Basic Electronic Troubleshooting

I I
I
I I
Ed
Nich las
MS, CBET, CHSP
Dominion Biomedical
Selby lder
CBET
Texas State Technical College \t\Taco
© 2010 Nicholas Cram and Selby Holder
ISBN 978-1-934302-51-4
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or any portion thereof in any form.
Requests for such permissions should be addressed to:
TSTC Publishing
Texas State Technical College Waco
3801 Campus Drive
Waco, TX 76705
TSTC Publishing:
publishing.tstc.edu
Publisher: Mark Long

Project manager: Grace Arsiaga
Book layout & design: Joe Brown & Salvador Velasco
Cover design: Domeanica Carter & Kai Jones
Printing production: Bill Evridge
Graphics interns: James Brown, Joseph Chilton, Jason Evans, Jacob Figueroa, Kimberly Foster,
Joshua Hicks, Matthew Huckestein, Renee Kelley, Ebony Miles, Marcello Milteer, Charles Miskovsky,
Zachary Oldham, Daniel Saragosa, Jonathan Streb, Katherine Wilson, James Haug, and Heather Johnson
Editorial intern: Bethany Salminen
Special thanks: Ken Tow & Glen Ridings, TSTC Waco, and Maxey Parrish, Baylor University
Indexing: Michelle Graye ([email protected])
Manufactured in the United States of America
Second edition
Publisher's Cataloging-in-Publication
(Provided by Quality Books, Inc.)
Cram, Nicholas.
Basic electronic troubleshooting for biomedical
technicians I Nicholas Cram, Selby Holder. -- 2nd ed.
p.cm.
ISBN-13: 978-1-934302-51-4
ISBN-10: 1-934302-51-1
1. Medical electronics--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

2. Biomedical technicians--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
3. Medical instruments and apparatus--Maintenance and
repair--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Holder, Selby.
II. Title.
R856.15.C73 2010 610'.28'4

QBil0-600051
Introduction .............................................................................................. ...... .
.................................. 1
Chapter Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Practices ............................................................................................................................. 1
Macroshock and Microshock ...................................................................................................... 4
Monitoring and Testing Devices ................................................................................................ 6
'fhe Concept of Grounding ......................................................................................................... 9
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Additional Suggested References ............................................................................................ 12
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 13
Laboratory Safety Rules ............................................................................................................ 15
Laboratory Exercise 1.1 ............................................................................................................. 17
Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 23

How to Read Electronic Schematics ........................................................................................ 23
Common Electronic Symbols ................................................................................................... 24
Understanding Resistor Values ................................................................................................ 25
Reference "Ground" .................................................................................................................. 26
Troubleshooting Techniques with Electronic Schematics .................................................... 27
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 29
Alternating & Direct Current ••••••••••••••••••••a•••••••••••••••••••••••• 33

House \'oltage ............................................................................................................................. 33
Frequency and AC Voltage vs. Frequency and DC Voltage ................................................ 34
AC/DC Voltage and Current: Ohm's Law .............................................................................. 35
Kirchoff's Lnws ........................................................................................................................... 36
Using the Digital MuJtiJneter .................................................................................................. 36
Using the Oscilloscope .............................................................................................................. 39
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 43
Laboratory Exericise .................................................................................................................. 47
4: ic Troubleshooting Methods ................................................... 49

Survey the Environment ........................................................................................................... 49
Understanding Failure Modes ................................................................................................. 51
The Half-Step Method ............................................................................................................... 52
Open Circuits .............................................................................................................................. 53
Circuit Loading ........................................................................................................................... 53
Shorted Circuits .......................................................................................................................... 54
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 55
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 57
Relays & Other ical

Components .................................................................................

Device Identification and Pictorial Diagrams of Electromechanical Devices ................... 67
Relays .......................................................................................................................................... 68
Solenoids ..................................................................................................................................... 70
Failure l'vfodes and Repair of Electromechanical Components ........................................... 71
G1 ossary ....................................................................................................................................... 72
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 73
Laboratory Exercise ................................................................................................................... 75
Troubleshooting Electronic 79
Introduction to Electromagnetic Principles ........................................................................... 79
Introduction to DC l'v1otors ....................................................................................................... 83
Introduction to AC Motors ....................................................................................................... 84
Single-Phase AC Motors ........................................................................................................... 85
Failure Modes and Repair of Electric Motors ........................................................................ 87
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 89
Chapter Review .......................................................................................................................... 91
7: Introduction to wn ........ ,.. Supply Components ................................ .

Power Supply Block Diagram .................................................................................................. 93
iv
T'ransfor1ners ............................................................................................................................... 94
Rectifiers and Semiconductors ................................................................................................. 97
Diodes- Electrical"Onc-·Way Valves" .................................................................................... 98
ACto DC Rectification .............................................................................................................. 99
Filtering ....................................................................................................................................... 99
Bipolar and Field Effect Transistors ...................................................................................... 102
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors .......................................................... 105
Chapter Review ........................................................................................................................ 107
Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 109

Introduction to DC Voltage Regulation ................................................................................ 109
The Transistor Shunt Voltage Regu1ator ............................................................................... l12
Linear Integrated Circuit Voltage Regulators ...................................................................... 113
Switching Power Supplies ...................................................................................................... 1 4
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 116
Chapter Review ........................................................................................................................ 119
Laboratory Exercise ................................................................................................................. 121
Chapter 9: ng Problems ................................. 123

Power Supply Block Diagram Review .................................................................................. 123
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 129
Chapter Revie\-'IT ........................................................................................................................ 131
Laboratory Exercise ................................................................................................................. 133
Lab Review Questions ............................................................................................................. 141
Chapter 1 .................................................................................... 1

Amplifiers Classification and Push-Pull Transistor Arrangements .................................. 143
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 146
Laboratory Exercise- Common Emitter Circuit.. ................................................................ 149
Laboratory Exercise - Two-Stage Amplifier ......................................................................... 153
Chapter 1 : ............................................ 157

Op-Amps and Packaging Diagrams ...................................................................................... 157
Theory of Operation ................................................................................................................ 159
Inverting and Noninverting Applications ............................................................................ 160
Input Mode Applications ........................................................................................................ 163
Oscillators .................................................................................................................................. 172
v
Op-Amp Troubleshooting Flo-w Chart.. ................................................................................ 174
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 174
Chapter Review ........................................................................................................................ 177
Labordtory Exercise 11.1 ......................................................................................................... 179
Laboratory Exercise 11.2 ......................................................................................................... 183
1 : .................................................. 187

Historical Device Repair Perspective .................................................................................... 187
The Concept of Board-Level Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 188
Isolating Device Repair Problems .......................................................................................... 189
The Decision-Making Process: When to Repair the Board ................................................ 190
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 190
Chapter Revievv ........................................................................................................................ 191

Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 193
Public Domain (Operating) Telephone System (POTS) ..................................................... 195
Troubleshooting Wireless Medical Device Failures ............................................................ 197
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 199
Chapter Review ........................................................................................................................ 201
Future of
.Appendix Common ........................................................ 207
8: Technical Math ......................................................................... 209
C: WebSites .................................................................................. 213
the
Publishing ..............................................................................................
vi
Introduction
Working with biomedical electronics in the healthcare environment is an exciting and

rewarding career. Our goal is to bring that career challenge to the student with mechanical
and critical thinking abilities in addition to a compassion for those suffering from medical
maladies. And, given that healthcare is evolving into a technological monolith, the available
technology is changing the ways doctors and nurses treat their patients.
Maintaining and repairing medical devices is distinctly correlated to the healthcare profession
itself. The biomedical troubleshooting process requires clinical knowledge of the device and
its application. An error in judgment during the repair of a medical device could result in
misdiagnosis, patient injury, or death. Due to this significance in the troubleshooting and
repair process of medical devices, the authors feel a separate text is required apart from that of
basic bench electronics troubleshooting and repair.
Unfortunately, there just aren't current or applicable technical books available with relevant
content. They're all out of print or a rewrite of the same old book with a new cover.
Professors and instructors are required to mold their courses around the available texts and
bring 300 pounds of handouts to class. In many ways, it was this frustration that led us to
produce this book.
Our primary objective in writing this book was to impart knowledge with a minimum of
theoretical perplexity. We each have several decades of field experience and attempt to share
our experiences when appropriate in order to better understand concepts in a hands-on
approach rather than a mathematical approach. There are a multitude of diagrams and
pictures throughout the book that illustrate concepts in a manner superior to any mathematical
equation. (You'll rarely hear that claim from a graduate-level educated engineer.)
In addition, this text has been designed to be the most student friendly of all biomedical
electronics troubleshooting books published. The chapters flow from elemental to more
complex concepts. Each chapter outlines its objectives and ends with review questions over
chapter material.
The authors would like to thank Glen Ridings, TSTC Waco Electronics Core, for his invaluable
expertise by reviewing chapter content throughout the book. Mr. Ridings is a long-time
electronics and semiconductor instructor and is a living testimony to the knowledge you can
retain if you have a passion for a subject matter combined with high personal standards.
We would also like to thank Mark Long, our publishing manager, editor, sounding board, and
overall source of inspiration. Mr. Long is our standard bearer and this book is a testament to
his perseverance.
Nicholas Cram
Selby Holder
vii
viii
Chapter 1: Electric Shock & Industrial
Safety Systems
After completing this chapter you will have an understanding of
• Electrical shock hazards associated with the repair of electronic components
• Electrical monitoring and protection devices used to create a safe environment

wherever electronic devices may be used
• The one-hand rule for personal protection from shock hazards, when repairing
electronic components
• The skin effect of electrical current
• Voltage potentials
• National Fire Protection Association Section 99 electrical safety requirements

for medical devices
• The purpose of grounding
Safety Practices
Voltage Potentials
Voltage potentials are created when the voltage at one point is higher than a voltage
at another point with respect to the reference point or ground. Potential differences
in voltage due to variable grounding sources create a unique hazard with electronic
devices. The common reference point for a voltage potential may be the facility
electrical conduit, the facility plumbing fixtures, the device associated with patient
or consumer use, or other persons in contact with any combination of the above
reference points.
Voltage potentials can be created during the renovation or new construction

associated with the same electrical path. Old wiring that has become corroded or
worn wiring insulation can also be sources of voltage potentials. Any of these
combinations cause a difference in the resistance of the current path.
Because of the potential harm related to electric shock, special equipment and
facility design consideration and monitoring instrumentation are required for both
electronic devices and the facilities where they are located. The best electrical safety
system in a facility is a well-trained staff.
2 Basic Electronic Troubleshooting for Biomedical Technicians
Safety: The One-Hand Rule

Due to the many hazards related to repair and maintenance of medical and
consumer electronic devices, special safety rules such as the one-hand rule have
been developed.
The premise of the one-hand rule states that when inserting tools or touching any
component of a device, one hand should be held purposefully away from the device
and only the tool-holding hand has a possibility of contact with electric current. This
prevents the creation of a completed circuit across the chest and heart and returning
through the chassis (conductive case) of the device.
Figure
1.01
Patients are most susceptible to voltage potentials and current leakage when there
is a nonstandard method of common grounding. All medical devices, electric beds,
and other electronic devices (e.g. televisions) in a common room should have a
common grounding reference. This is especially important if housekeeping enters a
patient room with a high-voltage device such as a buffer, or in circumstances where
portable high-voltage medical devices such as ultrasound or X-ray units are used at
the patient's bedside. If a voltage potential develops and the metal portion of a bed
becomes part of the circuit, microshock (a shock across the heart) could occur.
Electric Shock & Industrial Safety Systems 3
Figure
1.02
A 101-.JV voltage potential could cause cardioversion.
Figure Common power bus

1.03
Multiple connections to power buses can create potential safety hazards from
power cords crossing in the same area and also as a fire hazard due to high currents
flowing into one circuit.
Intravenous (IV) lines represent one of the most serious hazards of leakage current
and grounding potentials in the health care environment. An IV line provides a
direct path to the heart. A current of 10f1A can cause cardioversion (interruption of
the heart beat) if leakage current enters the intravenous catheter site.
The electrical panel should accommodate the required current and the grounding of
all receptacles should have a common reference. A visitor, physician, or nurse can
provide a source of electrical continuity between any bedside device and the bed
railing or patient if the grounding is not unified.
Macroshock and Microshock
Electric Shock
Electric shock is an unwelcome and avoidable physiological response to current.
Electrical stimulation may cause a cellular depolarization due to a change in
membrane potential by approximately 20%. The result can range from muscle
contraction, injury, or death from cardiac failure or respiratory failure.
Macroshock is a physiological response to a current applied to the surface of the

body (e.g. hand) that produces an electrical shock resulting in an unwelcome
and avoidable physiological response to current and unwanted and unnecessary
stimulation, muscle contractions, or tissue damage.
Microshock is a physiological response to current applied to the surface of the heart

that results in electrical shock as an unwelcome or avoidable physiological response
to current and unwanted or unnecessary stimulation, muscle contractions, or tissue
damage. In contrast to macroshock, microshock occurs with currents as low as
The Skin Effect

The effect of electricity on a body structure is related to the magnitude and the
frequency of the electrical current. As frequency increases in a conductor, the current
tends to flow near the surface. This is known as the skin effect if electrical current
contacts a person. High frequency currents have a lower penetration through the
skin. Low frequency currents have a higher penetration through the skin.
Electrical safety tests are scheduled on a regular basis for medical equipment in
order to protect patients, staff, and visitors in the hospital from becoming shocked.
The scheduled maintenance including electrical safety tests and operational tests are
known as preventive maintenance (PM). The accepted values for an electrical safety
test are listed in Table 1.01.
Devices deemed non-medical equipment by the manufacturer may exceed the

recommended 500 limit if reasonable grounding precautions are in place or
isolation transformers can be implemented. This situation may occur with personal
devices that patients, visitors, physicians, or staff members bring into the hospital.
ALL devices must be tested by the clinical engineering department for mechanical
and electrical safety when entering a medical facility. Video cameras, radios, electric
razors, electric hair dryers, laptop computers, and electronic video games commonly
fall into this category.
Health-care facilities have become "hospitality-friendly" in all aspects of

accommodation.
Devices that are battery operated pose little or no threat to patient safety due to
power isolation. Therefore, battery operated power should be encouraged if
personal electronic items are approved for use in the hospital. In addition to the
electrical hazard, there is also a bio-contamination hazard when personal items
penetrate the skin or an open wound. Bacteria or viruses from the personal item
may be transferred to the body of the patient, staff, and/or visitors.
Table NFPA Section 99 (1993 ed.} maximum allowable values for ground impedance
1.01 and leakage current of medical devices
Maximum safe Ground integrity (new) .15 Q (used) 0.5 Q

testing values
Wet Areas (hydrotherapy) 100 !JA
for electronic
connections of
General portable equipment 300 !JA
medical devices
Non-patient care areas 500 !JA
closed open
Lead to Ground 10 !JA 50 !JA
Lead to Lead 10 !JA 50 !JA
ISO 50 !JA
Table Electric current values and associated physiological effects on the body
1.02
Category of
Body Response Current in rnA Current
Tingling or prickly feeling 1-5 Threshold
Physical pain 5-8 Pain Intensity
Muscles contract involuntarily

[considered very dangerous since you 8-20 Let go
can't let go of the object]
Muscles in the lungs become

paralyzed - pain >20 Paralysis
Uncontrollable contractions of the

ventricles (large muscles) of the heart 80-1000 Fibrillation
Heart ventricles remain contracted,

external burns, shock, death 1000-10,000 Defibrillation
Monitoring & Testing Devices
Ground Fault Current Interrupters

A ground fault current interrupter (GFCI) is the most common safety device found
in hospitals. The National Electric Code (NEC) also requires GFCis in residential
(home) hazardous areas. All wet areas of the hospital require GFCI receptacles.
A typical wet area in a hospital would be a hydrotherapy room or patient shower. A

GFCI prevents the possibility of electric shock if both the ground and hot leads come
in contact with the body simultaneously. Refer to the Figure 1.04 of a ground
fault current interrupter.
If there is a difference of approximately 6 rnA for at least 0.2 seconds between the
hot lead and the neutral lead, the sensing amplifier (differential amplifier) will cause
both the hot and neutral contacts to open, shunting all electric current to the ground
circuit. The sensing circuit utilizes an equal number of wire turns of the hot and
neutral wires in opposite directions around a magnetic core (torroid). In the normal
state, the inputs to the differential amplifier are equal and therefore the ideal output
is zero (current in= current out). The creation of another circuit path in either the hot
wire (input) or neutral wire (output) causes a current imbalance at the differential
amplifier (Kirchhoff's Current Law), which results in an output of electric voltage
from the differential amplifier to the solenoid relay, opening the contacts.
Figure Diagram of a ground fault current interrupter (GFCI)

1.04
The two coils around the Plug, "House Voltage"
torroid are wrapped in

opposite directions from the Change in current causes magnetic
hot and neutral wires. Without Magnetic Field /
field to amplify and activate relay
loading, the corresponding +---, "'/ T

v<" Amp
output is zero volts. If +
either side of the coil has
an increase or decrease in
current due to loading, then
the relay will be magnetically
energized, shunting the
Power Bus
output current to ground.
GFCis are never used in an operating room setting. If current flow is interrupted
to a surgical device during a procedure, there may be serious consequences or even
death. If there is a problem with the circuit breaker or a medical device in a wet
area of the surgical suite, it will be attended to immediately following the completed
surgical procedure.
Figure GFCI wall outlet and inner circuit

1.05
Reset
button
Line Isolation Monitors

Line isolation monitors (LIMs) are normally found in critical areas such as the
operating room of most hospitals. The purpose of the LIM is to monitor differences
between the impedance in the hot and neutral leads of a particular device or room
circuit. This is accomplished by measuring the difference in impedance between the
hot lead through an ammeter to ground and current flowing from the neutral lead
through an ammeter to ground. If this difference exceeds a certain limit, normally
2-5 rnA of current, an alarm is sounded. A LIM will not shunt current away from
the circuit as in the case of a GFCI. An alarm does not necessarily mean that the
system must be shut down. In critical cases, power can remain on to allow surgical
procedures to be completed.
Figure Diagram of a line isolation monitor

1.06
Magnetic Field LIM
House
Voltage
Ground Return
Line isolation monitor connected to medical devices (Unit 1 & Unit 2) commonly found in
operating room settings for surgery and obstetrical operating suites.
Figure Line isolation monitor with visible coil

1.07
Ground receptacle / Wire windings
Isolation of power sources to prevent the hazard of electrical shock is an important

consideration in the design of medical devices. Medical device and facility design
methods to provide patient isolation from leakage current will be presented in detail
in the following sections covering power supplies. Note that the wire windings
on the equipment side of the isolation transformer are grounded to the ground
receptacle of the power plug.
Electrical Safety Analyzer

Electrical safety analyzers are used as part of an on-going preventive maintenance
(PM) program and also to test devices entering a healthcare facility. The basic safety
tests performed are 1) ground integrity (impedance from ground pin to chassis) and
2) leakage current (the unintentional flow of current from the chassis to the ground
pin). This current may be due to mechanical disruptions or capacitive inductance.
(Refer to NFPA 99 standards in Table 1.01.)
The device to be tested is plugged into the safety analyzer receptacle. All current
entering the device being tested must first pass through the safety analyzer.
Leakage current is obtained with an open ground and either open hot or open
neutral (forward and reverse current flow occurs in either position). Ground
integrity is obtained by placing one lead test probe on the chassis or ground pin,
with both neutral and hot leads open. In the calibration (Cal) position a normal
reading should be 1 rnA.
Figure Block diagram of medical device in position to perform electrical safety test
1.08 Ultrasound
GFCI Plug
li-
Note: Safety analyzer
Safety Analyzer
is positioned between
wall outlet and the •••••
device to be tested.
0 0
1.1
Figure Safety analyzer

1.09 1. ECG CONNECTORS: Snap-on connectors to
ECG leads.
2. DISPLAY: Shows result of the selected test

measurement.
3. LOAD SELECTOR SWITCH: Selects the AAMI

or the IEC 601-1 test load.
4. TEST JACKS: Calibrated outputs for resistance

(1 Ohm) and leakage current (200 IJA).
5. GROUND SWITCH: Temporarily opens the

ground connection from device to analyzer.
6. POLARITY SWITCH: Selects Normal and

Reverse polarity of the test receptacle and turns
power off.
7. NEUTRAL SWITCH: Temporarily opens the

neutral line from device to analyzer.
8. SELECTOR SWITCH: Selects desired test mode.
The Concept of Grounding

