IC Tester

Try a company like BP Microsystems - they make programmers for just about everything. If the IC is an FPGA, the semiconductor manuacturer will offer programmer / testers.

In general, the same device is used to blank test, program, and test after program.

It depends on the type of IC you want to test and whether they are in circuit or separate components and whether you will be doing the testing at your desk or need a portable instrument. I presume you are most interested in memory devices which will include programming/copying. There are a couple of cheap & cheerful instruments on the market but you should be looking for a reliable programmer which has a full range of memory devices, (regularly updated/supported) and which completes the programming to the exact manufacturer's specification. I use a 'LEAPER 48' programmer to copy/program Eproms, PALs, GALs, etc and it is very good and not too expensive. The library of components is very extensive and it will identify the Eprom type AND the manufacturer. It will take Eproms up to 48 pins which includes some of the older microcontroller devices.

For PIC devices you will need the Microchip 'Picstart Plus' unit which comes with software to operate from a PC.

A UK Company called STAG also make a good range of programmers, but they are not cheap.

If you decide to purchase the Leaper 48 you will have to download frequent updates to include new IC components, but there are a couple of good sites on the web who provide updates for free, (should mention that the Leaper 48 works via a normal computer USB port).

For straightforward IC testing go to ABI Electronics Ltd they supply stand-alone IC testers and an excellent PC based 'System 8' which can be expanded to include a full range of test equipment on your PC , (Oscilloscope, Signal Generators, Power Supply, etc). I've used one of these for 5 years and it certainly helps me to find faulty components on complex PCBs.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your contribute and advise its really interested, can I have the Website of ABI Electronics Ltd. ? or contact address, the 'System 8' can able to check the different size of width of IC? some IC the width is 8mm and 16mm. "LEAP-U1-Universal Programmer" is this reliable also?

How about the PCB's, base on your extensive experience what's a realible instrument that can be use to find faulty components in PCB's that you have mentioned some instrument kindly advise please.

The website for ABI is www.abielectronics.co.uk their IC testers are very good but you must first test a known good PCB and store the data in memory. The tester then compares this data with a faulty PCB and allows you to narrow the search to a particular IC or the surrounding circuit. Takes a while to build up a library of PCBs but it allows you to test PCBs you have no information for. The IC tester is modular and can be used for testing digital and/or analogue ICs. It is sensitive enough to show the difference between operation of ICs from different manufacturers and I record data from all the ICs which can possibly be used on each board. There is also a small external module for testing out-of-circuit ICs. ABI Electronics will help you select the best system for your particular application.

Have no experience of the Leap-U1 programmer but it is shown as obsolete and the last software download is dated July1997.

The Leaper 48 costs about £260 in the UK catalogues and has a Zif socket which will take 200 - 600mil DIP devices up to 48 pin, which covers most ICs.

Hi...i am a new user here. As per my knowledge there are a couple of cheap & cheerful instruments on the market but you should be looking for a reliable programmer which has a full range of memory devices, and which completes the programming to the exact manufacturer's specification.