How do I find a short in a circuit board?

To test a circuit board for a short circuit, you need to check the resistance between different points in the circuit. If visual inspection doesn’t reveal any clues as to the location or cause of the short circuit, grab a multimeter and try to track down the physical location on the printed circuit board.

How is PCB voltage measured?

To measure voltage on an electronic circuit, you don’t have to insert the meter into the circuit. Instead, all you have to do is touch the leads of the multimeter to any two points in the circuit. When you do, the multimeter displays the voltage that exists between those two points.

Why does multimeter have readings as multiples of 20?

The multimeter will have to be set to read resistance, and if it isn’t autoranging, the range have to include 20 kΩ, so depending on the multimeter, its 50 kΩ or 200 kΩ or other full-scale ranges will have to be selected.

How do you find a short on a motherboard with a multimeter?

Unplug the computer from AC power and allow several minutes for any excess charge to drain. Set the multimeter to the lowest Ohm setting (around 200) and touch the leads of the probes together to zero the meter. Touch the two leads to the bare metal of the computer’s chassis; the zero reading should be the same.

How do you test a PCB board?

How to Test a Circuit Board

1. Key Takeaways. A list of basic tools for circuit board testing.
2. Start with a Visual Inspection. Look for burnt components during your visual inspection.
3. Check the Power Module.
4. Check the Input/Output Ports.
5. Check Communication Ports.

How do you measure current on PCB?

You can measure the amount of current the board draws using the current measurement capability of a multimeter. If your multimeter does not have a fuse on the current input you should put one in series. You place the multimeter in series with either the positive or negative line of your power supply.

How do you check continuity on PCB?

To complete your continuity test, place one probe at each end of the circuit or component you want to test. As before, if your circuit is continuous, the screen displays a value of zero (or near zero), and the multimeter beeps.