Normally, medical devices will be plugged into house voltage and therefore a brief
review of electrical wiring and outlets is in order. All plugs used for medical devices
must be heavy-duty, designed for extreme conditions and labeled (or equivalent to)
hospital grade.
Hospital grade specifications are referenced in the National Electric Code (NEC),
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) section C73, and the National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, section 410. The notation for hospital-grade power
plugs is a green dot near the outside center of the hub. All hospital-grade power
plugs must be the three-pronged variety. Most commercial electronic devices are
equipped with two-prong plugs. This can present some safety concerns if these
devices are brought into hospitals.
Three-Prong Plugs
Refer to the diagram of the three-pronged plug in Figure 1.10. The three wires
connected to the three metal prongs are known as hot(H), neutral(N), and ground(G).
The hot wire is colored black for North American manufactured devices and brown
for European and Japanese manufactured devices. It is called hot to describe it
visually as delivering current flow into the device (conventional or Franklin current
flow reference).
The neutral wire is colored white for North American manufactured devices and
blue for devices manufactured in Europe and Japan. This wire is called neutral to
describe visually an acceptance of current flow from the device (conventional or
Franklin current flow reference). The hot and neutral wires are connected to the
flat-spade prongs. The third wire (ground) is connected to the oval mid-line prong.
North American made devices have solid green colored ground wires. European
and Japanese manufactured devices have green with a yellow spiral stripe(s) to
denote the ground wire. At the outlet, the hot wire will run through the conduit
from the main power source for the facility. The neutral and ground wires run as
parallel circuits, with the neutral wire acting as the return circuit for the power
source and the ground wire attaches to conduit which has an eventual connection to
a metal stake in the earth, hence the term "ground wire." If the neutral wire becomes
broken, current will flow to the ground wire. Lowered resistance increases the
current through the hot wire, which is always connected to a fuse. When the current
limit of the fuse is exceeded the fuse element will open causing the device to shut
down. If the ground wire isn't available on the device, anyone touching the outer
shell (chassis) or any conductive area would act as the ground wire in the absence
of a neutral wire path, and the current would flow through the body. Ground wires
also carry current away from the chasis if the hot wire breaks and touches the
chassis.
Figure Hospital grade power plug and corresponding wall outlet

1.10
Circuit
Breaker 1
I I
Hospital-grade plugs are certified I - ..__-..J....------1
H N G
by Underwriters Laboratories
and require stringent physical
specifications and testing.
Green Dot
Conduit I Pipe
A green dot on the outer ring of the plug indicates that the plug is of hospital-grade
quality. Hospital-grade quality electrical materials require more rigorous testing
than those of consumer devices and are rated as Underwriters Lab (UL) quality.
Glossary of Important Terms

Electric shock: An electrical shock is an unwanted or unnecessary physiological
response to current.
Ground fault current interrupters: GFCis are the most common safety device found
in hospitals and prevent the possibility of electric shock if both the ground and hot
leads come in contact with the body simultaneously. All wet areas of the hospital
require GFCI receptacles. (A typical wet area in a hospital would be a hydrotherapy
room or patient shower.)
Ground wire: Neutral and ground wires run as parallel circuits, with the neutral
wire acting as the return circuit for the power source and the ground wire attaches
to the chassis.
Hot wire: Called hot to describe it visually as delivering current flow into the device
(conventional or Franklin current flow reference).
Line isolation monitors: LIMs are normally found in critical areas such as the
operating room of most hospitals. The purpose of the LIM is to monitor differences
between the currents in the hot and neutral leads of a particular device or room
circuit.
Macroshock: A physiological response to a current applied to the surface of the body

that produces unwanted or unnecessary stimulation, muscle contractions, or tissue
damage.
Microshock: A physiological response to current applied to the surface of the heart

that results in unwanted or unnecessary stimulation, muscle contractions, or tissue
damage. In contrast to macroshock, microshock occurs with currents as low as
lOrnA.
Neutral wire: Called neutral to describe visually an acceptance of current flow from
the device (conventional or Franklin current flow reference). The neutral and ground
wires run as parallel circuits, with the neutral wire acting as the return circuit for
the power source, and the ground wire attaches to conduit which has an eventual
connection to a metal stake in the earth, hence the term ground wire.
One-hand rule: When inserting tools or touching any tool make sure only the
holding hand has a possibility of contact with electric current. This prevents the
creation of a completed circuit across the chest and heart and returning through the
chassis (conductive case) of the device.
Safety analyzers: A test device used as part of an on-going preventive maintenance

(PM) program and also to test devices entering a healthcare facility. The basic safety
tests performed are 1) ground integrity (impedance from ground pin to chassis) and
2) leakage current (the unintentional flow of current from the chassis to the ground
pin).
Voltage potentials: Created when the voltage at one point is higher than a voltage at
another point with respect to the reference point or ground.
Additional Suggested References

Aston, Richard. Principles of Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement.
New York: Macmillan, 1990.
National Fire Protection Association. National Electrical Code 2005 Handbook.

Thomson Delmar Learning, 2005.
National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 99: Standard for Health Care Facilities.
2002.
CHAPTER ONE REVIEW QUESTIONS
13
Name: --------------------------
Date: ---------------------------
1. Explain the difference between microshock and macroshock.
2. How does the one-hand rule provide protection from macro and microshock?
3. Explain the principle of operation of a ground fault current interrupter (GCFI).
4. Where would you expect to find GFCis in the hospital setting?
5. Explain the principle of operation of a line isolation monitor (LIM).

6. Where would you expect to find LIMs in the hospital setting?
7. What is the purpose of a safety analyzer?
8. Draw a power cord used for a medical device and identify the hot, neutral, and
ground wires and corresponding plug pins.
9. What does the term "ground" or "grounding" mean?

LABORATORY SAFETY RULES
1. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

2. No food, drinks, or tobacco allowed in labs.
3. No horseplay.
4. Safety glasses are required. If you do not bring your safety glasses you will not be
permitted to work.
5. Remove watches and jewelry.
6. Do not perform inspections or work on equipment when you are wet or sweaty.
7. Practice the one-hand technique when performing testing on energized equipment
as it may be defective and pose a serious shock hazard.
8. Familiarize yourself with the equipment you are testing and the test equipment
BEFORE testing.
9. Do not leave your workstation without first removing power from the equipment
you're working on.
10. Clean your lab work area before leaving.
11. Wash your hands.
12. Stay sharp. Be aware of what is going on in your surroundings.
13. Any other policies and rule established by the lab instructor must be followed.
I have read and understand the policy and rules stated above:
Print Name: Date:
Signature: ___________
16
CHAPTER 1 LABORATORY EXERCISE 1.1 /7-
Name: _____________
Date: ------------------
Objectives
After performing this lab, you will be able to:
1. Draw a simple electrical circuit with necessary safety devices for a wet care area of
a hospital.
2. Draw a simple GFCI receptacle circuit in the normal position and in the
fault position.
3. Explain the steps you would take to correct an open GFCI receptacle/circuit.
4. Measure the resistance using your digital multimeter (DMM).
Reading
Electroic Shock and Industrial Safety Systems
Lab materials
Stranded 16 AWG wire

Student's index finger
Procedures
1. Draw a simple electrical circuit for a hydrotherapy room in a hospital. Use
a minimum of five receptacles for the step. Draw the circuit in the space
provided below.
I 'iS
2. Using the knowledge from Electroic Shock and Industrial Safety Systems, draw a ground
fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in the normal position. Next, draw the GFCI as it would appear
if water were to enter the wall outlet containing the GFCI. Draw both circuits in the space
provided below.
3. Using your DMM, test the resistance of your index finger. Place the negative lead at the
base of your finger and measure to the tip of your finger. Write this value in the
area below.
4. Next measure about a half-inch from the end of your finger towards your
knuckle. Write this value in the area below. Compare your values to those of your
other classmates.
5. Why are the values from step 3 and 4 different from you other classmates?
Measurement from the base of your

finger to the tip of your finger.
Measurement from the middle

of your finger to the base of your
hand.
6. Measure the resistance of a two-foot insulated stranded wire with your DMM.
Write this value in the area below.

7. Cut the wire in half and twist the two ends together. Remeasure the wire with your DMM.
Write this value in the area below.
8. Explain the difference in the resistance.
Measurement of a two-foot
insulated strand of wire.
Measurement of a two-foot
insulated wire cut and tied together.
Lab Review Questions
1. What is the purpose of a GFCI receptacle in a hospital?
2. What happens to the resistance of a stranded wire when the length is increased?
3. Does a GFCI measure resistance or current?
4. Does the GFCI measure between ground and the hot and neutral or between the
hot a neutral?
5. The neutral and _____run parallel and are tied together in the breaker panel.
CHAPTER ONE LABORATORY EXERCISE 1.2
Name: ---------------------------
Date: ______________
Objectives

1. Identify and explain the usages of an electrical safety analyzer.
2. Inspect and test two electrical receptacles using a safety analyzer.
3. Inspect and test one piece of designated general equipment using the
safety analyzer.
Reading
Electroic Shock and Industrial Safety Systems
Lab Materials
Designated safety analyzer

Technical literature for the analyzer
Designated piece of medical equipment
Procedures
1. Observe the demonstration of the safety analyzer by the instructor.
2. Read the technical literature (handout) for the analyzer you will use.
3. Become familiar with the controls on the analyzer.
4. Make a simple receptacle polarity and line voltage check on an electrical outlet at or
near your station and indicate the results below.
Plug#:
Polarity: _______ OK: _ _ _ _ _ ___
Reversed: ___________
Open Ground: _ _ __
Line Voltage: _ ___

5. Measure the ground resistance and chassis leakage current on the designated piece of j
equipment. Record the results below.
Type of equipment: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Grounding Resistance: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ohms
Chassis Leakage to ground (UUT on): Ungrounded _ _ __

Chassis Leakage to ground (UUT off): Ungrounded _ _ __
j3
Chapter 2: Reading Electronic
Schematics
• The application of resistor values
• Common electronic symbols as they appear on an electronic schematic
• Necessary electronic symbols to complete the circuits of an electronic schematic
• The application of troubleshooting from Basic Troubleshooting Methods, based

on an understanding of complete circuits of an electronic schematic
How to Read Electronic Schematics

Electronic troubleshooting requires expertise and understanding of electronic
schematics. The electronic schematic is a representation of the actual circuit in a
written, symbolic form. Schematics provide technicians with a tool to isolate and
repair electronic devices. The symbols on the schematic are similar to words in a
book. Therefore, the process of understanding how each electronic symbol relates
to the entire circuit or a portion of the circuit is known as "reading" the schematic.
The first step in reading an electronic schematic is a thorough understanding of
electronic symbols. If you don't understand electronic symbols, it's much like
reading a book and not understanding some of the words in the book. You must
understand the electronic symbols in order to understand the function of the
electronic circuit. If the circuit functions improperly, there must be a problem in one
of the components in the circuit. It's also possible that an adjoining electronic circuit
is damaged and is causing problems which create abnormal voltages or signals in
other circuits.
Each component on the electronic schematic will be labeled. The alpha-numeric

(letter-number) system used on the schematic is also found on the parts list. Reading
the parts list allows a technician to replace the exact component by manufacturer
and specification. The parts list also provides a corresponding value to each
component found on the schematic.
Reading electronic schematics is an art form. To become competent in understanding

electronic schematics and how they relate to abnormal outputs, you must practice
the reading process. Over time, you will become proficient at this process and your
troubleshooting skills will improve.
Common Electronic Symbols
Connectors Shielding Lamps

Common Contacts Multiple, Phone Jack
Connections
Movable
Coaxial
Receptacle
Coaxial
Plug
Female
Phono Jack
Male
>..----
0 Phone Plug
o.--r-
-,__
Shielded Wire or Coaxial Cable
General
:····-: ., ... ,
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
\
I
I
I
I
Neon (AC)
Logic
Pilot
' .. ·'
sz
Multiple,
?
Fixed Enclosure
234 v
D
Mike Jack
-- -- Complete Tubes
Female Male
HOQ
Male Chasis-Mount
117 V 0
n 8
HOT
117V 117V NEUT Triode Voltage
GND GND GND Pentode Regulator
Transistors N-channel PNP Linear lntergrated Circuits
DG-@D E@B2 B-©C

N-channel N-channel N-channel
G S S B1
E
DG-@D E@B2 B-©C

P-channel P-channel P-channel P-channel NPN
Operational
G S S B1 Amplifier
E
Dual-gate MOSFET MOSFET Junction FET UJT Bipolar
Meters Motor Batteries Grounds Assembly or Module Antenna Headset Crystal Quartz
0
A- Ammeter
V- Volmeter
mA- Milliammeter
e _+,,,,__
or
Single Cell
Chassis
_L Fuse
z
Mircophone Speaker Hand Key
*Insert approprate designations 0 Multicell

--
-
Earth
Switches Resistors Inductors Electron Tube Elements
o0 0000 --< >--

0 6 or L Fixed
Grid Plate Directional Plates
SPST SPDT
-vyv- -vyv-
Toggle Multipoint
Relays --E1- Heater or Indirectly Cold

i
Gas-
•
DPST SPST SPOT Ferrite Filament Heated Filled
Bead Ring Plug In or Cathode Cathode
O-r- Trapped Adjustable
o-- o--1:
L L
-yx;¢ -VVv- 0 Capacitors
=0 -o- =0 Preset Potentiometer

rYYYl IYYY'I
RF Choke Iron Core
Transformers
Adjustable
Electrolytic
---11--
Fixed ""*
Variable
Diodes
lllf -o-o-
Zener I....)JJJ T
Feedthrough Split-stator
IYYY'I
!JIIrt1.4111 --Ef-(T) Air core Adjustable AdJustable Wiring
Tunnel Photoemissive Shockley Inductance Coupling
+
Thyristor (G)
•
(LED)
0
..., (T)
I....)JJJ
IYYY'I
I....)JJJ
rY'I
Crossing
Conductors Conductors
Terminal
Semiconductors Capacilive Joined

Iron core With link Not Joined
Diode I Rectifier Diac Triac (Varactor)
Reading Electronic Schematics 25
Understanding Resistor Values
Resistors are components in an electronic circuit that resist the flow of electric
current. The power supply will lose some of its potential energy (voltage) as the
electric current flows through a resistor. This is commonly known as a "voltage
drop." Fixed value resistors have color bands that indicate the resistance value in
ohms and the tolerance as a percent of indicated value.
Resistors also range in size to indicate the power in watts for various circuit load
requirements. The most common resistor used in electronic circuits is made of
molded carbon. High quality resistors are available for precision circuits with
extremely low tolerances in the tenths of a percent up to one or two percent of
indicated value. Most of these resistors are constructed of coiled wire (usually
platinum) with a polymer or ceramic coating.
Figure 1st } Capacitance }
Ifr 2nd s1gn1f1cant In pF

ftgure
2.01 T Multiplier
Tolerance j
Voltage { 1st
significant (If . d)
figure 2nd requtre
Band Color Significant Decimal Tolerance

Code Figure Multiplier ±%
Black 0 1 20
Brown 1 10
Red 2 100
-
Orange 3 1,000 -
30
Yellow 4 10,000 40
Green 5 10 5 5
Blue 6 106
-
Violet 7 - -
Gray 8 -
White 9
-
- 10
The illustration in Figure 2.02 shows a resistor with six color bands that determine
the magnitude in ohms and the fourth band, which determines the tolerance.
Figure Resistor
2.02
Resistor Value Codes
Example 1
Black= 0
Brown= 1
Red =2
Orange= 3 Band 1 =Blue= 6
Yellow=4 Band 2 = Brown= 1
Green= 5 1. Numeric Value Band 3 = Red= 1 x 10 2
Blue= 6 Resistor value= 61 x 10 2 = 6100
Band 4 =Gold=± 5% tolerance
Violet= 7
Gray= 8
White=9 Therefore, resistor value is 57950 - 64050
Gold = 1o-2 } Used in band 3
3. Multiplier band (1 ox)
Silver= 10- 1 only
Example 2
Tolerance Codes (Band 4) 5. Reliability= Mil Std
(usually not present)
(Plain) Brown=± 20%

Band 1 =Yellow= 4
Silver = ± 10% Band 2 =Violet= 7
Gold=± 5% Band 3 =Green= 1 x 10 5
Resistor value= 47 x 10 5 = 4.7 megaohms
*Quality resistors ± 1% Band 4 =Silver=± 10% tolerance
stamped on resistor
(Example 1, 2, 3, ... etc.) Therefore, resistor value is 4.23 megaohms
or 5.17 megaohms.
Reference "Ground"
The term "ground" is probably the most misused and misunderstood term in
electronics nomenclature. True "ground" is an earth ground (refer to Electric Shock
and Industrial Safety Systems, Figure 1.10). This refers to a circuit path connected to
the device that will carry current to an actual metal stake in the ground. All electrical
circuits in a home or commercial facility have a true ground as part of the circuit
breaker system. The round pin on a power plug connects to a wire that is attached
to the chassis of a device. The current that flows out of the chassis to the ground pin
of the power cord is known as "leakage current." When the power plug is inserted
into the wall socket, the ground pin connects to a circuit, usually through a strap
connected to metal pipe or conduit that eventually travels to the true ground metal
stake in the ground.
Chassis ground refers to internal wires of a device that connect to the chassis or
case of a device and the green or green with yellow stripe wire on the power cord.
A third type of ground that is commonly seen represented on electronic schematics
is the isolated or floating ground. These three grounds (earth, chassis, and floating)
represent reference points for potential voltage in the circuits of the device. You
Reading Electronic Schematics 27
should never use the earth ground as a test point reference for a circuit that displays
a floating ground on the schematic. Your meter may create a current path that causes
a large current surge and damages the circuit board. The symbols below illustrate
the three ground symbols.
Figure
2.03
Earth Ground Chassis Ground Floating Ground
Troubleshooting Techniques With Electronic Schematics

Reading the schematic allows a technician to visualize the actual electronic circuit
in an organized manner. Schematics from the manufacturer usually provide test
points (TP) in the circuit. Test points (TP) will be clearly marked on the electronic
schematic. The test point on the schematic corresponds to a physical point on the
electronic device that a measurement can be taken. Most test points are listed as
voltage. The test point voltage indicates the value that should appear at that physical
location on the circuit with respect to reference ground (eg. chassis or isolated).
Using the half-step method, if you measure a test point with your DMM you have
started the troubleshooting isolation process.
After looking at the environment where the electronic device is operating, you can
determine if there is an electronic problem. Match the electronic problem to the area
corresponding to the electronic schematic. Match the symptoms of the problem with
common failures of the components in that region of the circuit.
You should always use the half-step method described in Basic Troubleshooting
Methods to isolate the problem. Take measurements of the components to determine
the actual cause of the failure.
Figure Linear power supply schematic

