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 M3 Semiconductor Customized Analyzer Kits Paul |
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| M3 Semiconductor Analyzer Project by Paul P. |
| In order to advance some of my audio projects to a higher level of accuracy, I needed to be able to measure and match a multitude of bipolar and FET transistors. After some research, I happened upon the M3 Semiconductor Analyzer from M3 Electronix, Inc. From the fantastic list of capabilities and low price, I instantly knew I had to have one. And with the addition of some transistor sockets and a few modifications, this kit would be the latest and greatest addition to my test bench. Assembly of the M3 Semiconductor Analyzer was very straightforward. The included instructions were very clear and concise and were more than adequate for even the novice builder. I followed them sequentially and had no problems. Since my M3 was going to be run from an external power supply, I decided to bypass the backlight switch transistor and to decrease the current limiting resistor from 100 to 68.1 ohms. Since power was not going to be an issue, a brighter display was preferred and it did not need to shut off automatically. I simply omitted the 2N3904 and added a jumper across the Collector-Emitter PCB pads and left the Base resistor connection open. Omitting the Base resistor should not affect the PIC. I presumed the PIC's output was set to a low impedance output, therefore not making ESD or floating an issue. Once assembled, testing too was sequenced into logical, better-safe-than-sorry steps geared towards first-timers. These I followed too just to be safe and for simplicity sake, not to mention that I'd feel pretty silly if I damaged something overlooking an obvious step. In order to power the unit for the first time, I did not have a 9V battery handy, but instead opted to use one of two Sorensen 1KW power supplies that proudly reside on my bench. Slight overkill, but effective. The current draw of the M3 was too low to register on the ammeter, but I still had the current limiting set extremely low to avoid any problems. All worked just fine and the M3 worked perfectly as described and breezed through testing. My next deviation from the M3 plans was to use an AC powered, regulated 9V power supply instead of a battery. I began by drilling a small hole in the M3 chassis for the power leads. Next was to simply wire the power supply wiring in place of the 9V battery. At this time I also mounted the power supply and M3 chassis to an aluminum base. The base adds more permanence to the project and gives it a desktop test equipment feel. Mounting was nothing more than applying double-sided adhesive foam to the power supply and M3 box and affixing it to the plate. The final set of modifications for my M3 project involved adding various transistor sockets, a PCB for testing SMT devices, and upgraded test clips in an additional project box. For transistor sockets, I decided on a TO-3 socket, an inline 0.1", three-terminal socket for TO-220 and TO-92 devices, and an inline 0.2", three-terminal socket for TO-218 and TO-247 power devices. Next, I decided to add a PCB for measuring various SMT devices. I wasn't going to do this at first, but with the proliferation of SMT devices in industry, and with a better selection of very high-performance SMT devices becoming available almost daily, I decided the extra time and effort was definitely worth it. The PCB was nothing more than a rectangular piece of copper-clad board with insulating "traces" cut away with a Dremel Tool and carbide bit. The bare PCB was then tinned with a thin layer of solder for durability and to prevent corrosion. Lastly, I decided to upgrade the three test clips to a more durable, higher quality set I had lying around. Since most of the design work I do involves TO-92 signal devices and TO-3, TO-220, and TO-218 power devices, I was pretty well covered for quick testing without fumbling with clips. Construction of the socket holder was little more than locating a small project box of adequate size (Radio Shack, P/N 270-1803) and adding the sockets. I drilled the various holes necessary in the box to accommodate the wiring, and used a file to open the holes into rectangular openings for the inline sockets. Once the box was prepped, the sockets were mounted. The TO-3 socket used 6-32 screws and nuts, the two inline holders were mounted with Gorilla Glue (very durable stuff!), and the PCB was attached with double-sided adhesive foam. The three-clip harness was routed out a hole in the side of the box giving good access to loose devices. Wiring was nothing more than paralleling all electrical connections to the three connections on the M3 PCB. The only consideration to the wiring was to make sure the physical left-center-right connections matched the three LCD terminal indications. So, when a device was installed into a connector that had a pin-out of B-C-E, the LCD display would indicate a corresponding B-C-E in the same orientation. Once the connections were all in place, I calibrated the M3 again to compensate for the extra wire lengths. Calibration worked perfectly. The socket box too was mounted to the aluminum base with double-sided adhesive foam. Lastly, I added rubber feet to the bottom of the base for some grip and neatness and to prevent scratching work surfaces. The project went together without a hitch and total construction time with all enhancements was about 4 hours not including an overnight stint letting the glue cure. Operation is flawless and convenient with the sockets. I've run through several sets of transistors and was surprised how some factory lots were near perfect matches, and other lots varied considerably. The M3 has consistently and accurately identified every device I've plugged into it. I highly recommend the M3 for anyone doing semiconductor testing, troubleshooting, identifying unknown devices, or matching components. Pictures: 1. M3 Semiconductor Analyzer Kit 2. PCB with resistors installed 3. M3 PCB with caps and TR1 jumper 4. M3 PCB with semiconductors and test wiring added 5. Sorensen DCS60-18E power supplies 6. M3 PCB with PIC installed just prior to testing 7. M3 performing flawlessly at first power up 8. M3 testing the omitted TR1 2N3904 transistor 9. M3 testing a high-brightness green LED 10. M3 LCD and power switch mounted to the case top 11. M3 case assembly completed 12. Mounting plate with power supply and M3 box prepped with tape 13. The plate, power supply, sockets, new clips, etc. 14. M3 and power supply wiring complete 16. Project box with transistor sockets and PCB mounted 17. M3 complete and wired along with the socket box completely wired 18. Completed M3 project after calibrating 19. Sockets and clips fully loaded with transistors (just for picture purposes - NOT for testing) 20. Completed M3 project ready for testing, identifying, matching, and of course for bragging! Thanks Much! Paul P. |
