Velleman DCA75 - Manual (Page 32)

Atlas DCA Pro User Guide December 2012 – Rev 1
Page 32
Curve Tracing
After a component has been analysed, you can perform further tests on the
component, such as curve tracing various component parameters.
Curve tracing is best performed after the DCA Pro has correctly identified the
component and correctly identified the pinout.
Depending on the component type, various curve options will become
available from the “Tests” menu.
Selecting the desired curve type will take you to a fresh curve tab.
In many cases, you can simply start a new curve with the
automatically selected parameters by clicking the curve
“start” button.
You may adjust the parameters, but any parameters that are out of range may
lead to unexpected results. Refer to Appendix C in this user guide that shows
the analysis test circuits to see how test parameters are applied.
You may not be able to perform curve tracing in the following circumstances:
Transistor gain is very low and the DCA Pro is unable to generate
sufficient base current to obtain a sufficient span of collector current.
Transistor (Darlington) gain is extremely high which means that the tiny
base currents cannot be generated with fine enough resolution.
If the component requires more than 15mA (into a short circuit) to analyse.
If the component requires more than 12V (into an open circuit) to analyse.
If the component requires a combination of voltage and current that cannot
be generated (due to 700 Ohm current limiting resistance).