2.04
T,
Hot TP 1
Load
Resistance
1 k Ohm
Neutral Full-Wave
Bridge
Earth
Ground Chassis
Ground

Electronic schematic: The symbolic written form of an electronic circuit.
"Reading" the schematic: The process of understanding how each electronic symbol
relates to the entire circuit or a portion of the circuit.
Resistors: Components in an electronic circuit that "resist" the flow of electric

current.
Test point: A physical point on the electronic device that corresponds to the
schematic where measurement can be taken of expected values.
CHAPTER TWO REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name:----------------------------
Date:-----------------------------
1. What is the resistor value and tolerance of resistors with the following color bands?
a. red-red-green-silver _ _ _ _ _ _ ohms _____%
b. brown-black-black ohms %
c. white-brown-silver-silver ___________ ohms _ _ _ _ %
d. violet-yellow-gold_ _ _ _ _ _ ohms _____%
e. gray-white-green-gold ohms _____%
f. orange-blue-gold-silver ohms %
g. red-red-red ohms _____ %
h. brown-white-white-gold ohms _____%
i. orange-orange-gold-gold ohms %
j. black-brown-black _______ ohms _____%
2. List the resistor color codes for the following resistor values.
a. 1000 ohms@ 10% - - - - - - - - - -
b. 12 ohms @20%
c. 1 Megaohm@ 5% _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
d. 0.5 ohm @5%
e. 2300 ohm @20%
3. Draw the appropriate electronic symbol for the following electronic components.
a. diode
b. NPN transistor
c. Resistor
d. Capacitor
e. N-channel JFET
f. P-channel CMOS transistor
g. Inductor
h. Potentiometer
1. Variable resistor
J· Light emitting diode
k. Photo transistor (NPN)
1. SCR
m. Transformer
n. Zener diode
o. Fuse
p. DPDT switch
q. STDP switch
r. Earth ground
s. Chassis ground
t. Isolated ground
4. In the schematic below circle Ql, Cl, Vcc, Zl, and RS.
-v Vee
r<Q13 Jw
l Q12
Q14\)_ l r
Q8
IN(+)
/I
(I
J
1 Q15
Q11'
1
J1
L" Z1
R4
'I R5
IN(-)
C1
OUTPUT
R3 ---1
Q4 R7
1 R6
I'
Q10"
'I
Q17''
aZ(i- >--j(a3 'I L Q9
I
R2 I
=r
R1 ,I Q18 ,,
R9
Qr 02 R8
VEE
Chapter 3: Alternating & Direct Current
Theory
• The difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)
• The relationship between frequency and AC voltage
• The relationship between frequency and DC voltage
• The components in a circuit that are related to AC voltage
• The components in a circuit that are related to DC voltage
• The use of Ohm's Law and Kirchhof's Law for electronic troubleshooting
House Voltage
Alternating Current and Voltage vs. Direct Current and Voltage
The electrical current supplied from the local power company to the wall outlet of
your house (house voltage) is known as alternating current (AC). AC current and
voltage occurs as a sine wave (the letter "s" tilted sideways) as shown below at a
frequency of 60 cycles per second (CPS). A cycle (one full wave form) per second
is measured in a unit known as Hertz (Hz). The graph below illustrates how one
waveform of house voltage would appear on an oscilloscope.
Figure
3.01
Time
Sine wave cycles of alternating current (AC)
This would appear 60 times (cycles) in one second if you recorded the waveform of
house voltage or 60 Hertz (Hz).
]3
Electricity is an invisible force caused by attraction or repulsion of electrons and

protons in an atom. Electrons have a negative charge and protons have a positive
charge.
Figure
3.02
The difference in the number of electrons and protons in a certain amount of space
creates a voltage potential. A fixed voltage potential has a positive terminal, which
has more protons than electrons, and a negative terminal, which has more electrons
than protons. The electrons from the negative terminal are attracted to the protons
from the positive terminal. This movement of electrons is known as current flow.
Negative charges repel other negative charges and are attracted to other positive
charges. Therefore, an electron flow is created between the negative and positive
terminals. This unidirectional flow (flow in one direction) is known as direct current
(DC) flow.
Frequency and AC Voltage vs. Frequency and DC Voltage

AC current and voltage has a voltage size or magnitude and a frequency (waveform
in cycles per second). DC current and voltage have a current and voltage size or
magnitude but the frequency is considered to be zero. This means that DC current
and voltage does not fluctuate. The voltage and current from a battery is DC. DC
current and voltage appear on the oscilloscope as a straight line as shown in Figure
3.03.
Alternating & Direct Current Theory 35
Figure wave form

3.03
L.I.J
l?
t
DC voltage
i=5
:....J
J,
0
Time
If there is a mixture of AC and DC voltage, it would appear on an oscilloscope

similar to Figure 3.04 below.
Figure
}Acvoltage
3.04
L.I.J
} DC voltage
Time
AC/DC Voltage and Current: Ohm's Law (V = IR)

AC current and voltage have both a positive and negative component as the
waveform moves up and down. AC current and voltage are delivered to a facility
from the electric power company and each individual machine converts the AC
voltage to the required DC voltage using a power supply. (Power supplies will be
discussed in detail in Introduction to Power Supply Components and Introduction
to Power Supplies.)
Voltage is a potential energy that becomes a force when a conductor (material that
allows the flow of electrons) is present between a negative and positive pole or point
on the circuit. The flow of electrons, which becomes a force, is called current. It is
important to remember when troubleshooting that a potential voltage (AC or DC
voltage) can exist without current if there is no pathway between the two points
(poles), but if current is present voltage must be present. Theoretically, it is possible
to show by an equation known as Ohm's Law that current exists without voltage.
This requires that no resistance is present in the pathway of current flow. This
is a major difference in concept between applying troubleshooting methods
and the theory of electronics. One equation that you must be familiar with in
troubleshooting electronic devices is Ohm's Law (V = IR). In other words, this
equation means that the voltage present is equal to the amount of current flow
multiplied by the resistance to the current flow. Theoretically, if there is voltage
present, there must be current and resistance. When measuring with a multimeter
across a fuse, the meter will read zero if the fuse is good and read a potential voltage
value if the fuse is bad. These concepts will be further illustrated in your laboratory
exercises.
AC current and voltage are generally associated with electric motors and
compressors. Most of the appliances in your home utilize AC current and voltage.
Most medical devices utilize DC current and voltage. Electric motors will be
discussed in detail in Troubleshooting Electronic Motors.
Kirchoff's Laws
Voltage Law
The sum of the voltage drops in a closed circuit is zero. There is a very important
concept in physics introduced by Albert Einstein that states "Energy can neither be
created nor destroyed." This concept is important to understand in electronics.
Current Law
According to Kirchoff's Current Law, the total amount of current entering a

conductor must be equal to the total amount of current coming out of a conductor.
As an example, if you have a water hose connected to several sprinkler heads, the
force of the water running through the hose will be the same as the amount of
force of water running through all the sprinklers added together. If you have a set
amount of current flowing into an electronic circuit, you can't increase or create
more current coming out of the circuit.
Using the Digital Multimeter

The digital multimeter (DMM) or digital volt meter (DVM) is the most
important electronic troubleshooting tool in your tool inventory for purposes of
troubleshooting electronic failures.
The DMM is a versatile hand-held measurement instrument that allows a technician

to determine AC and DC voltage and current, resistance and, on some meters,
capacitance, transistor tests, diode tests, and current and voltage frequency. You
must understand the concepts of electricity in order to utilize the DMM to its
maximum potential. A picture of a DMM is shown in Figure 3.05A, with references
to the desired measurement.
Figure Hand-held digital multimeter

3.05A
Note: The red "positive reference"

and the black "negative reference"
leads are used as measurement
"references."
Connect to
Connect to
Example: If your DMM displays a negative voltage, it is negative only in respect to

the position of each lead.
Figure
[email protected]. Black
3.058 (Meter Reading)
+ R1
- - • • +Volts
R2
Black@-. Red
(Meter Reading)
+ R1
- - • -Volts
R2
There are a few safety rules to remember when using the DMM. Take measurements
with the device powered off if possible. This will allow you to take resistance
measurements. Some electronics schematics will have test points (TP) that require
the device to be powered on. Always use the one-hand rule and remove all jewelry
or objects that can conduct an electrical current.
Current must be measured with the meter in series position with the circuit as
shown below.
Figure 1k Ohm
Milliamps
3.06
-=-12 v
-+
current
12 v
Ohm's Law = - - = 6 mA
20000
This is usually not practical when repairing a device, since the circuit would need to
be intentionally "broken" in order to connect the DMM.
Voltage is measured with the meter in parallel with the circuit or component to be
measured.
Figure VR1 {1k Ohm
3.07
--=-12 Voc
-+
Ohm's Law says V = IR, but since R1 = R2, VR1 = % V Total = 6V

VR1 + VR2 = 12 Voc
Due to the extremely high internal resistance of the DMM (several hundred
megaohms) the meter will not alter the current or voltage of the circuit and allows
for a very precise measurement. Inexpensive DMMs will not have as many features
or the larger internal resistance of more expensive meters. The added features
aren't always necessary, but the internal resistance known as "impedance" is very
important.
Resistance is also measured with the meter in parallel with the circuit, but the circuit
is powered off.
Figure 1k0hm
3.08 VAc
1k0hm -=-12 v
-+
Always measure resistance with power off. Resistance measured = 1 k Ohm.
The most common mistake made by persons unfamiliar with the DMM is
in ensuring that the meter selection is in the proper position for the desired
measurement. Placing the DMM on DC voltage when measuring AC voltage
will normally produce a reading of zero volts. And likewise when measuring DC
voltage with the meter in the AC voltage position produces a very small voltage
measurement in a DC circuit.
Using the Oscilloscope

The oscilloscope is an important "bench" electronic troubleshooting tool. The
oscilloscope provides an actual picture of the waveform you are testing. There are
some hand-held oscilloscopes on the market, but most electronics and biomedical
repair shops have the larger bench-type. Oscilloscopes are useful for electronic
troubleshooting of devices that produce oscillating (up-and-down) waveforms
that may vary with time. Oscilloscopes also allow the technician to view both the
DC and AC voltage at the same time. This is important when you learn about DC
offset and AC "ripple," which will be covered in Introduction to Power Supply
Components and Introduction to Power Supplies when discussing power supplies,
operational amplifiers, and transistors. The best means of learning how to use both
the DMM and the oscilloscope is through laboratory hands-on exercises.
Figure Bench oscilloscope

3.09
Controls size of waveform Controls speed of waveform
Oscilloscopes are essential for troubleshooting signal processing and AC voltage.
Figure Hand-held oscilloscope

3.10

AC (alternating current) and voltage: Voltage and current size or magnitude with
a frequency (waveform in cycles per second) that moves in a wave-like fashion,
creating a constant change in polarity from positive to negative.
Kirchoff's Current Law: The total amount of current entering a conductor must be
equal to the total amount of current coming out of a conductor.
Digital multimeter (DMM) or digital volt meter (DVM): The most important
electronic troubleshooting tool in your tool inventory for purposes of
troubleshooting electronic failures. The DMM is a versatile hand-held measurement
instrument that allows a technician to determine AC and DC voltage and current,
resistance and, on some meters, capacitance, transistor tests, diode tests and current
and voltage frequency.
Frequency: The number of times one complete waveform appears in one second
(cycles per second).
Hertz: A cycle (one full wave form) per second.
Current flow: The movement of electrons or charge through a conductor (measured

in amps as a force).
Oscilloscope: A full-screen analog measurement device that provides an actual

picture of the waveform under test. There are some hand-held oscilloscopes on the
market, but most electronics and biomedical repair shops have the larger bench-
type. Oscilloscopes are useful for electronic troubleshooting of devices that produce
oscillating (up-and-down) waveforms that may vary with time. Oscilloscopes also
allow the technician to view both the DC and AC voltage at the same time.
Resistance: The opposition to the flow of electrons.
Voltage: A potential energy, which has a capacity to do "work."

Boylestad, Robert, Introductory Circuit Analysis. Columbus, OH: Merril, 2002.
Floyd, Thomas, Principles of Electric Circuits. NJ: Prentice Hall, 1997.
Fowler, Richard, Electricity Principles and Applications. NY: Glencoe, 1999.

I
CHAPTER THREE REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: --------------------------
Date: ---------------------------
1. What is the frequency of a DC waveform?
2. House voltage in the U.S. has a frequency of _________ hertz.
3. A normal"sine" wave has a DC voltage of _________ volts.
4. Explain the difference between current and voltage.
5. Explain why resistance is a factor in determining current and voltage.

6. Why must current be measured in "series" with a device?
7. Why is voltage measured in parallel with a component?
8. If you have a DMM with a low internal resistance, what effect will that have on your
measurements?
9. If you wish to measure an AC waveform, explain the advantages of using the oscilloscope.
10. Draw the waveform seen on an oscilloscope for a 120 Vac, 20 hertz signal for 3 seconds.
1. Safety is everyone's responsibility

3. No horseplay.
4 SAFETY GLASSES are required. If you do not bring your safety glasses you will not be
permitted to work.
7. Practice the "one-hand" technique when performing testing on energized equipment as it
may be defective and pose a serious shock hazard.

8. Familiarize yourself with the equipment you are testing and the test equipment BEFORE
testing.
9. Do not leave your workstation without first removing power from the equipment you're
working on.
Print Name: ---------------------- Date: ------------
Signature: _____________________
CHAPTER THREE LABORATORY EXERCISE
Name: --------------------------
Date: ---------------------------
Instructor Materials
Oscilloscope lab
Resistor kit
Student Materials
Digital multimeter
Protoboard
Procedures
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the oscilloscope by measuring signals from a signal
generator.
2. Draw the waveforms seen on the oscilloscope.
3. Review the simple DC resistor circuit in figure 3L-1 and determine the expected value for
Rl. What is the voltage drop for VR2 + VR/

4. Build the circuit shown below in figure 3L-l.
5. Demonstrate your knowledge of the DMM by measuring the voltage drops across the
simple DC circuit you have just built on a protoboard from figure 3L-1.
6. Are your answers in question #3 the same as your answers in question #5? Explain.
Figure 3L-1
3V
1A
+_L
10V
Chapter 4: Basic Troubleshooting
Methods
• Problem-solving techniques for efficient repair of medical devices
• Common causes of device failure
• Failure modes
• Applying the "half-step" troubleshooting method
• Recognizing circuit loading and correcting the problem
Survey the Environment

Troubleshooting medical devices requires an extensive knowledge of what the
device is suppose to accomplish and how it performs that particular task or tasks.
Most medical device problems are a result of the device user's misunderstanding
of how or what the device is capable of doing or a minor mechanical problem.
Broken wires, switches in the wrong position, power plugs which have become
detached from the wall outlet, and/or drained batteries make up the bulk of medical
device repair problems. A good biomedical technician should always survey the
environment where the equipment is located as a first step in troubleshooting.
Contacting the user who initiated the complaint is also very important. The person
who requests service is usually the one who witnessed the failure. This makes
equipment operators one of the best troubleshooting aids a technician can have.
Many problems may be resolved or prevented by providing user information. In the
healthcare setting this is known as an "in-service."
If you receive a call for failed equipment, ask the attending nurse or other health
care personnel directly involved with the use of this equipment as many questions
as pcssible about the conditions involved prior to the failure (e.g. did it make funny
noises, smoke came out, smelled something, what were you attempting to do with
the machine when it failed?). Look at the environment that the equipment was
exposed to and assess possible failure modes (e.g. dust build up, water on floor).
Check for physical damage. If nothing looks unusual upon physical inspection,
look at the maintenance history of the device. Many times this can save hours of
frustrating troubleshooting. If a failure occurred once, it is likely to occur again.
Call the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and ask for technical support.
Many times if you describe the symptoms of the failure they can quickly have you
directed towards the problem. Remember, the technician at the other end of the
phone can make suggestions but you have knowledge of electronics also. Don't sell
yourself short. If technical support says something that you know to be incorrect,
don't be afraid to challenge the reasoning. Always be polite. You'll get better and
quicker service by acting professional in all conversations dealing with technical
support personnel.
Figure
4.01
Survey the
environment
Use a simulator
to isolate the
area causing
the problem
Once the problem has been identified as an electronic failure, your knowledge of
electronic components and systems (board-level) troubleshooting can be utilized.
Figure
Report device Begin half-step
4.02 problem troubleshooting
Survey the
environment ""
Correct problem
Remember: The user is a troubleshooting tool, not "The Enemy."

Basic Troubleshooting Methods 51
Understanding Failure Modes
Medical Equipment Repair & Troubleshooting

The order of most likely failure to least likely failure is:
1. Clinical failure (Use error)
2. Mechanical failure
3. Electromechanical failure
4. Electronic failure
Clinical Failure-Use Error

This category is the highest probable cause of medical equipment failure. Clinical
failure includes:
1. Patient abuse
2. Set-up error
3. Displayed outputs do not agree with expected clinical results
4. Machine is asked to perform a function it is incapable of
Mechanical Failure
A mechanical failure is a physical breakage at some area of the device. Also it could
be a disconnected harness connection in any circuits of the device. Mechanical
failures and clinical failures cause the majority of all equipment complaints.
Always look for obvious physical damage externally. Cords which can be run over
and power cord connections are always good candidates for mechanical damage.
Equipment with long hoses or cords attached to the patient may become entangled
and cause the equipment to be pulled from shelves or cause tipping of caster-
mounted devices.
Electromechanical Failure
Most medical devices contain electromechanical components in the form of electric
motors and relays. There are many devices which utilize relays. Centrifuges in
the clinical lab contain many relays, and lid latch components. Relay and relay
switching devices are the main source of electromechanical failure. Basic knowledge
of electric motors, generators, and motor controls is essential for repair of these
types of problems. Proper lubrication and cleaning prevent most of these failures. A
good preventative maintenance (PM) program is highly cost effective and provides a
means of inventory control.
Electronic Failure
Although this is the most sophisticated form of repair, and involves the most
training, due to the high level of development and technology transfer in electronics
electronic failure rarely occurs. When electronic failures do occur it is usually
a result of a failed cooling apparatus (e.g. a cooling fan) or due to dust build-
up causing overheating of the electronic system. Board exchange is commonly
used instead of board level component replacement. Knowledge of electronic
troubleshooting can be tremendously cost effective.
The Half-Step Method

An efficient means of isolating electronic problems is a technique known as "half-
stepping." Mentally divide the problem area of the failed device into halves. Using
the digital multimeter (DMM) and the one-hand rule test for voltage readings. Once
a correct voltage reading is either found or lost, mentally divide the problem area
into halves again. Continue applying the half-step method until you have isolated a
small area of the electronic portion of the device.
Figure
1 21------------.
4.03
AC to DC Conversion/
Input Voltage Transformer
Full Wave Bridge
,
41----------, 31-----....l------,
Voltage Regulation Smoothing Capacitor
... Output Voltage
Block Diagram of Power Supply

Open Circuits
After applying the half-step method, the abnormal voltage readings obtained will
be a result of open circuits or shorted circuits. An open circuit refers to an electronic
problem caused by an incomplete circuit path, which prevents electron flow from
the negative side of the circuit to the positive side of the circuit. As the name "open
circuit" implies, there is an opening due to a failed component or physical damage
to the circuit path.
A common example of an open circuit would be a fuse that has been exposed to a
high current that exceeds the current rating of the fuse. The fuse physically burns a
hole across the circuit opening within the fuse itself. Measuring an open fuse with a
digital multimeter (DMM) would provide a voltage reading of the potential voltage
on the positive side of the circuit, with respect to the negative side of the input
voltage. This is an example of measuring potential voltage without current flow.
The absence of current flow results in the electronic failure observed. Open circuits
cause higher resistance in the system, since there is no current path through some or
all of the components in the circuit.
Figure
4.04
+
-=-12 v
Circuit Loading
A common problem often associated with open circuits is circuit loading. This
problem is a result of higher than normal resistance in the circuit. Circuit loading
can be caused by loose board connectors or corrosion of the circuit path.
Figure A.
4.05
Normal
Conditon
B.
Resistance
(-4V)
Loading Conditi
In example B the circuit is draining more power than normal (example A).
Shorted Circuits
A shorted circuit is circuit that has a lower resistance due to a direct current path
avoiding or bypassing normal resistance. A shorted circuit can be caused by internal
circuit wires or leads breaking their normal connections and touching the circuit in
a different location. A wire or other conductive surface that becomes disconnected
and presses against the equipment's conductive case is an example of a shorted
circuit. A shorted circuit can also be created by solder that extends beyond the area
intended to be soldered. Occasionally, a circuit path can be created by dust and grit
build-up in a circuit if the dust contains conductive material such as metal flakes or
room aerosol sprays. This happens rarely because typically a fuse or circuit breaker
opens.
----
Figure A.
4.06
Normal
Conditon
B.
A low resistance path
exists across the load.
'\
Short Condition
In example B there is no resistance from the load.

