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RCT pro is all you need.
RCT is indeed very good but up to OP as to how economical it is.
And can be purchased at https://www.ebay.com/itm/304932581181
slabbi
Member
You can also source and assemble the components yourself, so it will be cheaper.
OP
OP
Loose, out of circuit
I'd like to get a RTC, but it's quite pricey. Is there anything cheaper that tests TTL circuitry? I have a 4x4.. seems like there should be an application that utilizes it for testing chips..
andrewb
Well-known member
Get a known-working board that has those chips, and socket them so you can test others. I have one Asteroids board that is almost completely socketed, where I can test most of the chips I work with, if I have any doubts.
The best way to test any chip is in another working board, in the same location you expect to use it. That way you're testing it at speed, as it's used in an actual circuit.
The only thing you have to be careful of is cases where not all of a chip is used. Many chips are multiple copies of the same thing in one package, and not all of them may be used. You can look at the schematics to figure out if that's the case.
The best way to test any chip is in another working board, in the same location you expect to use it. That way you're testing it at speed, as it's used in an actual circuit.
The only thing you have to be careful of is cases where not all of a chip is used. Many chips are multiple copies of the same thing in one package, and not all of them may be used. You can look at the schematics to figure out if that's the case.
If you don't already own an eprom programmer (which you should) and you also want to test TTL ICs, then the TL866 is your most economical choice.
Though it may not be perfect.
If you already own an eprom programmer (not the TL866 or similar), then the TL866 (plus etc) is still a good backup solution. IMHO
Like voltmeters and scopes, you can't just own one.
Search for TL866 and others on amazon.com ...
Though it may not be perfect.
If you already own an eprom programmer (not the TL866 or similar), then the TL866 (plus etc) is still a good backup solution. IMHO
Like voltmeters and scopes, you can't just own one.
Search for TL866 and others on amazon.com ...
I use the same one Charlie shows, as well as the retro chip tester pro.
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Retro Chip Tester Pro.
I really like mine. It's a great product.
I really like mine. It's a great product.
GoneMad
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I have one similar to this. Some it wont do. but works on most. For the price, you can't go wrong.
In circuit? - BRUTE FORCE! ... Logic Analyzer
HP 1660CS.
HP 1660CS.
If you have the extra board to do this it is one of the best methods. At speed and at temp testing really is the best. I have an EEtools Topmax 2 programmer that also has test function but there is a 5-10% false fail rate.
I got you mixed up with Overtime Arcade guy. Oops.Charlie is someone else, I'm Charles.