The meter reads zero volts.
Clinical failure: Device failure due to patient abuse, displayed outputs do not agree
with expected clinical results, or the machine is asked to perform a function it is
incapable of.
Electronic failure: A malfunction in one of the components or integrated circuits

(ICs) systems related to a resistor, capacitor, inductor, or semiconductor part on a
board.
Electromechanical failure: A malfunction in an electric motor or relay.
Half-step method: A method of electronic troubleshooting that mentally divides

the problem area of the failed device into halves. Using the digital multimeter
and the one-hand rule, test for voltage readings. Once a correct voltage reading is
either found or lost, mentally divide the problem area into halves again. Continue
applying the half-step method until you have isolated a small area of the electronic
portion of the device.
Open circuit: Refers to an electronic problem caused by an incomplete circuit path

which prevents electron flow from the negative side of the circuit to the positive side
of the circuit. As the name "open circuit" implies, there is an opening due to a failed
component or physical damage to the circuit path.
Shorted circuit: In an electrical circuit, a short allows the current to travel along a
different path that bypasses the intended load and significantly increases current
draw. This is usually a catastrophic event resulting in extreme equipment damage.
CHAPTER FOUR REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: ----------------------------
Date: -----------------------------
1. A nurse from the pediatric unit calls the biomed shop about an equipment problem. In
relation to surveying the environment, what questions might you ask to assist you in the
troubleshooting process?
2. Referring to question #1 above, if the nurse replied that the device with the problem was
making a funny noise, which of the four categories in the failure hierarchy is indicated?
3. The nurse for floor 3 B-West Wing calls in a work order for an infusion pump. The work
order states "Improper infusion rate." When you arrive on the floor you notice two empty
1000ml bags hanging from the IV pole with tubing running into the infusion pump. The
IV pump is set at a rate of 150 ml/hr. After inspecting the pump, in casual but professional
conversation you learn that the IV bags were to be started at 0600 and run for 12 hours. It
amount
is now 12:00 (noon). Given rate = time
a. What is an obvious problem?

b. What is the correct IV rate? ________________________
c. How do you correct this problem? __________________
d. You should also check the IV pumping mechanism to ensure that the channel is clean. If
the channel has "grunge" in it, what solution presents itself?
1. Safety is everyone's responsibility

3. No horseplay.
4. SAFETY GLASSES are required. If you do not bring your safety glasses you will not be
permitted to work.
7. Practice the "one hand" technique when performing testing on energized equipment as it
may be defective and pose a serious shock hazard.
8. Familiarize yourself with the equipment you are testing and the test equipment BEFORE
testing.
9. Do not leave your workstation without first removing power from the equipment you're
working on.
Print Name: ---------------------- Date: ------------
Signature:
6(
CHAPTER FOUR LABORATORY EXERCISE 4.1:
Mechanical Troubleshooting
Name: ----------------------------
Date: _________________________
Reminders
Take your time with this lab. Correct disassembly and assembly is what is wanted. Speed will
come later. Remember to label all components or connectors to prevent cross connecting or
misalignment of boards. Take into consideration the length of screws, type of screws and any
protective plastic or shielding components that may be involved. These are all necessary for
correct and continuous operation of the machine. Remember that there are certain ways to
remove and install boards, connectors and components. If you do not know how they come
out, look in the service manual or ask.
Do not destroy or damage the unit. This will reflect in your grade for this lab.
This lab will be graded on correct disassembly, assembly, and the use of the service manual
and correct operation of the unit upon completion.
Please fill out the attached form and document all steps taken in this lab.
Objectives
1. Disassemble a piece of medical equipment to a designated level.
2. Replace the necessary parts that are needed to repair the device.
3. Reassemble the device to complete working condition.
4. Test the device for correct operation.
Reading
Basic Troubleshooting Methods
Instructor Materials
Oscilloscope lab
Resistor kit
Semiconductor kit
Lab Materials

Service manual for the piece of equipment
Student tool kit
Safety glasses
Procedures
1. Test the designated device for proper operation.
2. Using the service manual provided, look through the manual and find the area of the
manual that shows the pictorial disassembles of the machine.
3. Using the above information, disassemble the machine to the designated point as
instructed by the instructor.
4. Install a component or device as per the instructor.
5. Reassemble the device.
6. Test the device for proper operation.

Electromechanical Troubleshooting
Name: _____________
Date: _________________________
Reminders
misalignment of boards. Take into consideration the length of screws, type of screws and any
remove and install boards, connectors, and components. If you do not know how they come
out or apart, look in the service manual or ask.
Do not destroy or damage the unit. This will reflect your grade for this lab.
Instructor Notes
Use a centrifuge for this lab. You can remove a single brush, disconnect the lid latch circuitry,
disconnect the speed control (tachometer) circuitry, or braking system.
Objectives
1. Test a designated piece of equipment for proper operation.
Reading

Lab Materials

Student tool kit
Safety glasses
Procedures
3. Using the service manual, locate the troubleshooting section.
4. Follow the steps or chart to find the cause of the problem.
5. Install or repair the unit with the instructor's supervision.

Electronic Failure, Half-Step Method, Open/Shorted Circuits
Name: ----------------------------
Date: _______________________
Reminders
misalignment of boards. Take into consideration the length of screws, type of screws, and any
remove and install boards, connectors, and components. If you do not know how they come
out or apart, look in the service manual or ask.
Do not destroy or damage the unit. This will reflect your grade for this lab.
Instructor Notes
Use a NIBP for this lab. You can adjust the power supply voltages to simulate failure or remove
boards, or disconnect wires or connectors to simulate failures in components or boards.
Objectives
1. Determine the problem with a piece of equipment by using the troubleshooting
section of a service manual.
2. Use the half-step method of troubleshooting and isolate the problem to an area or
board within the piece of equipment.
Reading

Lab Materials

Student tool kit
Safety glasses
Procedures
3. Using the service manual, locate the troubleshooting section.
4. Follow the steps or chart to find the cause of the problem.
5. Install or repair the unit with the instructor's supervision.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Relays &
Other Electromechanical Components
• The visual recognition of common electromechanical devices
• The principles of operation of common electromechanical devices
• The application of electromechanical device operation in the repair and

troubleshooting processes
Device Identification and Pictorial Diagrams of

Electromechanical Devices
Electromechanical devices are often over looked as a failure component of devices
due to the emphasis of electronics and semiconductors in most formal education
processes for device repair. Electromechanical devices are used as a latch to open
or close a switch. Some very common electromechanical components are pictured
below in Figures 5.01A and B.
Figure Solenoids
5.01A
Figure Relays
5.018 JIK!l29lllili9B
•
J1Kil\B9l0
\J u u\J \.,
\j
uu
I I ! I
JKI.AIIl9l0\\00
I I
lJ
'ul
Relays
A relay is a switch controlled by electromagnetic contacts. A relay consists of an
electromagnet, armature, spring and a set of electrical contacts. Figure 5.02
illustrates a typical electromechanical relay and its corresponding parts.
Figure Electronic diagram of a relay

5.02
•
14 13 9 8
Switch
Contact
Coil
2 6 7
(+) (-)
The number refers to the pin numbers on the relay. (Notice on the previous page
how the pins extend down.) The relay (switch) may be open in an unmagnetized
state or it may be closed in an unmagnetized state. This is known respectively as
a normally open (NO) and a normally closed (NC) relay. Figure 5.03A illustrates a
normally open relay and figure 5.03B illustrates a normally closed relay.
Figure Normally open relay

5.03A
Switch Current through the coil
creates a magnetic field that
closes the contact.
Contacts
•
magnetic field
+
Coil
Testing a Bad Relay

In today's devices, most relays are electronic or encased. Therefore, repair of the
relay is either impractical or impossible. To test a relay, check if there is voltage
coming into the input of the coil. If there is no voltage to the coil, half-step back to
find the voltage, see Figures 4.01 & 4.02. If there is voltage to the coil and the output
of the relay is not what is expected, then the relay is bad.
Toubleshooting Relays & Other Electromechanical Components 69
Figure Normally closed relay
5.038
Current through the coil
magnetic field
creates a magnetic field that
opens the relay
Coil
Contacts
Switch
+
)
There is also a special group of relays that are different in construction from the
typical electromechanical relay. Two such relays are the mercury switch relay and
the reed relay.
The mercury switch relay utilizes the conductive property of the element mercury
to act as the contact points for the relay. Mercury switch relays are used for high
current and voltage applications and for switches in areas where the sparking action
of a typical electromechanical relay could be hazardous such as flammable products
or near oxygen. Mercury switch relays are more expensive than a common relay
due to their construction, which typically encases mercury in a glass compartment.
Figure 5.04 illustrates a common mercury switch relay.
Figure Mercury switch relay

5.04
The reed switch relay has an elongated configuration due to its long thin contact
area (reed). Reed switches are utilized where space may be limited. Figure 5.05
illustrates a common reed switch.
Figure Reed Switch
5.05 Glass Seal
Glass Tube
Thick Wire
Reed
c--!--)
Normally Closed (NC)
Common
Normally Open (NO)
Solenoids
A solenoid is commonly used as a lid-latch device or remote control actuator.
A solenoid consists of a piston, wire windings, and a spring. The principle of
operation of a solenoid is similar to that of a relay, except the piston is acted upon
by magnetic force instead of the contacts. The piston moves either in or out of the
magnetized coil, depending on the direction of the magnetic field. Figure 5.06
illustrates the operation of a solenoid with identification and purpose of each part.
----
Figure Typical solenoid operation
5.06
.--Coil
+
Input
Toubleshooting Relays & Other Electromechanical Components 71
Failure Modes and Repair of Electromechanical
Components
Electromechanical devices generally fail due to dirty contacts. Remove the relay
portion of the electromechanical component and gently file away the carbon or
other debris that has collected on the contact. You may use a special small metal file
specifically manufactured for this purpose or you may use a fine-grain fingernail file.
Make certain that all of the dust and debris are removed from the electrical contact
and the relay coil. In some instances, oil may have collected on the contact, which
prohibits electrical conduction across the contact. Use a solvent such as isopropyl
alcohol placed sparingly on a soft cloth to remove the oil. Make certain that the
contact is completely dry before reassembling the coil and outer casing.
After long periods of use, electrical contacts may become worn. It is generally more
cost effective to replace the entire relay than attempt to replace the contact. If the
contact is easily accessible and removable, it is feasible to replace the contact. This
can be done within a matter of minutes. If a device no longer has an available parts
supplier, you may decide to be innovative and use conductive adhesive to repair the
contact. REMEMBER, THE ADHESIVE MUST BE ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE
AS WELL AS THE MATERIAL USED AS A REPLACEMENT CONTACT. Whenever
replacement parts are available, the authors recommend replacement of the contact.
Solenoids are commonly subject to physical damage. The solenoid pin has a
purpose of latching an opening or engaging (contacting) a remote electronic or
mechanical switch. Never attempt to bend the solenoid pin back into position.
Eventually, the damaged pin will create another failure. The entire solenoid should
be replaced in circumstances of physical damage.
The troubleshooting process for relays and solenoids is very similar to that of
transformers. Check to ensure that there is voltage to the coil. Examine the
insulation of the wires that produce the magnetic force. Never attempt to rewind
the coil. Test the continuity of the solder joints at all terminals. If it is possible to
remove the solenoid or relay, you may wish to test it with a battery to determine
is operability. If battery power engages the magnetic coils, the failure is due to the
connecting circuit or the power supply.
Review the troubleshooting flow chart in Troubleshooting Power Supply Problems.

Using the half-step method, trace the failure from the power supply back to the
magnetic coil. Always ensure that plug-in relays are properly seated into the socket.
Mobile devices may cause circuit boards and relay sockets to become loose. Always
clean the area around the relay or solenoid to eliminate future problems created by
debris preventing full contact.
Replacing Brushes on a Centrifuge

Figure
5.07
(armature)
r
centrifuge brush
1) Find the slotted plastic cap on each side of the lower part of the centrifuge.
2) Remove cap with small screwdriver. CAUTION: It is spring loaded! Gradually
release pressure on the cap.
3) If the brush is worn down close to the wear mark, replace the brush.
4) IMPORTANT: Notice the curve on the end of the new brush. Insert the
rectangular brush so that the curve on the end matches the curve of the armature.
5) Shine a pen light in the brush hole. If there is a large amount of graphite buildup
remove it from the machine and clean the armature with an alcohol swab.

Centrifuge: Device that spins lab samples at high rates of speed. It is measured in
rotations per minute (RPM).
Contact: The conductive portion of a relay that closes or opens a switch when
drawn by a magnetized coil.
Mercury switch relay: A specialized switch, which utilizes the conductive property
of the element mercury to act as the contact points for the relay. Mercury switch
relays are used for high current and voltage applications and for switches in areas
where the sparking action of a typical electromechanical relay could be hazardous
such as flammable products or near oxygen.
Normally closed (NC) relay: A switch, which is normally closed in an unmagnetized

state.
Normally open (NO) relay: A (switch), which is normally open in an unmagnetized

state.
Reed switch: A relay with an elongated configuration due to its long thin contact
area (reed). Reed switches are utilized where space may be limited.
Relay: A switch controlled by electromagnetic contacts.
Solenoid: An electromechanical device similar to that of a relay, except the piston

is acted upon by magnetic force instead of the contacts. The piston moves either in
or out of the magnetized coil, depending on the direction of the magnetic field. A
solenoid consists of a piston, wire windings, and a spring.
CHAPTER FIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: ---------------------------
Date: ______________
1. Explain the difference between a normally open (NO) relay and a normally closed (NC)
relay.
2. Draw a simple schematic that illustrates how a solenoid could be used to provide a safety
latch on a door to a hazardous materials room after the lights to the room had been turned
off.
3. You have a work order for a centrifuge in the clinical lab. The work order is shown below.
Work Order #12345 Device ID #12345 (Centrifuge) Location: Clinical Lab
Problem: The power light comes on but the motor will not rotate.
a. What questions should you ask the lab technician to begin your
b. What tools and test equipment should you bring with you?
c. List three probable device failures that produce this symptom.
4. You have a work order for a heart-lung machine in the operating room.
Work Order #12345 Device ID #12345 (heart-lung machine)

Location: Operating Room #6
Problem: The power light comes on but the motor will not rotate.
a. What questions should you ask the nurses or perfusionist to begin your
5. You have a work order from the emergency room.

Work Order #12345 Device ID #12345 (defibrillator)
Location: ER Trauma Room #6
Problem: The machine powers up but the paddles won't discharge
a. What questions should you ask the nurses or perfusionist to begin your troubleshooting
process?
CHAPTER FIVE LABORATORY EXERCISE:
Troubleshooting Relays and other Electromechanical Components
Name: ---------------------------
Date: ______________
Objectives
1. To have a better understanding of the correct operation of a relay in relation to medical
devices.
2. Understand the tolerance/limits of circuits and how they are obtained.
Reading
Troubleshooting Relays and Other Electromechanical Components
Materials
DPDT 6Vde or 12Vde relay

lKohm potentiometer
330 ohm resistors (2 ea.)
Red LED
Green LED
Dual DC power supply
VOMorDMM
Procedure
The circuit you are about to build is the basis for most sensor/temperature circuits found on
medical devices.
Basically you have a monitoring/display side that is displaying a certain pressure or

temperature (Circuit B), and you have a circuit that is actually monitoring the pressure or
temperature( Circuit A).
You may have a sensor that is designed to change due to pressure, temperature, or current.
No matter which style you have, this basic circuit will give you a general idea of how the unit
operates. Some systems will use electromagnetic style relays and some will use solid state
relays, but the basis is still the same.
Figure SL-1 Circuit A Circuit B
+ 5Voc
.---------1
I
I II-+-----,
LED
No Red
k1
1. Assemble the two circuits from Figure SL-1, making sure to correctly wire the relay into
the two circuits. (Make sure to use the wiring diagram on the relay case or literature that
came with the relay.)
2. Using one side of the dual power supply, apply 5Vdc to circuit B. If the green led light is
not on, turn the potentiometer fully clockwise or counter clockwise to obtain a lit green
led.
3. Next using the other side of the dual power supply, apply voltage to circuit A till the
relay activates and the green light goes off and the red led is on.
4. Measure the voltage across the coil of the relay.
a. Vcoil- - - - -Vcr
b. This is the voltage that is required to activate the coil and cause an alarm or change in
the display.
5. Next turn the potentiometer till the red light goes off and the green light is lit.
a. Vcoil Vcg
b. This is the voltage that is required across the coil to reset the circuit into a ready or non-
alarming state.
6. Using the two voltages from questions 4 and Slist the voltage tolerance or difference that
is needed between a alarming/active state and a ready/non-alarming state.
a. Vcr-Vcg/Vcr= %
b. As with many devices, you will have tolerances on the temperature or pressure
readings. This is basically the standard of how this is determined.
7. What would happen to your circuit if the normally closed (NC) contact was dirty and the
contact was open?
8. What is the operating voltage range of the coil in this circuit?

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Electric
Motors
• The principles of electric motor operation
• The concepts of a block diagram of an electric motor
• The differences between AC and DC motors and be able to apply this

knowledge to electric motor troubleshooting
• The use of the oscilloscope and digital multimeter in the repair and
troubleshooting of electric motors
• The basic components of electric motors and be able to apply this knowledge to
repair and parts ordering
Introduction to Electromagnetic Principles

Electric motors utilize inductive magnetic principles similar to those used in
transformers. Recall from Introduction to Power Supply Components, transformers
step-up or step-down common wall voltage by the property of induced voltage
(electromagnetic force) from the wire windings around the transformer coils of the
primary side to the secondary side. Electric motors also create an electromagnetic
force around the wire windings of the core or stator of the motor. An electric motor
can be defined as a device that creates an electromagnetic force and converts it into
a mechanical force. Electric motors may have a DC or AC power source. AC motors
may use single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase power.
Figure Stator
6.01A
Figure Field Pole
6.018
Stator with field

pole windings
A significant background in Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction is required

to explain all of the basic physics of magnetism involved in the concept of induced
voltage. For the purposes of troubleshooting electric motors, this theory is not
required but readers are encouraged to review this basic concept from other texts.
Essentially, when a conductor (wire windings) passes through a magnetic field a
voltage is induced in the conductor (wire windings). The windings of the stator (the
non-rotating portion of the motor, Figure 6.01A) create an electromagnet around the
core (stator). The wire coils around the core (stator) create a current flow, which in
turn creates magnetic poles in the stator. Current flow is determined by the "left-
hand rule." The left-hand rule is a visual means of determining which direction
current will flow through a conductive coil. Current flows from the north pole
designation of the conductor towards the south pole designation. If you could
imagine grasping the core of windings with your left hand, current would flow
in the direction of your left thumb. Figure 6.03A illustrates the left-hand rule for
current flow.
Figure
6.02A
Current flow through
a conductor in a
magnetic field
Figure DC motor Commutator

6.028 Segments
5
Troubleshooting Electric Motors 81
.------------till----------.
Figure +
6.03A
Left-hand rule
Magnetic fields of a
conductor with windings
"" \
+ I
'--
Figure Direction of motion and

current motor direction
6.038 based on magnetic
field direction
t
Direction of
magnetic field t
Direction of
current flow
A basic principle of magnetism states that a movement is produced when two like
fields (positive-positive or south-south) repel each other and two opposite fields
(positive-negative or south-north) attract each other. This repulsion and attraction is
the basis of motor movement. Electric motors create several fields within the stator
and a continuous movement of the rotor occurs around the stator. (Figures 6.04A
and B illustrate a magnetic field.)
Figure Magnetic field around the poles of a conductor

6.04A
The field is
three dimensional
and has a polarity.
Figure
6.048
Ferromagnetic Material
Induced flow through a conductor (iron) in a magnetic field.

_____- Stator - - - - - - -
Figure ---=-
_..----- Rotor
6.05 Rotating action

of a DC motor
s
-
P o s1i t i o / f n_ _
st-ato-r_ l
• Direction Of
N I
N s
s Direction Of
....__ _ _..... - Rotation
Rotor l
N s
Direction Of
. - - - - - . . . . , - Rotation
N l
N s
Introduction to DC Motors
DC motors use either a battery or a DC power supply to provide current flow
through the coils of the stator. Since DC current is continuous, another magnetic
field is required to create cross-fields" or cutting fields" to create poles within the
II II
motor. Either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet can be used for this purpose.
A conductive material made of a carbon base with iron filings is used to provide
contact and current flow from the stator (stationary portion) to the rotor or armature
(moving portion).
This contact component, known as a brush, is usually rectangular and has a spring
on the end away from the rotor. The purpose of the spring is to place a force against
the rotor for continuous contact. Two brushes are required to complete the electrical
circuit from the power supply. (Not all motors require brushes.) The rotor turns
based on its attraction or repulsion of a strong or weak magnetic field. Each turn of
the rotor changes the position of the strength of the magnetic field. Therefore, the
rotor is constantly being pushed from one pole and pulled towards another pole.
This creates the movement of a DC electric motor. All DC motors have windings on
the rotor. The rotor will also have a component known as a commutator on one end
of the shaft. The commutator is a slotted metal cylinder that creates magnetic fields
in between the "slots" of the cylinder. The brushes of the motor make contact with
the commutator. Figure 6.06 illustrates a basic DC motor with the essential parts
labeled.
Commutator
Figure Typical DC motor Segments
6.06
N s
Brushes
Introduction to AC Motors
AC motors are constructed very similar to DC motors and utilize the same principles
of operation. AC motors have a 60 hertz current flow through the windings of
the stator. In order to create polarity within an AC motor, polyphase (two- or
three-phase) power is required. A single phase AC motor requires changes in its
design for the creation of a rotating magnetic field. (Single-phase AC motors will
be discussed in the next section.) With either two-phase or three-phase power,
there will always be a phase rotation of current and therefore there will be a phase
rotation of the magnetic field. AC motors may have either a wound rotor, like a
DC motor, or a squirrel cage rotor. A squirrel cage rotor uses conductive bars to
create different magnetic fields in place of the wound wires. Figure 6.07 illustrates
a squirrel cage rotor. Figure 6.08 illustrates a basic three-phase AC motor with the
parts labeled.
Figure
6.07
Squirrel Cage Rotor

Figure Typical AC motor with start and run windings
6.08
Start
Run
Windings
Windings
-.... Run
Start
Windings
- - - - - - AC Line
Single-Phase AC motors
With both the two- and three-phase AC motors there are at least two fields generated
by the windings to create the push-pull of magnetic repulsion and attraction. Single-
phase motors must use opposite winding directions of the wire core to create two
magnetic fields. Figure 6.09 illustrates the opposite winding concept of a single-
phase AC motor.
----
Figure Single-phase AC motor
6.09
AC Line _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _..,.
There are two other basic concepts of electric motors, which you will need to
understand in order to successfully repair and troubleshoot motors. Motors may
have start windings and run windings. These windings are energized based on
a centrifugal start switch. After the rotor reaches a specified speed (rotations per
minute) the centrifugal switch opens due to centrifugal force. At this point only the
run windings are energized. Figure 6.10 illustrates an AC motor with start and run
windings energized by a centrifugal start switch.
Some motors use a capacitor as a means to start the rotation cycle. Capacitors cause
the current to lead the voltage phase by 90°. This phase shift provides a rotating
magnetic field in the motor and thus a means for attraction and repulsion of the
rotor or armature.
Figure Centrifugal start
6.10A AC motor
AC Line Run Start

Windings Windings
Centrifugal
Switch Closed
On Start
AC Line Run Start

Windings Windings
Switch Opens
At 70-85% Of
T1
Figure Centrifugal start
6.108 AC motor with
capacitor holding
charge
RUN
T4
T8
CAPACITOR
I CENTRIFUGAL
SWITCH
Figure AC Motor Block Diagram
6.11
AC Line Stator N Armature s Stator
DC Motor Block Diagram
Field Field
DC Power Magnet f-- Brushes Brushes r- Magnet
- North South
Failure Modes and Repair of Electric Motors

Electric motors and transformers will have many failure modes in common.
Transformer winding failures and troubleshooting were discussed in
Troubleshooting Power Supply Problems. One comment regarding the windings of
electric motors: never attempt to rewind or place a solder bridge across and open
winding. If the windings are shorted, replace the motor, with the exception of any
instrumentation attached.
The following list contains common symptoms of motor failure and the
corresponding troubleshooting and repair guide.
1. Motor has no power. Power indicator light does not come on.
• Check the power cord for continuity.
• Check the wall outlet for available power.
• Check the on/off switch.
Troubleshooting technique:
a. Check the power cord for continuity.
• Switch your voltmeter to resistance or to the continuity test setting.

• Place one lead of the DMM on the plug tip and the other lead of the DMM on the
corresponding color wire coming into the motor.
• If there is large or infinite resistance, the power cord is bad.
• Replace the power cord.
b. Check the wall outlet for available power.
(This may seem remedial but it will eliminate wasted time. This procedure is often
overlooked, even by experienced biomedical technicians.)
• Switch your voltmeter to the AC voltage setting.

• Place one lead into one socket (not the ground) and the other lead into the socket
next to it. You may place the red or black into either socket. The measured AC
voltage will be the same regardless of the lead placement, as long as you leave
the ground untouched.
• Your meter should have a reading of 110-120 Vac.
• If no voltage is present, report the outage to physical plant and move the
apparatus near a functioning outlet.
c. Check the on/off switch.
• With the switch on the on position and the device unplugged, measure the
resistance across the switch. Your meter should be in the resistance measurement
position.
2. Motor has no power. Power indicator light is on.

• Check the brushes if DC.
• Check hot and neutral wires to the stator if AC.
• Check for debris or bearing wear preventing proper motor rotation.
Troubleshooting technique:
For DC motors:
a. Check the brushes.
• On most brushes there will be a "wear line" indicating the required length of
the brushes to provide proper contact. If the brushes wear past this point, they
will not properly contact the armature and the motor will not provide the
required magnetic field. There will normally be a slotted head cover covering
the brushes. Remove the cover and inspect the armature. If the brushes have
caused wear on the armature, it must be replaced.
The rotor will have compressed bearings on each end. Most biomedical repair
shops will not have the proper tools required for rotor bearing replacement.
Take the motor to an electrical repair shop that specializes in motors.
• If there is no noticeable wear on the armature, replace the brushes. Some brushes
have an curved tip that contacts the rotor. Ensure that this tip is in the correct
position to match the curve of the armature. Run the motor for five minutes to
provide proper seating of the brushes.
For AC motors:
b. Check hot and neutral wires to the stator.
• The hot and neutral wires enter the motor housing from the power cord. Using
your multimeter select AC voltage. Remember the one-hand rule and place
the red lead on either the hot or neutral wire and connect the black lead to a
chassis ground or the ground from the power cord. Your multimeter should
read house voltage. If your meter reads no voltage, the wire from the motor
housing to the contact terminal is open and must be replaced.
c. Check for debris preventing proper magnetic field strength
• Motors are frequently lubricated and the lubricant will trap dust particles. Over
time, this build-up of lubricant and dust (grime) will prevent proper conduction.
Overheating of the motor is also a result of grime build-up. Clean the motor
with a clean, lint-free cloth. Apply lubricant where indicated. Do not use
solvents such as alcohol to clean the motor. This may remove the lacquer coating
from the windings.
• The device utilizing the motor may be a centrifuge or a compressor. Ensure there
is proper ventilation around the device. This will lessen the occurrence of grime
build-up and over-heating.

Brushes: A contact component that are usually rectangular and have a spring on the
end away from the rotor.
Capacitor start motor: A means to start the rotation cycle of an electric motor.
Capacitors cause the current to lead the voltage phase by 90°. This phase shift
provides a rotating magnetic field in the motor and thus a means for attraction and
repulsion of the rotor or armature.
Centrifugal switch: A switch that opens due to centrifugal force once the rotor
reaches a specified speed (rotations per minute).
Commutator: A slotted metal cylinder that creates magnetic fields in between the
"slots" of the cylinder.
Electric motor: A device that creates an electromagnetic force and converts it into a
mechanical force.
Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction: A theory required to explain all of

the basic physics of magnetism involved in the concept of induced voltage.
Left-hand rule: A visual means of determining which direction current will flow
through a conductive coil. Current flows from the North Pole designation of the
conductor towards the South Pole designation. If you could imagine grasping the
core of windings with your left hand, current would flow in the direction of your left
thumb.
Rotor or armature: Moving portion of a motor.
Stator: Stationary portion of a motor.
Squirrel cage rotor: AC motor with conductive bars to create different magnetic
fields in place of the windings.
Gottlieb, Irvin M. Electric Motors and Control Techniques. New York: McGraw
Hill, 1994.
CHAPTER SIX REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: ----------------------------
Date: -----------------------------
1. Name the major components of an electric motor and explain the purpose of
each component.
2. Describe the left-hand rule for current flow through a conductor.
3. You have a work order for a centrifuge in the clinical lab. The motor on the
centrifuge has an irregular rotation (e.g. it turns properly for a time period and
then it slows down). Explain some possible causes for this symptom and list a
troubleshooting technique. Explain the repair process.
4. You receive a work order for a ventilator that will not pump the air-oxygen
mixture. The tech operating the ventilator states that it smells like oil fumes are
coming from the motor. Explain some possible causes for this symptom and list
a troubleshooting technique. Explain the repair process.

Chapter 7: Introduction to Common
Electronic Components
• The common electronic components used in power supplies
• How to order the correct components for a power supply
• The function of the common electronic components used in power supplies
• The knowledge of electronic schematics gained from Basic Troubleshooting

Methods to understand the flow of electrons to each of the components of the
electronic circuits
• The function of each portion of the power supply block diagram
Power Supply Block Diagram

Block diagrams are figures used to simplify the concepts of how a device operates.
In the case of the power supply, there are four major processes that illustrate its
operation and function. Figure 7.01 illustrates a power supply as a block diagram.
It is important that you understand each of the four processes represented in the
power supply block diagram. You should also note which components are located
in each of the blocks. The individual components will be discussed in detail in this
chapter.
Figure Input Voltage· Transformer· Rectifier·
21-----------.
7.01
120 Vac Step up or step down
Coverts AC voltage
@60Hz AC voltage to a
into DC voltage
different AC voltage
Voltage Regulation: Smoothing Capacitor:

41----------, 3
Filter the AC ripple
Blocks the DC voltage
of the DC voltage
to a stable lower level
(Unregulated DC voltage)
Output Voltage:
- Pure regulated
DC voltage
Transformers
A transformer consists of two sets of wire windings around a ferrite (iron) core or
metal plates. There will be an air gap in between the two windings (see Figure 7.03).
When a wire loops around a ferrite core, it creates a magnetic field. The magnetic
field is transferred from one group of wire windings to the second group of wire
windings. This is known as an "induced voltage" because the transfer process
involves magnetic induction.
There are several factors that determine the size or magnitude of the magnetic field.
A transformer has the same materials for both sets of windings; therefore, these
variables are accounted for and provide a constant induction between the two sets
of wire windings. The difference in induced voltage is produced by the number
of windings on one side of the iron core being greater or less than the opposite
side windings (see Figure 7.03). This allows the transformer to either increase or
decrease the input voltage (house voltage for our purposes -120 Vac@ 60Hz). The
wire windings connected to input voltage are known as "primary windings." This
is called the "primary" side of the transformer. The wire windings connected to the
circuit are known as "secondary windings." This is called the "secondary" side of
the transformer.
Calculating the voltage on the secondary side of the transformer is a matter of

knowing the ratio of the number of primary wire windings compared to the
secondary wire windings. A "step-up" transformer has a greater number of
windings on the secondary side of the transformer. As an example, if the ratio
of primary windings to secondary windings is 1:10, the output voltage on the
secondary side will be 120 Vac@ 60Hz X 10 = 1200 Vac@ 60Hz. A "step-down"
transformer has fewer windings on the secondary side.
For example, if the ratio of primary windings to secondary windings is 10:1, the
output voltage on the secondary side will be 120 Vac@ 60Hz/ 10 = 12 Vac@ 60 Hz.
If we convert this process to a mathematical formula we have:
Ns/Np x input voltage= secondary side voltage

Where: Ns =secondary winding ratio and Np =primary winding ratio
Figure Ferritte Core

7.01A + -------- + SO (primary windings)
10 (secondary windings)
120VAc
S:1 step-down transformer
Primary Secondary 120 = 24 volts

Side Side s
(SO windings) (1 0 windings)
Introduction to Power Supply Components 95
Figure Power Supply Illustrated as the Power Supply Board
7.02
Figure
Core
7.03
Secondary
Primary Winding
Winding
Alternating current (AC) voltage will appear on the oscilloscope as a sine wave.
The transformer "induces" an AC voltage at the desired magnitude for the device
requiring a power source (see Figure 7.01 block #1). Figure 7.04 illustrates the
voltage output from a transformer as seen on an oscilloscope.
(
Figure
7.04 ,..,
/'\
1/ " 1\ Q_IYJDD DOD oo D
I 1\
\ 1
\
1
I
I
1\
\
Q_DDDD (!) QO
D
D
\
\
I
I
'\I I
\
\ @
[J-'
® ® 000
c:J U CJ
0 [J-, rrl C) DDG)
8 0 G @0@
- /
@[!]@
The secondary of the transformer may have multiple outputs. The most common
multiple output transformer is known as a "center tap" transformer. The secondary
AC voltage is one-half the full secondary voltage value from the "center tap" to
either end of the secondary (see Figure 7.05).
Figure
7.05
."'Yellow - Center Tap

value from the Red - Black wires)
Ferritte Core
+-----.... _,..------- + 12 VAc
120 VAc Center tap
- 12 VAC
Primary Secondary
Side Side
(50 windings) (1 0 windings)
Figure
7.06 Multiple
Output
Transformer
Secondary
Output
} Connections
How to order transformers

When replacing and placing a parts order for transformers, you must specify the
required secondary output and the amperage required. If a multiple output voltage
transformer is required, each output must be specified in AC volts. The best method
of replacing any part is to order the part by the specific part number. You will find
the vendor or manufacturer's part number in their catalog. This eliminates the
potential of receiving the wrong part.
Rectifiers and Semiconductors

A semiconductor component will allow electric current to pass through it under
certain conditions but it lacks the atomic and structural properties of a true
conductor. Therefore, semiconductors possess some resistivity. True conductors
allow flow of electric current (electrons) in any state. Semiconductors are
constructed of a silicon or germanium base. They are made more "conductive"
by adding impurities into the base. This process is known as "doping." You can
visualize this as a perfectly flat white field with holes in it. Some of the holes have
a positive charge and some of the holes have a negative charge. Energy (the power
supply) is required to create a pathway between the holes in order to reach the
other side to "remove" the electric charges from the pathway. A semiconductor
may contain either "N" doped or "P" doped impurities added to the silicon or
germanium base. The boundary where the "P" doped and "N" doped materials
meet is known as the PN junction. A semiconductor allows electrons to flow
across the PN junction when the "P" doped side is positive (has a positive power
supply terminal) with respect to the "N" doped side. This "state" or condition of
the semiconductor is known as "forward bias." When the "P" doped side of the
semiconductor is negative (negative with respect to the power (-) supply terminal)
and positive with respect to the "N" doped side, it will not conduct current
(prevents the flow of electrons). This state or "condition" of the semiconductor is
known as "reverse bias." Figure 7.09 illustrates a semiconductor with "P" and "N"
doped areas and the PN junction.
Figure Diode Construction

7.07 Doped Doped
Material Material
"" ""
p N
t
P/N Junction
All semiconductor devices have one or more PN junctions (the area where the "P"
doped material borders the "N" doped material). Semiconductor components
include diodes, transistors, diacs, triacs, silicon controlled rectifiers, and operational
amplifiers as well as several application specific semiconductors. It is essential
that you have a working knowledge of each semiconductor component when
troubleshooting electronic failures.
Diodes .. Electrical "One-Way Valves"

A diode is the simplest of all semiconductor devices. It consists of a single PN
junction. Figure 7.10 illustrates the forward and reverse bias conditions of a diode.
When a diode is in the forward bias condition electrons are allowed to flow across
the PN junction. The energy requirement to cross the PN junction of a forward bias
diode is 0.7 Vdc for silicon based diodes and 0.6 Vdc for germanium based diodes.
Figure +
7.08
Forward Bias Reverse Bias

Condition Condition
Cathode Cathode +
Electrons Flow Electrons Will Not
Flow
AC to DC Rectification Using Diodes

Due to this "biasing" condition, diodes will only conduct in one direction. When
a diode is placed in a circuit with AC voltage, it only allows conduction during the
"forward bias" condition of the diode. This property of diodes allows them to be
used in power supplies for conversion of the AC sine wave signal into unregulated
DC voltage. Diodes are sometimes referred to as "rectifiers," since they "rectify" or
correct the problem of converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. Figure 7.11B and
Figure 7.11C illustrate the use of diodes to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage.
Figure Biasing Cycle
7.09A
Figure (Single-Diode Circuit)

7.098
(2- or 4-Diode Circuit)

Figure
7.09C Full Wave
TIME
Filtering
Filtering is a term used to describe the manipulation of an electromagnetic wave
form. The sine was produced by a transformer is an electromagnetic wave form
(see Figure 7.04). A component known as a capacitor filters the AC portion of the
power supply's unregulated voltage (see Figure 7.01 block #3). Capacitors store
charge on film plates wrapped inside the case. Some capacitors have positive
and negative leads. If the leads are connected incorrectly (e.g. the positive end is
connected to the negative side of the circuit) the capacitor may explode. You must
be extremely careful when replacing capacitors. The charging and discharging cycle
of a capacitor is determined by the size in farads of the capacitor and the series
resistance of the capacitor-resistor circuit. This is referred to as the RC time constant
and is measured in milli or micro seconds. The larger the resistor or capacitor, the
longer the RC time constant. The following figure illustrates the effect of the RC time
constant by extending the discharge time and increasing the DC voltage component
of the power supply.
Filtering
Figure
Effect\t
toe Voltage Actual output
waveform with filtering
7.10
w
0
:::J
' '
I-
' '
'
__J
a..
<(
' Time
Capacitors are made from several materials including, polyester film, ceramic and
tantalum. The figure below provides illustrations of various types of capacitors.
Figure
7.11
When ordering a capacitor, you must specify the ability to store electrons in farads
and the maximum voltage potential as well as the type (material) desired. As an
example, you might require a 100 microfarad, 30 volt, electrolytic capacitor for your
circuit. Table 5.01 provides an example of the specifications required to order the
exact replacement capacitor.
Sig- Temp. Coeff.

Table nificant Decimal Tolerance PPM/C Cap. Drift
Color Multiplier ±% Class Not More
Figure Not more than
7.01 than
Black 0 1 20 A +1000 +(5% + 1pF)

Brown 1 10 B +500 +(3% + 1pF)
Red 2 100
-2 c +200 +(0.5% + 0.5 pF)
Orange 3 1000 3 D +100 +(0.3% + 0.1 pF)
Yellow 4 10,000 E +100-20 +(0.1% + 0.1 pF)
-
Green 5 - 5 - - -
Blue 6 - -
Voilet 7
- - -
- - - -
Gray 8 I +150- 50 +(0.03% + 0.2 pF)
-
White 9 J +100- 50 +(0.2% + 0.2 pF)
- -
Gold - 0.1 - - - -
Silver 0.01 10
- - - -
Present RETMA 6-DOT Color Code Present MIL Color Code
White dot Black dot

,..-----1st r----- 1st
{ Significant { Significant
2nd figure 2nd figure
0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
Multiplier Multiplier
Tolerance Tolerance
Classification Classification
Capacitance }
significant In pF
Table figure
Multiplier
7.02
Tolerance J
Voltage 1st
significant .
figure { 2nd (If required)
Band Color Significant Decimal Tolerance

Code Figure Multiplier ±%
Black 0 1 20
Brown 1 10
-
Red 2 100
-
Orange 3 1,000 30
Yellow 4 10,000 40
Green 5 105 5
Blue 6 106
-
Violet 7 - -
Gray 8 -
-
White 9 - 10
Referring to the original block diagram of a power supply, the "blocks" will be filled
in with the components that have been presented this far in the chapter.
1 2
Figure
(Transformer) (Diode)
7.12 120 Vac Step up or step down Rectify AC voltage
r r
@60Hz alternating current voltage into DC voltage
3
(Capacitor)
Filter out the AC portion
of the DC voltage
Unregulated DC voltage
""....
Bipolar and Field Effect Transistors - Voltage Regulators

The final stage of the power supply involves transistors and integrated circuits
(ICs) known as voltage regulators. The remainder of the chapter will be devoted to
transistors. A full understanding of transistors is necessary for general electronic
troubleshooting as well as understanding the principles of voltage regulation.
Voltage regulation will be covered in detail in Introduction to Power Supplies.
Transistors are classified as either bipolar junction or junction field effect depending
on the construction of the "doping" layers. Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) have
two PN junctions. The amount of current to the "base" leg of the BJT determines the
flow of electrons from the "emitter" leg to the "collector" leg. If there is no current
flowing into the "base" leg of a BJT, the transistor will not allow electrons to cross
the two PN junctions. Figure 7.14A illustrates the conduction of a NPN BJT and
Figure 7.14B illustrates the PNP BJT conduction features.
Figure
7.13
T0-204AA T0-5 Case 29

Physical construction (T0-3) low-profile T0-226M
L
and pin out (T0-92)
of BJT transistors
!
EBC
'e)
Figure le le
7.14A
y
+
Vee Vee -=-
Ia
+
Vaa Vaa
·- -------------------- --->- --------------------- -->-
Figure le
7.148
Ra
+
Vee -=-
+
Vaa Vaa
Bipolar junction transistors are generally used in circuits with power applications.
The BJT may act as an amplifier, switch, or feedback variable resistor.
Junction field effect transistors (JFETs) are constructed with a variable doped
"channel" and a doped gate. The "channel" variability or "width" is controlled by
the "gate" voltage.
JFETs have a very large input impedance. This refers to the passive and active
resistance encountered by a signal as it enters the input of a JFET. This is very
desirable for signal amplification, since only the higher power "true" physiological
signal passes through the JFET. Stray electromagnetic signals that may be generated
from fluorescent lighting, elevator motors, and other equipment operating in a
nearby environment will not have the energy to pass through the JFET input.
Therefore, weak stray electromagnetic signals will not be amplified and coupled
with "true" physiological signals. JFETs are used extensively in signal processing,
due to their property of high input impedence and low output impedence. Figure
7.15 illustrates the effect of gate voltage on the channel width of a JFET. JFETs also
find applications as power amplifiers. In general, JFETS have more precise control
over the "channel width," which controls output amplification and current than
BJTs. The drain and gate voltages of the JFET are less complex to modify than BJT
circuits. BJTs may also create more heat loss energy and be subject to lower life
expectancy. BJTs still remain the best choice component where high voltages are
required.
Figure
7.15 Drain t
Current
N I I Flow
P Channel
Core As gate becomes
more negative
+ WRT drain ID
Voo increases
VGG Source
Electrical field
+ controlling P
channel flow
Drain
Gate N-Channel
JFET
Source
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors
A specialized form of a field effect transistor (FET) is the metal oxide semiconductor
(MOS) FET. The gate of the MOSFET is isolated and allows it to be operated with or
without a gate source. It has no PN junction. Figures 7.16A and 7.16B illustrate the
N-channel D-MOSFET and P-Channel D-MOSFET.
G
Figure
D
7.16A
s N Channel
p D
P Substrate s
Body(B)
N-Channel D-MOSFET Symbol
N-Channel D-MOSFET Structure
G
Figure
7.168
s N D
N Substrate s
Body (B)
P-Channel D-MOSFET Symbol
P-Channel D-MOSFET Structure
It is essential that an anti-static strap is used when handling MOSFETs. Very small
static currents will damage or destroy a MOSFET. This static precaution is necessary
due to the very high input impedence of the MOSFET. The primary advantage of
a MOSFET is a greater conductivity through the channel. Current control is more
sensitive with MOSFETs compared to JFETS.
Figure Electron Channel Control of the JFET

Maximum lo
7.17
No
(a)
P channel
+
VDD open
VGG =0 V
+
Moderate lo
Moderate
Depletion
(b) Region
+ P channel
voo half-open
VGG = 5 V
+
No ID
Maximum
Depletion
(c)
Region
P channel
+
VDD "choked"
closed
VGG = 30 V
+
CHAPTER SEVEN REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: --------------------------
Date: ______________
1. Draw the electronic symbol for the following components:
Transformer
Electrolytic capacitor
N-channel JFET
NPN Bipolar junction transistor
Diode
2. Which of the following combinations will require the longest time to discharge:
a. 500 0 resistor and 100 M micro-farad capacitor
b. 1000 0 resistor and 100M micro-farad capacitor
c. 100 0 resistor and 100M micro-farad capacitor
d. 200 0 resistor and 100M micro-farad capacitor
Explain your answer.

3. In the schematic below, which diodes are forward biased?
I OB
T,
Hot
Load
Resistance
1 k Ohm
Neutral Full-Wave Variable

Bridge Resistor R,
Earth
Ground Chassis
Ground
4. Draw a block diagram that explains the four sub-systems of a power supply.
5. In the circuit below, if there is current to the base of Ql, what is the voltage from the base
to the emitter?
Q1
Voltage
20Voc
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using JFETs in a circuit as compared to
BJTs?
7. Explain the concept of the "push-pull" Class B amplifier configuration. How is this
configuration useful?
Chapter 8: Common Power Supplies
• The purpose of a power supply
• The functions of each component of the block diagram of a power supply
• The components required to construct and troubleshoot a power supply
• The components required to troubleshoot a power supply in a medical

electronics circuit
Introduction to DC Voltage Regulation
Power Supplies: Input Source
Refer to the block diagram of a basic power supply Figure 8.01. Most medical
devices require 110/120 VAC @60Hz, known among electricians as house voltage,
because this is the normal voltage found in North American homes. In Europe,
power is distributed at 50Hz and the voltage at the outlet will vary. Some medical
devices for diagnostic imaging will operate from three-phase power and require
input sources from step-up transformers in the 1000 volt or kV range. For the
purposes of our discussion on basic power supplies, we will assume 110/120 VAC
sources@ 60Hz.
1 2./
Figure
Convert AC Voltage
8.01 1120 VAC lnputt- Step-up/Step-down
To
AC Voltage
DC Voltage
Linear IC
Filtering
Voltage Regulation
1
Regulated DC Voltage Output I
I
Alternating and Direct Current Theory introduced the concept of alternating

current (AC). The house voltage measured on an oscilloscope would appear as a
sine wave shown in figure 8.02A In Introduction to power Supply Components the
forward biasing condition of a diode was introduced. You may want to review that
chapter to refresh your memory of these concepts. Figure 8.02B illustrates house
voltage measured on an oscilloscope as it would appear after passing through a
forward biased diode. The waveform illustrates "half-wave" rectification. Figure
8.03 illustrates a two-diode full wave rectifier. The bias conditions of D 1 and D 2 are
indicated during the complete sine wave in both the negative and positive wave
cycles. Note that D 1 conducts during the first half of the wave cycle and D 2 conducts
during the second half of the wave cycle.
Figure
8.02A
120VAC
+
Figure diode
8.028 {conducts\
]
Half wave conduction
-cl o-
Figure
8.03 O,
.
+ +
+
02 02
AJ\P
u
:::J
0
(/)
1-
u
:::J
0
'
'
'
'
z z '
0 0 '
u u '
'
ON : 0 Full wave conduction
'
Introduction to Power Supplies 111
With full-wave rectification, the waveform is considered to be DC. As you can see
by the illustrations in Figure 8.03, there is a tremendous amount of AC voltage or
ripple still remaining. Remember from previous chapters, the purpose of a power
supply is to provide DC voltage at a magnitude and polarity required by a particular
device. The purpose of the voltage regulator or voltage regulation system is to
complete the voltage regulation process to provide pure regulated DC voltage at the
output of the power supply. The next process in conversion of AC voltage to pure
regulated DC voltage is filtering. Filtering is accomplished by using a capacitor or
a capacitor-inductor combination. Figure 8.04 illustrates a circuit with filtering of
the full-wave bridge rectification. Figure 8.05 illustrates how the waveform would
appear on an oscilloscope.
Figure
8.04
Figure "Filtering" effect due to "RC" time constant
8.05
w
0
::J
1-
.....1
D...
<{
TIME
RC time constant =
R1 X c1
Large R 1 and large C 1 create
longer "filter" time constants
The Transistor Shunt Voltage Regulator

Refer to Figure 8.01. Notice that the last sequence in converting AC voltage to DC
voltage is "voltage regulation." The remainder of this chapter will introduce the
"voltage regulation" concept and the components that provide pure regulated DC
voltage.
Power supplies are classified as either linear or switching, based on their method of
voltage regulation. Voltage regulators can be purchased as integrated circuits (ICs).
These ICs contain hundreds of transistors, operational amplifier circuits and resistor,
capacitor, inductor components. In order to better understand the voltage regulation
process, voltage regulator circuits of discrete components will be introduced. The
transistor shunt voltage regulator contains only two transistors and is a simplified
version of a linear power supply. Switching power supplies will be discussed in the
Switching Power Supplies section.
In Figure 8.06 a complete transistor shunt voltage regulator circuit is illustrated in

detail. Notice that the Ql transistor is the shunt transistor and transistor Q2 is the
feedback transistor. This basic concept of an input voltage (Ql) and a feedback
mechanism (Q2) is common to all voltage regulators.
Figure Shunt Transistor Voltage Regulator

8.06 8YM10-200 VIN ------+
I
20A
Rs
100 Q
Load
1 kQ
100 Q Vout
120 V/60 Hz/0 Deg Q2 } - - -.....
/
j
R2
Feedback 1 kQ
Offset
Voltage
Chassis Ground
R1 and R2 create a voltage divider.
Notice that the collector of Q2 (the feedback transistor) is connected directly to the
base of Ql (the voltage shunt transistor). Recall from Introduction to Power Supply
Components, the current to the base of Q2 determines the magnitude of the voltage
across the collector to the emitter of Q2. The purpose of the voltage regulator is to
remove any remaining AC voltage from the DC voltage. (Add the feedback from
Q2.) In Figure 8.06, as the voltage from Ql increases, the current to the base of Q2
increases. As a feedback system, this increases the voltage at the emitter of Q2.
Increasing the voltage at Q2 removes some of the available current at the base of Ql.
With a lower base current at Ql, the emitter of Ql produces a lower output voltage
and corrects the high output. The opposite will occur if the voltage at Ql decreases.
With a decrease in voltage at the emitter of Ql, there is a complimentary decrease
in the current to the base of Q2. This decrease in base current causes a lower Q2
emitter voltage. The lower Q2 emitter voltage allows more available current to flow
into the base of Ql. This then causes Ql to increase the emitter voltage and correct
the lowered output voltage.
linear Integrated Circuit Voltage Regulators

The linear integrated circuit (IC) voltage regulator appears in several packages. It is
normally a three-pin component, as shown in Figure 8.08. Figure 8.07 illustrates the
dual output linear IC voltage regulator circuit.
Bridge
Figure 3
+5V
8.07
AC Input
+12V
u...
:::J
0
0
Transformer Bridge N
N
GND
Figure .42o (10.67) j.--- I IC Linear

8.08
Max 1 f
Voltage
Regulator
.147 (3.75) .500 Pin out and

Dia Max (12.7) mechanical
Max
specificiations
Max
.500
----.- (12.7)
1 Min
.070 (1.78) Max

!
Adjust VIN
.100 (2.54) VouTITab
The linear IC voltage regulator may have a fixed or adjustable voltage output,
a positive or negative voltage output, and three or more terminals. Figure 8.08
illustrates a common three-pin voltage regulator. A variable positive and negative
power supply using a linear IC voltage regulator is shown in Figure 8.07. This
power supply allows an output of both positive and negative voltages. Most power
supplies in medical devices will have one or more fixed DC voltages. The voltages
may be both positive and negative. Appendix D provides several Web sites for
additional information.
Linear voltage regulators are constantly in the "on" state, which is a primary
disadvantage of this design of power supplies. Linear voltage regulators are almost
always mounted on heat sinks to shunt heat away from the regulator.
Switching Power Supplies

Switching power supplies have the same purpose as linear power supplies. Both
provide DC voltage at a magnitude(S) and polarity required by the device they
power. The common source for DC voltage is AC house voltage available from
the wall outlets. Switching power supplies do not remain constantly in the "on"
state. They switch on and off, thus the name switching power supplies. This on-off
process is a major advantage of switching power supplies. It allows them to operate
over long periods of time with less heat energy being released. Figure 8.09 provides
a block diagram of a switching voltage power supply.
Figure
8.09 Switching
AC input ---+ Energy storage
element
l
Voltage
Voltage
controlled +-- Comparator +---
reference
oscillator
Load +---
The switching power supply utilizes a shunt transistor similar to the linear power
supply but the shunt transistor of the switching power supply is in a an on-off
state. There are two basic methods of creating the switching process for switching
power supplies. The input current to the shunt transistor is regulated by changing
the length of the duty cycle or the frequency of the duty cycle. Figures 8.10A and B
illustrate both switching methods.
Figure
8.10A +
+ Regulated
JCOutput
+
Unregulated
DC Input
Error amp,
/ .------'------., .-----'--------.
Comparator and Voltage
pulse-width Oscillator Reference
modulator
- Average
A=B=C
(Constant Rate/Frequency)
Figure Switching
Transistor
8.108 +
Regulated
+ DC Output
X
Monostable
Multivibrator
+
Unregulated
DC Input Voltage-
Controlled
Oscillator Voltage
Reference
- Average
A=B=C=D
(Constant Width/Duty Cycle)
Figure Integrated Circuit Switching Regulator

8.10C
Comparator
Current
limiting
amplifier
Frequency/
GND
set/control
Oscillator Amplifier
2 o/p
Having a working knowledge of both the linear power supply and the switching
power supply is critical in troubleshooting medical device electronic problems.
Troubleshooting Power Supply Problems will provide examples of applications in
troubleshooting using various types of power supplies. At this point of the text,
you have mastered all of the knowledge necessary to become proficient in basic
electronic troubleshooting. There are still, however, a few techniques that will be
presented to provide you with the skills to apply your knowledge.

Feedback system: The portion of the output that is relayed to the input in order to
maintain tight control of the process. In a power supply, this occurs at the point of
voltage regulation. The output voltage is constantly monitored in order to produce
pure regulated DC voltage.
Full-wave rectification: A two- or four-diode (full wave bridge) system that

converts both the positive and negative portions of an alternating current sine wave
into available direct current voltage.
"Half-wave" rectification: A single diode system that converts only the positive
reference side of an alternating current sine wave. This results in half of the sine
wave being converted into available direct current voltage.
Linear integrated circuit (IC) voltage regulator: A single package, usually three-pin
component, that contains hundreds of transistors and other components to provide
pure regulated DC voltage.
Pure regulated DC voltage: The end process voltage of a complete DC power

supply.
Shunt transistor: A voltage regulation system that utilizes a transistor feedback to

control or shunt current to obtain pure regulated DC voltage.
Switching Voltage Regulator: An electronic system that contains several discrete

components with an oscillator that provides output control by changing the duty
cycle. The switching voltage regulator contains an isolation transformer and is
constantly switching from the on and off states for output regulation.
Voltage regulation: The process of providing reduced ripple or AC voltage in a DC

power supply.
CHAPTER EIGHT REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: ---------------------------
Date: ----------------------------
1. What is the secondary transformer voltage of a transformer with a 10:1 turns ratio utilizing
house voltage?
2. What is the secondary transformer voltage of a transformer with a 1:10 turns ratio utilizing
house voltage?
3. What is the purpose of a filter capacitor in a power supply?
4. What does the term ripple refer to in output voltage? What are three causes of high
output voltage ripple?
5. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of switching and linear power supplies.
6. Why would an oscilloscope be more advantageous than a DMM in troubleshooting
problems with switching power supplies as compared to linear power supplies?

1:2-0
7. Refer to the schematic below to answer questions a through d. All measurements are made
with black lead of DMM to ground reference.
a. What is the expected voltage at TPl? _ _ _ _ _ _ __
b. What is the expected voltage at TP2? _ _ _ _ _ _ __

c. What is the expected voltage at TP3? _ _ _ _ _ _ __
d. If the voltage at TP2 is lower than expected, list three possible failures.
120 VAc
N
•
G
(Chassis Ground) Vreg = 5 volts t 2%
CHAPTER EIGHT LABORATORY EXERCISE t
Name: --------------------------
Date: ---------------------------
Objective
1. Troubleshoot and analyze the operation of a linear power supply
Materials
Linear power supply circuit

Signal generator
Oscilloscope
Multimeter
Power supply (bench)
lea. lOOK, 10 ohm resistors
Procedures
1. Build the linear power supply circuit shown in Figure 8L-l. Refer to book or notes if
needed.
2. Measure the voltages at test points (TP) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 indicated on the schematic of figure
#1. Record your results in Data Table #1. Note: some of the voltages are AC and some are
DC. Set your multimeter accordingly.
3. Measure the DC and AC output voltage with a 1000 ohm load resistor using your
multimeter. Record your results in Data Table #1.
3. Calculate the percent ripple in your power supply. Record your results in Data Table #1.
(Percent Ripple= AC voltage/ DC voltage X 100%)
4. Use a clip lead to bypass the linear IC voltage regulator on your linear power supply.
YOUR CIRCUIT SHOULD HAVE NO POWER WHEN PERFORMING THIS STEP!!!!

I
5. Measure the voltage across the 1000 ohm load resistor with the oscilloscope. Use the peak
AC voltage as your measured reading. Record your results in Data Table #1.
6. Measure the DC and AC voltage across the 1000 ohm load resistor with the multimeter.
Record your results in Data Table #1. Explain the difference in your measured voltage
readings using the oscilloscope and your multimeter on a separate sheet of paper. Attach
this page to your finished lab.
Figure SL-1 Linear Power Supply
Voltage Regulator
RLOAD
Data Table 1
Test Point 1 Test Point 2 Test Point 3 Test Point 4 Test Point 5
Voltage
measured
Load Voltage Volts AC Volts DC
Percent
Ripple %
Q#S
Oscilloscope Vp
reading
Q#6
DMMreading Vac Vdc
Troubleshooting
Symptom Fault
Linear Voltage Supply Bypass Regulator

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Power
Supply Problems
• Where to start in the electronic troubleshooting process
• How to utilize the half-step method to troubleshoot electronic problems

more efficiently
• Associating DMM and oscilloscope readings with component or board-level

failures
• Critical thinking processes involved in troubleshooting by understanding the

power supply troubleshooting flow chart
Power Supply Block Diagram Review

You will recall from chapters 5 and 7, the block diagram of a typical power supply
as shown in Figure 9.01. You should also recall the purpose of a power supply is to
provide a regulated DC voltage at the desired magnitude(s).
In put Voltage: Transformer: Rectifier:
Figure 2>---------,
9.01 120 Vac Step up or step down
Coverts AC voltage
@60Hz AC voltage to a
into DC voltage
different AC voltage
Voltage Regulation: Smoothing Capacitor:

4
Filter the AC ripple
Blocks the DC voltage
of the DC voltage
to a stable lower level
Output Voltage:
Pure regulated
DC voltage
Examining each segment of the power supply block diagram allows you to
concentrate on a specific set of components. Each segment also has a known desired
output. This provides an uncomplicated means to isolate problems within the
power supply.
In segment 1 of the block diagram the component required to step-up or step-

down the AC voltage is the transformer. Recall that the transformer is essentially a
wire-wound ferro-magnetic core. The wires may either touch one another causing
a shorted winding or the wires may break causing an open winding. An open
winding on the primary side of the transformer creates an open circuit and therefore
no electro-magnetic force can be created. The output of the power supply will be
zero. If the windings of the primary side of the transformer become bare due to
scraping, heat, or age a shorted circuit will result. If a large current passes through
the relatively small wire windings, it may cause the wires to overheat and break
apart creating an open circuit. If the bare windings of the transformer primary make
contact, the entire primary side of the transformer may become hot. In this situation,
there will not be sufficient current in all of the primary windings and little or no
electro-magnetic force will be produced. Similar failures may occur on the secondary
side of the transformer with comparable results.
Windings
Figure Ratio 10:1
9.02
Transformer (T 1)
Ratio of Primary:Secondary windings.

For example, 10:1 = Ten-to-one Step-down Transformer
Segment 2 of the power supply block diagram consists of diodes, normally in the
full-wave bridge configuration. Diodes conduct only in one direction, during the
forward bias condition.
A diode may exhibit both open and shorted failure modes. If the bridge has a
completed circuit with one or more diodes open, the resulting half-wave bridge
allows some of the AC voltage from the secondary side of the transformer to pass
through to the voltage regulator. The common symptom is a low output from
the voltage regulator, possibly larger than acceptable AC ripple and perhaps
overheating of the voltage regulator. A shorted diode (or diodes) will cause similar
symptoms with the exception of a possibility of higher current flowing into the
voltage regulator.
If the entire bridge rectifier is shorted or open, no voltage will appear at the power
supply output.
Troubleshooting Power Supply Problems 125
Figure Circuit #1 (Typically Burnt)
9.03A
120 VAC
+
c, Vout
Figure Circuit #2 hort (This Event Typically Opens Fuse)
9.038
120 VAc
+
c, Vout
Figure v
Output voltage from circuits 1 & 2
9.03C as seen on oscilloscope
*Voltage Regulator
may become hot
High Ripple
With 02 & 03 open or shorted, the resulting wave form is the same despite being
the product of two different failure modes.
Figure Circuit #1
9.04A
120 VAG
- c, Vout
Figure Circuit #2
All Diodes Shorted (This event typically opens the fuse.)
9.048
120 VAG
- c, Vout
Figure v
9.04C
Output voltage from circuit 1
(No output)
Output voltage from circuit 2
High Ripple
The third segment of the power supply bock diagram provides filtering. Filtering in
this context refers to removal of additional AC voltage waveforms. The size of the
resistor-capacitor combination determines the extent of the AC voltage waveform
which is removed.
This resistor-capacitor combination is known as the "R (resistor) C (capacitor) time

constant," since these components determine the time required for the capacitor to
begin its discharge phase. Resistors will change values with age. Some resistors
may have open solder joints or internal fractures causing an open resistor. An open
resistor results in a resistor circuit with "infinite resistance" (approaching a value too
large to calculate). The RC time constant is calculated by multiplying the resistance
by the capacitance. Since the resistance is infinite, the RC time constant is infinite.
Ideally, the capacitor would not be allowed to discharge. Some resistance from the
power supply circuit is available to the capacitor. Therefore, a very small amount of
DC voltage is returned to the circuit from the capacitor and a very large amount of
AC voltage will be retained in the circuit. The result will be a large amount of AC
ripple. This could cause the voltage regulator to overheat and result in low or no
regulated DC voltage output.
Shorted resistors are usually a result of the creation of a conductive circuit path
around the resistor. This can result from grime and build-up on the circuit board.
Cleaning the circuit board with a nonconductive solvent spray will eliminate this
problem. The symptoms of a shorted resistor are similar to that of the open resistor.
The capacitor filtering circuit is completely bypassed. Little or no DC voltage is
captured. A large amount of AC ripple will result and the voltage regulator will
become hot due to low DC "headroom" (the voltage required for the voltage
regulator to operate) or excessive feedback voltage due to a large amount of AC
ripple in the output.
The final segment of the power supply block diagram contains the voltage regulator.
Recall from Introduction to Power Supplies that there are two classes of voltage
regulators: linear and switching. Power supplies are classified based on the type of
voltage regulator in the power supply circuit.
Linear voltage regulators are three terminal devices and relatively easy to
troubleshoot. A voltage measurement of the input terminal indicates that the first
three segments of the power supply block diagram are operating properly. If a
voltage measurement of the YIN is normal but the output terminal of the linear
voltage regular is higher, lower, or contains excess AC ripple, it can be determined
that the linear integrated circuit (linear voltage regulator) is defective and must be
replaced.
Switching voltage regulator power supplies are more complicated than the linear
version. Generally, a switching voltage regulator will have a more complex
feedback system. You should refer to Introduction to Power Supplies to review
the components of a switching regulator. The same principle applies for basic
troubleshooting for both linear and switching voltage regulators. If the measured
input voltage (unregulated DC voltage) is within tolerance and the output voltage
(regulated DC voltage) is higher, lower, or contains excessive ripple, the switching
voltage regulator circuit must be replaced.
The flowchart on the next page provides a visual means of troubleshooting power
supply problems. All of the malfunctions and symptoms discussed thus far in this
chapter are illustrated by means of this flowchart.
Figure Power Supply Symptom

9.05
Special Note!!!
Disconnect power supply from the
Output voltage "noisy" load circuit. Place a resistor across
(high ripple) the output. Is the output normal? If
the output returns to normal there is
or low voltage.
a down-stream loading problem.
Clean grime, dust from device. Reset
boards with power OFF.
Measure DC and AC
output with meter
(DVM) or oscilloscope.
Check hot wire insulation. Check hot

wire connection to transformer. Check
for shorts in transformer wiring, diodes,
capacitors, or down-stream loading
effects.
Open full-
wave bridge
(FWB)?
Defective Test voltage

Short or open transformer secondary? voltage regulator for
Low or no voltage output.
regulator. open/short.
Check primary transformer

voltage. If low or "dirty"
Check power cord
voltage, check wall outlet.
continuity.
Use data logger for continual
outlet problems.
DC power supply: An electronic device that provides a regulated DC voltage at the
desired magnitude(s).
Diode: The simplest of all semiconductor devices consisting of a single PN junction.

Diodes conduct only in one direction, during the forward bias condition.
Filtering: In this context of power supplies, refers to removal of additional AC

voltage waveforms traveling above the desired DC voltage waveform.
Flow chart: A diagram that provides a visual means of examining a system or device
using general categories of yes/no scenarios.
Full-wave bridge configuration: The use of four diodes in a staggered triangular

arrangement that allows two diodes to always conduct in a forward bias position
with an AC input, usually connected to an isolation transformer. (See Figure 9.03.)
Headroom: The voltage required for the voltage regulator to operate or excessive
feedback voltage due to a large amount of AC ripple in the output.
RC time constant (tau): The size of the resistor-capacitor combination, which

determines the charge-discharge time of a capacitor in an AC circuit.
CHAPTER NINE REVIEW QUESTIONS 13/
Name: ---------------------------
Date: ----------------------------
1. If you have a switching power supply, explain what measurements you should take with
the oscilloscope and what measurements you should take with the DMM.
2. List three most probable causes of a low voltage output from a power supply and explain
the troubleshooting steps in each case.
3. What output problems can result from not having enough headroom for the voltage
regulator?
4. How would you test a capacitor to determine if it is a cause of increased ripple?
5. If the fuse is open on a power supply, why should you investigate the cause of the blown
fuse and not simply replace the fuse?
6. After repairing a device failure, a fuse replacement is required. The original
manufacturer's recommendation is a 150V, 2 A fuse. The only fuses available in the
parts room are; 150V, lA fuse, 150V 3A fuse and 150V 0.5A fuse. Which fuse would you
use temporarily to make the device operational? Explain your answer.

CHAPTER NINE LABORATORY EXERCISE:
}33
Troubleshooting Power Supply Problems
Name: --------------------------
Date: --------------------------
Objectives
1. To demonstrate the operation of a full-wave rectifier.
2. To demonstrate some of the common fault symptoms that occur in a full-wave bridge
rectifier circuit.
Reading:
Troubleshooting Power Supply problems
Materials
VOMorDMM
Dual channel oscilloscope
Transformer rated between 12-24 Vac
IN4001 rectifier diodes (4 ea.)
5.6K ohm resistor
1k ohm resistor
lOOuF capacitor
10uF capacitor
.01uF capacitor
5-volt regulator (7812 or 78L12)
Figure 9L-1
RL
5.6 kO
Procedure
1. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 9L-1
2. Apply power to the circuit and measure the rms secondary voltage of the transformer
using the VOM or DMM.

a. V2=__________Vac
3. Set your oscilloscope for DC coupling and observe the output waveform for the rectifier.
Draw this waveform as neatly as possible in the space provided below.
Time/Div:, _____________ V/Div:,________________
4. From the oscilloscope display, determine the peak output voltage from the rectifier.
a. Vout(peak)=_ _ _ _ _V
5. Using your VOM or DMM set on DC volts, measure the average output voltage from the
rectifier.
a. Vavg=_ _ _ _ _Vdc (Tpl)

6. Remove the load resistor from the circuit and observe the waveform at Tpl.
a. Vtpl _ _ _ _ _v
7. Draw the output waveform for the rectifier in the space provided below.
Time/Div:_ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:_ _ _ _ _ _ __
8. Disconnect the power from the circuit and return Rl to its original position in the circuit
and remove Dl from the circuit. Reapply power to the circuit.
9. Observe the output from the rectifier. Draw the output waveform in the space provided. /
Time/Div:,_ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:_ _ _ _ _ _ __
Figure 9L-2
+
RL
5.6 kQ
10. Construct the circuit shown in figure 9L-2.
using the YOM or DMM.

a. V2=______Vac
I 3. f-
Time/Div:._ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:_ _ _ _ _ _ __
13. Remove power from the circuit and change the lOu£ capacitor to a .01 uf capacitor.
14. Set your oscilloscope for DC coupling and observe the output waveform for the rectifier. 1],3
I I I I
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I I I I
I I I I
7
I I
-
I __ L __ r __
I
I I I I
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6 - -
I
I
--,--_]----,-
I
-
I
_] ___ ----,- _ __
I
I
_]
I
_] __ --,I ___
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5 ___ r __ I L __ r __
I L_ -
I __ L __ r_
I
-
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I
----,--_]
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_]
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----,--_]-
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_] I
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----,--_]----,-
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I I I I
I I I I
Time/Div:._ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:._ _ _ _ _ _ __
15. Remove the 5.6k ohm resistor from the circuit and install the 1k ohm resistor.
using the VOM or DMM.
a. V2=- - - - -Vac
13 r
Time/Div:_ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:._ _ _ _ _ _ __
18. Measure the output voltage across Rl.

a. Vtp1 Vdc
Figure 9L-3
RL
5.6 kO
19. Remove power from the circuit and attach a 5 volt regulator in parallel with Rl as seen in
Figure 9L-3.
20. Attach power to the circuit and measure the voltage across TPl. 14-D
a. Vtpl _ _ _ _Vdc
I I I I I I I
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I I I I I I I I
7 - - - 1 - - L - - 1 - - L - - ___ 1 __ L __ L __ 1 __
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Time/Div:,_ _ _ _ _ __ V/Div:_ _ _ _ _ _ __
Jtr)
LAB REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Explain why an open load resistor caused the waveform you saw in Step 6 of the
procedure.
2. Explain why an open diode in the bridge caused the waveform you saw in Step 8 of the
procedure.
3. What effect if any did the addition of the capacitor have on the Voc or output voltage?
4. What effect if any did the addition of the capacitor do to the output waveform?
5. What effect does the changing of the capacitor size do to the output wavefrom?
6. What effect does the changing of the resistor have on the output voltage?
7. What effect does the addition of the regulator have on the output of the power supply.
8. What effect does the regulator have on the output waveform?

Chapter 10: Amplifiers
• Classic transistor logic amplifier design: class A, B, and C
• Class A amplifiers, especially common emitter, base and collector

configurations
• Class B amplifiers such as push-pull amplifiers
• Class C amplifiers such as the common digital inverter
• Common problems and applications of transistor based amplifiers
Amplifier Classification and Push-Pull Transistor

Arrangments
Both BJTs and JFETs have an output classification based on how the output signal is
amplified. The three output classifications are class A, class B, and class C amplifiers.
Class A amplifiers have identical input and output signal configurations. The signal
magnitude will change according to the gain characteristics of the transistor. Figure
10.01 illustrates a class A amplifier.
Figure CLASS A AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS
10.01
Biasing with two batteries
Common Base Common Emitter Common Collector
PNP PNP PNP
Biasing with one battery

Common Base Common Emitter Common Collector
PNP PNP PNP

A class B amplifier is the most useful of the three signal configurations since it can
be used in what is known as a "push-pull" mode. This mode is more efficient
than a class A amplifier. A class B signal amplifier has a "cut-off" region where the
amplifier will not conduct. For a sine wave input signal it will have an output in the
positive region of the signal and a cut-off in the negative region of the signal. Figure
10.02 illustrates a class B amplifier operation.
Figure Vee
10.02
Coupling Capacitor
t----tt-----.--o CB
Vour
The push-pull operation of a class B amplifier utilizes one NPN transistor and
one PNP transistor connected emitter to emitter. The push-pull class B amplifier
configuration is shown in Figure 10.03.
Figure
10.03
+VBB
Amplifiers 145
Class C signal amplifiers have a signal output in a 180 degree difference from the
class B signal amplifier. If a sine wave is the input signal of a class C amplifier the
positive portion of the waveform is in the cut-off region. The negative portion of
the sine wave is amplified at the output. Class C amplifiers have a highly distorted
output and therefore have limited applications for biomedical equipment. Figure
10.04a illustrates the class C amplifier operation.
Figure Vee
10.04A
As seen above, this device will amplify a basic AC signal riding on the .7v range to a
simple, clipper "yes or no" square wave. For this reason, the above circuit is usually
not used in analog signal processing, but rather in digital systems where a VCD
signal is turned into a OVCD and vice versa. For this reason, the C Class amplifier is
most commonly used as a digital systems inverter and has the schematic symbol:
A --(:>o- out
The images below show a series of amplifier points and further describe distortion
or "clipping." This occurs when the waveform causes the amplifier to reach its
maximum range for a signal. The resulting wave is lost or clipped at the power limit
of the amplifier. Excessive clipping will cause an AC sign wave to become a clipped
square wave. This has applications in guitar music where distortion is preferred.
Since this causes lost data, it is not used in the medical equipment field.
Figure le lc
10.048 I Class A
T}j-__
No distortion No distortion point
\ints
Max tc - Class B
No distortion point
swing
"jj======
/
without - - - - - Class c
I
No distortion point
le I ', ,' I VeE causing
I \ I I
I I -. I
distortion . - - - - ....____,!'""--_...._-+- VeE
8
I \,'
No distortion point - rc--r

1--.-----.J
I
I I 1
I 1..--- I
Vee I
I I
I
. I I
Max V CE swing
without distortion

AC voltage: A voltage that oscillates in the form of a sine wave.
Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs): A semiconductor device that has two PN

junctions. The amount of current to the "base" leg of the BJT determines the flow of
electrons from the "emitter" leg to the "collector" leg. If there is no current flowing
into the base leg of a BJT, the transistor will not allow electrons to cross the two PN
junctions.
Bipolar junction transistor structure- NPN: A semiconductor device with a positive

source at the collector.
Bipolar junction transistor structure - PNP: A semiconductor device with a

negative source at the collector.
Center tap transformer: A transformer that has an exit winding in the center of the
transformer and a winding exit at the top and bottom of the transformer. A total of
three wires will exit the secondary side of the transformer.
Class A amplifiers: One of the three output classifications of transistor amplifiers.

Class A amplifiers have identical input and output signal configurations. The signal
magnitude will change according to the gain characteristics of the transistor.
Class B amplifier: One of the most useful of the three signal configurations because
it can be used in what is known as a "push-pull" mode. This mode is more efficient
than a class A amplifier. A class B signal amplifier has a cut-off region where the
amplifier will not conduct. For a sine wave input signal it will have an output in the
positive region of the signal and a cut-off in the negative region of the signal.
Diode: The simplest of all semiconductor devices. It consists of a single PN junction.
DC voltage: An average voltage with a frequency of zero hertz.
Doping: A process of making semiconductors more conductive by adding impurities

into the base. You can visualize this as a perfectly flat white field with holes in
it. Some of the holes have a positive charge and some of the holes have a negative
charge. Energy (the power supply) is required to create a pathway between the
holes in order to reach the other side to remove the electric charges from the
pathway. A semiconductor may contain either "N" doped or "P" doped impurities
added to the silicon or germanium base. A semiconductor allows electrons to flow
across the PN junction when the P doped side is positive (has a positive power
supply terminal) with respect to the N doped side.
Filtering: A term used to describe the manipulation of an electromagnetic wave

form, usually consisting of one or more capacitors and in some cases an inductor
paired with the capacitor(s).
Amplifiers 147
"Forward bias" condition: Diodes will only conduct in one direction. When a diode
is placed in a circuit with AC voltage, it only allows conduction when the anode is
positive with respect to the cathode it is considered to be "forward biased." This
property of diodes allows them to be used in power supplies for conversion of the
AC sine wave signal into unregulated DC voltage.
Input impedence: Refers to the passive and active resistance encountered by a signal
as it enters the input of an electronic device.
Junction field effect transistors (JFETs): Semiconductor devices constructed with

a variable doped channel and a doped gate. The channel variability or width is
controlled by the gate voltage.
Junction field effect transistor structure - N Channel :A semiconductor device with

anN doped channel. The channel variability or width is controlled by the gate
voltage.
Junction field effect transistor structure - P Channel : Semiconductor device with a

P doped channel. The channel variability or width is controlled by the gate voltage.
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) FET: A specialized form of a field effect transistor
(FET). The gate of the MOSFET is isolated and allows it to be operated with or
without a gate source. It has no PN junction.
P and N-Channel D-MOSFET: A depletion MOSFET with an "Nor P doped

channel" that contains a physical channel between the drain and source.
Multiple output transformer: A transformer that has more than one regulated DC
output voltage. More than two wires will exit the secondary side of the transformer.
PN junction: The boundary where the "P" doped and "N" doped materials meet.
Primary windings: The wire windings connected to input voltage.
Primary to secondary winding ratio: The number of wire windings on the primary
voltage side of a transformer compared to the number of windings on the circuit
side of a transformer. This determines whether a transformer is a voltage "step-up"
or "step-down" transformer.
RC time constant: The charging and discharging cycle of a capacitor determines

the size in farads of the capacitor and the series resistance of the capacitor-resistor
circuit. RC time constants are measured in milli or micro seconds. The larger the
resistor or capacitor, the longer the RC time constant.
"Reverse bias" condition: Diodes will only conduct in one direction. When a diode
is placed in a circuit with AC voltage, it only allows conduction; when the anode
is negative with respect to the cathode it is considered to be in the "reverse bias
condition."
Secondary windings: Windings with "induced magnetic voltage" on the circuit side
of a device.
Semiconductor component: A device that allows electric current to pass through it

under certain conditions but it lacks the atomic and structural properties of a true
conductor. Therefore, semiconductors possess some resistivity.
Transformer: A component that consists of two sets of insulated wire windings

around a ferrite (iron) core or metal plates. There will be an air gap in between the
two windings. The primary voltage windings induce a magnetic voltage to the
"secondary" or circuit side of a device.
True conductors: A material that allows the flow of electric current (electrons) in any
state. Ideally, true conductors have no resistance.
CHAPTER TEN LABORATORY EXERCISE:
Common Emitter Circuit
Name: ---------------------------
Date: __________________________
Objective
After performting this lab, you will be able to:

1. Breadboard and analyze the AC function of a Common Emitter Circuit.
Lab materials
Power supply
Multimeter
Capacitors (lea.)
Breadboard
Misc. wires 22uF, 4.7uF
Transistor (2N3053)
Resistor (lea.) 75K, 12K, 4.7K, lK, 220K
Signal generator
Oscilloscope
Procedures
1. Using the same circuit from Lab #2, do a DC and AC analysis of the circuit in
the schematic and calculate all of the values of Table #1. Make all of the corresponding
measurements on the circuit and record them in the table. Compare your calculated
values to your measured values and calculate the error percentage. If the error percentage
is greater than +/-15%, you must redo that step and verify the readings and calculations.
Explain any errors as part of your report.
2. Breadboard the circuit shown in the schematic by adding the additional

components to your existing circuit.
3. Apply a 2KHz ,50mV sine wave signal to the input (measure at Vin with respect
to ground) and obtain an undistorted output. Measure Vin and Vout and calculate
/5"0
the gain. Compare against your calculated value. Demonstrate your circuit to the
instructor.
4. Adjust the frequency of the incoming signal by lowering it until your output is .707 of the
original amplitude measured in the previous step (Step #3). Record this new frequency in
your table. Reset the frequency to 2KHz. Adjust the frequency of the incoming signal by
increasing it until your output is .707 of the original amplitude measured in step #3.
Record this new frequency in your table. Reset the frequency to 2KHz.
5. Remove the emitter bypass capacitor and measure your Vin and Vout. Calculate your gain
at this step. In your report you must be able to explain what happened to the circuit when
you did this.
6. Once you have completed the above steps, let the instructor know and he will then put a
bug in your circuit. You must find the malfunction and correct it. IT IS NOT A MATTER
OF VISUALLY FINDING THE FAULT BUT TO ANALYZE THE READINGS THAT YOU
MAKE AND USE THAT INFORMATION TO LOCATE THE FAULT. As you go through
the process of finding the problem, make notes of what you do and find. This information
will be part of your report.

Table 1 I 5)
Value Calculated Measured
VB
VE
IE
IC
vc
VCE
VRC
re
rin
rin total
AV
Vout
Freq. Low
Freq. High
Troubleshooting
Symptoms Fault Solution

Problem
Problem
Problem
/5J_
/53
CHAPTER TEN LABORATORY EXERCISE:
TWO-STAGE AMPLIFIER
___________________________
Date: ----------------------------
Objective
Troubleshoot and analyze the operation of a two-stage amplifier
Lab Materials
Two stage circuit

Signal generator
Oscilloscope
Multimeter
Power supply
lea. lOOK, 10 ohm resistors
Procedures
1. Build the circuit in schematic #1. Complete a DC and AC analysis. Record all of the
calculated values in Table #1. Refer to book or notes if needed.
2. Obtain a circuit from the instructor (which is similar to schematic #1) and record the
number that is on the back of the circuit on your data table. Remember that all of these
circuits have built in malfunctions. Your task is to find the fault. You must complete at least
one circuit.
3. Connect the circuit to a DC power supply and connect a signal generator to the
attenuator circuit and set Vs to lOVpp at a frequency of 3KHz. The resulting signal (Vin)
should be about lm Vpp. Measure all of the required voltages and verify if the circuit is
working properly. If both stages are working properly, proceed to the next step. If it is
not working properly, trouble shoot the circuit and find the fault. Once you find the fault,
determine whether or not you can correct the fault (ask for assistance from the instructor
I!Jit-
if needed). If you are able to correct the fault, proceed to the next step. If you are not able
to correct the fault, obtain another circuit from the instructor and repeat Step 3. Make
sure that you include this in your report.
4. Measure the AC signal at each collector and record these values in Table #1. The output of
stage number one (vo1) should be larger than Vin and the output of stage number two
(vo2) should be larger than vol. Calculate the gain of each stage (Av1, Av2) and the overall
gain (Avtot). Record these values in the table.
Av1=vo1Nin Av2= vo2/vo 1 Avtot= vo2/vo 1
Table 1
Calculated Measured
CKT# Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2
VB
VE
vc
VCE
VRC
IE
rc
Rin
Rin total
rl
Vout vo1= vo2= vo1= vo2=
Av Av1= Av2= Av1= Av2=
Avtot
Troubleshooting
CKT# Symptom Fault
Schematic #1
0
0 0
Two-Stage Amplifier
/56
Chapter 11: Operational Amplifiers
{Op-Amps)
• The available packages and specifications of op-amps
• The electronic symbol for an op-amp
• The terminals of op-amp packages
• Operational amplifier applications through laboratory exercises
• Operational amplifier troubleshooting through laboratory exercises
Op-Amps and Packaging Diagrams

Operational amplifiers (op-amps) are extremely useful electronic components and
are found in several medical device applications. An op-amp is an integrated circuit
(IC) containing several (10 or more) transistors and the necessary components to
allow for very efficient signal amplification. The connection of the transistors to the
signal input and output create a very large (several megaohms) input impedance.
The output on the other hand, has very low impedance (ideally zero). A general
purpose op-amp will have two power supply terminals (one positive and one
negative), two input terminals, and an output terminal. Figures ll.OlB and C
illustrate six different terminal configurations for a typical op-amp.
Figure
+V 741 IC chip (approximate size)
11.01A 7
Null
2
6
>---o Output -In
+ In
Null
4 0 t i<i!JS)
-V
-V
Circuit symbol for a 741 np The 741 chip is shown packaged in

with pin-outs numbered an 8-pin dual-in-line package (top view)
Figure Tab
11.018
-V
Metal can T0-5 8 pin DIP
14 pin DIP
Figure Tab Locates
PinS
11.01C N.C. N.C.
N.C.
Inverting
Input
Non-Inverting Input
Non- Inverting
Input Output
-V Offset Null
-V 10- lead flatpack

(T0-91), Top View
8- lead metal can
(T0-99), Top View
N.C. N.C.
N.C. N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
+V
Inverting Input
Non-Inverting 3 1-------1 Output
Non-Inverting Output input
input
Offset Null
-V Offset Null
N.C. N.C. 8-lead mini, dip Top View
14-lead-dual-in-line package
(DIP, T0-116), Top View
Figure Understanding manufacturing designations for integrated circuits

11.01 D Prefix Designator Suffix
I J \
IJA 741 c P (8-pin)
\
Fairchild
1
General-purpose
OP amp, Commercial
I
Plastic Package
temperature range
For IC with label IJA 741 C P

Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps) 159
Table Letter Prefix Manufacturer
11.01 AD Analog Devices
CA RCA
LM National Semiconductor Corp.
IJC Motorola
NE/SE Signetics
OP Precision Mechanics
RC/RM Raytheon
SG Silicon General
TL Texas Instruments
UA Fairchild
Theory of Operation
An op-amp is powered using one positive power supply (V+) and one negative
power supply (V-). The two input terminals are referred to as differential input
terminals because the op-amp output (Vout) terminal is determined by the
difference in voltage between the positive (non-inverting) terminal and the negative
(inverted) terminal. This difference voltage is notated by the letters Ed. If there is no
feedback connection from the output terminal, the op-amp is in a state of open loop
gain (Aol). A typical open loop gain for an op-amp ranges from 150,000-250,000.
Therefore, voltage inputs in the Aol configuration for difference voltage are in the
micro-volt range. If the voltage inputs are higher in Aol, the op-amp will have a
"saturation" gain. Figure 11.02 illustrates open loop gain.
Figure +tV
11.02
ll;)ffit\tlrJ6)put is
more J¥ll!lliti'llllttlltl!irilli\illt(r.)btfi!J)Jl (above)
;,y
Inverting and Non inverting Applications

When an op-amp is used for signal amplification, resistors are connected to the
input and output terminals. The output signal may be either positive (non-inverted)
or negative (inverted) depending on which terminal is attached to isolated ground.
Figures 11.03A and B illustrate the non-inverted and inverted signal amplification of
an op-amp and the corresponding gain for each signal. The amplification or voltage
gain (Av) is calculated by dividing the Rf resistor by the Rin resistor. If the circuit
is connected in a similar manner without resistors, a unity gain op-amp will result.
As the term unity gain implies, the gain of this op amp will be "one" or no gain.
Unity gain op-amp circuits are also known as "voltage followers" since the output
voltage follows the input voltage without gain. Figure 11.04 illustrates a unity gain
op-amp. Unity gain op-amps are used as buffers in electronic circuits. A buffer is a
component or circuit that has high input impedance and a low output impedance.
This provides signal clarity and reduces noise.
Figure RF = 20 kO
11.03A
+ 15 v
7
Rin = 10 kO
6
2
3
4
-15 v
RL
10 kO
Vo = - __BE_ Ei
Rin
Vo = - _1Q!s_ Ei
10k
Vo = -2k Ei
Ac input voltage Ei is amplified by -2

Figure Voltage Across
VRt= IRt
Ei
11.038
-+ -+
R1 Rf
I= __g_
R1 Ia =0
-ov {
Ia
+
RL Vo =(1+_BL)
R1
Ei
+
Ei-=-
IL =_jf_g_
RL
Positive input voltages
Voltage Across
VRt= IRt
R1 Ei
-+ -+
R1 Rf
Ia =0
Ia
-ov {
-V +
RL Vo = (1+_BL) Ei
R1
+
Ei-=-
IL =_jf_g_
RL
Negative input voltages

Figure Calculating signal gain of a non-inverting amplifier

11.03C
+V
R1= 10 kO (a) Calculated Gain

7
Rf 40k0
6 Av=-= =4
2 Rin 10k0
3
4
RL
-V 10 kO
(b) Actual Gain

Rf + Ri 40k0 + Ri
Av=__,;.-..:..
R1 R1
Ri = Internal resistance = 1OkD
Vo(V) 40k0 + 10k0 50k0

Av=----- [§](actual)
10k0 10k0
Ei (V)
(c) Input-output characteristics
of a non-inverting amplifier
I
I
I
I
----- _1)-10
Slope= +5
Figure Vo =Ei =Egen
11.04 +V
!
I =0
Egen
1.0 v '
-V
RL }vo v
+ =+1.0
Egen =Generated Input Voltage Gain= 1
Buffers provide high input impedance for signal clarity.
Input Mode Applications

Operational amplifiers are found in a variety of electronic circuits due to their
reliability, low cost and intuitive input and output connections. One of the most
common op-amp circuits is the differential amplifier (diff-amp ). A diff-amp
combines the two inputs of the op-amp and produces an output voltage and
waveform that is equal to the difference between the inverting and non-inverting
inputs. Figure 11.05 illustrates an example of a differential amplifier application and
the corresponding output. Earlier in the chapter, the gain process was demonstrated
as a result of external resistors (Rf and Rin). There is also a gain component due to
the internal components of the op-amp. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate this
effect. The calculated values will not equal the measured values of the differential
amplifier circuit you build in the lab. This difference in output voltage when the op-
amp swings (changes) from a positive saturation voltage to a negative saturation
voltage is known as "hysteresis." Hysteresis is common to all semiconductor
integrated circuits. Figure 11.06 illustrates a saturation hysteresis voltage. To offset
or correct this problem there are input pins on the op-amp package labeled DC
offset.
Figure Differential Amplifier

11.05 XR=100 kO
+15 v
(-) Input R 7
Figure Hysteresis Voltage

11.06 + vo
""' .
+ vsat
V0 vs Ei "
' a
;
Hysteresis voltage
VH=27mV
I
0
I .....
'
+ 100 mV
-100
/
-13mV=VLT
vur=14mv
b
- vsat
" "
,,. -Vo
Differential op-amps illustrate a property known as "common mode rejection"
(CMR). Common mode rejection is used extensively in medical electronics to
eliminate unwanted signals coupled with the output signal. In an electrocardiogram
(ECG) circuit, a feedback circuit from the right leg acts as a common mode rejection
circuit to eliminate the body's normal electrical impulses from the muscles. This
provides a true output ECG signal from the conductive tissues of the heart, while
removing other signals from the output. Figure 11.07 illustrates a common mode
rejection circuit and a common mode rejection circuit application.
Figure mR
11.07 100 kQ
R
(-)Input 1 kQ
l Vout =0
1
4
ou Vin
-V
mR
Adjust for Vout =0 V
Op-amps are also used as summing circuits. Figure 11.08 illustrates the summing
circuit diagram and an application of an op-amp summing circuit.
Figure
11.08
+V
_ {- 10 mV, due E1 and E2

-V Vout- + 10 mV. due V;o
+ } = 0 mV
V; 0 =2.5 m V
Comparator op-amp circuits are extremely useful electronic circuits for the
purposes of relating voltage level differences in physiological sensors and also for
troubleshooting purposes. A simple addition or subtraction of the input signals at
the inverted(-) input and the non-inverted(+) input should result in the expected
output. If the output does not measure the expected input, there could be input
impedance problems, improper resistor gain connections, or a malfunctioning
op-amp. Figure 11.09 illustrates the expected output of a comparator and the
corresponding troubleshooting techniques.
Figure Input Voltage

11.09 Vin RF = 1okn
Rin = 1000
Vin = 100mV
Reference Voltage
Vo.
+
Expected Vo = Vin ( RR:' ) - Vref

In
Example Vo = 0.1 00 V ( 1 ) -5V = + 5Voc
* Troubleshooting Techniques:
1. Measure Vin or use known signal generator voltage.
2. Measure V out.
3. Calculate Av = RR:'
1n
4. Does output equal accepted value?
5. If Vo =Ov, there is an open in the circuit.

6. If Vo is above zero volts but lower than expected,
check Zener diode voltage.
Voltage level detector op-amp circuits are used to determine the magnitude levels of
signals. A common use for a voltage detector circuit in medical electronics is in the
sensing of the "R" wave in the QRS complex of the heart's ECG.
Some medical circuits require precision outputs with a large gain. This requires
a very high input impedance op-amp circuit. The instrumentation amplifier, also
known as a "bio-instrumentation amplifier," uses three op-amps to provide high
input impedance (normally 300 MO) and internal common mode rejection. The
instrumentation amplifier configuration is illustrated in Figure 11.10.
Figure (-)input
11.10
R
Signal
Input
+V
R
Output
terminal
/
aR
-V
}
vo =1+2
To balance E'- E2 a
out common-
> - - - f l l a - - - ' mode voltage
(+)input
-V
Signal
Input
Differentiator and integrator op-amp circuits are special purpose circuits that can
also act as signal filters. Do not confuse the differentiator circuit with the differential
op-amp. They sound similar but have completely different functions. A differential
mathematical process provides an answer for change over time. A differentiator
op-amp also provides a voltage output that represents the rate of signal change in a
certain time period. Figure 11.11 illustrates the differentiator circuit and application.
Figure 2 Stage High-Pass Filter

11.11
+v -v +v -v
I
(a) High-pass filter
1.0
0
0.707 - - - - - - - -3 ..........
..c
.......... "'0
0 ._
:;:::;
ro
._ c
._ ro
O'l
c 0.1 - -20
'ffi Q)
O'l
O'l ro
Q) ......
O'l
ro
......
Slope= g
60 db/decade
g
0.01 - -40
0.001 -60
0.1 We 10Wc
Frequency-response plot for circuit of part (a)

Figure
11.12A
vmax ----------
or B =Wr
I I
Q -- wr -
I I B Q
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I
Frequency response of a bandpass filter

c1
150 pF
+V -v
Bandpass filter
Figure c1
11.128
30 pF
(a) Notch filter
w rad/s
....
I
I
0.707 I
0·.;:::; 0.1 0·.;:::;
c c
·;o ro
en en
QJ QJ
en en
....ro ....ro
g g
0.01 -40
0.001
-60
Frequency response for the circuit part of part (a)
Integration is a mathematical process that provides the total sum of a function,
which is expressed in calculus as the area under the curve. The medical electronic
equivalent of an integrator op-amp provides the total voltage of a circuit over a
certain time period. The output of an op-amp integrator is a triangular waveform.
This is the same circuit used in signal generators to produce a triangular waveform.
Figure 11.13 illustrates the circuit for an integrator op-amp.
Figure -40 DB/Decade Low-Pass Butterworth Filter

11.13
Low-pass filter
1.0 0
\
0.707 -3
-
..c
c:: I -·co
-c
c::
·co0> 0.1 - -20 0>
Q)
-
Q) 0>
Slope= -40 db/decade ro
-
0>
ro
-40
0.01
0.1 We 10Wc
Oscillators
Oscillators are electronic circuits that are used to produce signal sources such as
square, triangular, and sine waves. An oscillator essentially has two components: 1)
the amplifier and 2) feedback system. Figure 11.14A illustrates a block diagram of an
oscillator circuit. As you can see from the block diagram, the feedback system takes
away gain from the amplifier circuit. This combined gain of the feedback system
and the amplifier is known as open loop gain. In order to produce an oscillating
waveform the open loop gain (Avl x Av2) must be greater than or equal to "1." Two
basic "tuned" oscillators that are often found in medical circuits are the Colpitts
oscillator (Figure 11.14B) and the Hartley oscillator (Figure 11.14C). Tuned oscillators
allow the oscillation frequency to be varied. This is accomplished in the Colpitts
oscillator by changing the size of the inductor. In the Hartley oscillator, the tuning is
accomplished by changing the size of the capacitor.
Another common oscillator is the crystal oscillator. Quartz crystals emit a specific
frequency when stimulated by electric current. This is known as the piezoelectric
effect. Quartz oscillators are common in most watches. Several medical devices also
utilize crystal oscillators in timing circuits and as the clock in digital circuits.
Figure Basic Oscillator
11.14A
Gain=Av 1
>------e---{) Output
Gain=Av2
Figure Colpitts Oscillator

11.148
!
i c,
!
!
! - - - - - - e - - l l - (- - 0 voot
!
!
!
!
!
!
Amplifier---1
!
L_
!
: L
Feedback
!
!
!
!
Figure Hartley Oscillator

11.14C
r--
!'
!
l
!
!
j
L_
! c1
Feedback network -i
!
!
j
:--·
Figure v"=5v
11.15
R,=12kQ
0.01pF
c =0.1 pF
Circuit
' <V t
0 1
II
2 3
Missing pulse
/
II
4
v, ov 1
0
t
Voltage Waveforms
Oscillator Circuits, Colpitts, (variable inductor) Hartley (variable capacitor), Crystal

(set quartz frequency due to natural harmonics of the quartz stone structure)
Op-Amp Troubleshooting Flow Chart

Operational amplifier circuits are found in almost every area of a medical electronic
circuit. Knowledge of their operation and corresponding troubleshooting methods
are essential in order to become proficient as a biomedical equipment technician.
The flow chart below provides a logical and critical thinking process to quickllocate
problems with op-amp circuits.
Figure
Is the device (+)/(-)DC
Test voltages at(+/-)
11.16 plugged in and t----.---i Supply voltages
input terminals
turned on? correct?
No
Are input
Half-step back to voltages correct?
power supply
Perform safety
Problem
and OPS Test.
still exists ?
Return to service Half-step input voltage
back to the power
Is the supply
ground pin
connected?
See power supply Return to service

flow chart procedure

Op-amp: An integrated circuit (IC) containing several (10 or more) transistors and
the necessary components to allow for very efficient signal amplification, with high
input impedence.
Unity gain circuits: Op-amp circuits with a gain of "one." The output voltage
follows the input voltage without gain. Also known as "voltage followers."
Buffer: A component or circuit that has high input impedance and a low output
impedance. This provides signal clarity and reduces noise.
Hysteresis: The difference in output voltage when the op-amp swings (changes)
from a positive saturation voltage to a negative saturation voltage.
Diff-amp: Combines the two inputs of the op-amp and produces an output voltage
and waveform equal to the difference between the inverting and non-inverting
inputs.
Common mode rejection: Used extensively in medical electronics to eliminate

unwanted signals coupled with the output signal. Signals of opposite polarity
(inverting and non-inverting input) cancel each other out.
Instrumentation amplifier: Uses three op-amps to provide high input impedance

(normally 300 MO) and internal common mode rejection for medical circuits that
require precision outputs with a large gain. Also know as a "bio-instrumentation
amp lifer."
Oscillator: A device that changes the shape, magnitude, and frequency of a wave
form in a designated manner using a DC input. Examples of oscillator wave forms
include sine, triangular, and square waves.
Differentiator and integrator op-amp circuits: Special purpose circuits that can also
act as signal filters.
Integration: A mathematical process that provides the total sum of a function,

which is expressed in calculus as the area under the curve. The medical electronic
equivalent of an integrator op-amp provides the total voltage of a circuit over a
certain time period. The output of an op-amp integrator is a triangular waveform.
/1-6
CHAPTER ELEVEN REVIEW QUESTIONS I=!+
Name: --------------------------
Date: ---------------------------
1. What is the gain (Av) of a unity (voltage follower) op-amp?
2. Explain the difference between a differential op-amp (cliff amp) and a differentia tor
op-amp.
3. What is the gain (Av) of an op-amp with Rin equal to 100 ohms and Rf equal to lk ohms?
4. Troubleshooting scenario: You have an op-amp circuit with no output. Explain the
troubleshooting process to determine the cause.
5. List three uses for an oscillator and describe each use.

CHAPTER ELEVEN LABORATORY EXERCISE 11.1: JJ-{
Operational Amplifiers
Name: _____________
Date: _____________
Objectives
1. Understand the signal amplification process of an operational amplifier.

2. Build a unity gain amplifier.
3. Build a multiple gain amplifier.
Materials
741 op amp
Resistor pack (various% W resistors)
Power supply+/- 15 volt
Signal generator
Oscilloscope (bench)
Procedure
1. Build the op-amp circuit shown in Figure Lll-1. (Refer to book or notes if needed.)
2. Calculate the expected gain (Av) from the op-amp circuit (Refer to book or notes if
needed.)
3. Measure a 10mV sine wave signal from the signal generator, with the oscilloscope.
4. Apply a 10mV signal to the inverting input.
5. Measure the output signal on the oscilloscope.
6. Record your results in Table 1.

8. Calculate the expected gain (Av) from the op-amp circuit (Refer to book or notes if
needed.)
9. Measure a lOmV sine wave signal from the signal generator, with the oscilloscope.
10. Apply a 10mV signal to the inverting input.
11. Measure the output signal on the oscilloscope.
12. Record your results in Table 2.
Explain the results from Tables 1 & 2 on a separate sheet of paper. Do the measured results
correspond to the calculated results? Explain the percent error in calculated vs. measured gain.
TABLE 1 Unity Gain Amplifier
Calculated Gain (Av)

Measured Gain (Av)
Percent Error
TABLE2 Multiple Gain Amplifier
Calculated Gain (Av)

Measured Gain (Av)
Percent Error
Circuit Lll-1
I Z3 J
Vout
-15v
l
Circuit Lll-2
Vout
-15v
CHAPTER ELEVEN LABORATORY EXERCISE 11.2:
Operational Amplifiers
Name: _____________
Date: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Objectives
1. Apply the knowledge of operational amplifiers to build a working device.
2. Build a DC voltmeter.
3. Build an AC/DC voltmeter.
Materials
741 op amp
Resistor pack (various V4 W resistors)
1000 ohm potentiometer
Analog Panel Milliammeter with a lOrnA swing
Power supply+/- 15 volt
Signal generator
Digital multimeter
Theory and Set Up
Using a panel ammeter to measure current in the op-amp feedback loop, it is possible to build
and calibrate a high-resistance DC voltmeter. Place the milliammeter in the normal position
for the Rf resistor. Add a 1000 ohm potentiometer in series with the panel meter as shown in
circuit L10-3. Apply a measured voltage to the non-inverting input. Check the deflection of the
ammeter corresponding to the input voltage. Start with a 0.5 V de measured input voltage and
increase in increments of 0.5 volts. The ammeter deflection should be linear (have the same
movement) for each 0.5 Vdc increment increase. You may want to use the potentiometer to
adjust the deflection to an exact decimal reading on the ammeter. Using this "known meter
deflection" it is possible to input an unknown voltage at the non-inverting input and read a
corresponding DC voltage.
Procedure
2. Have the instructor inspect your circuit before moving to Step 3.

3. Measure 0.5 Vdc from your power supply with your digital multimeter.
4. Apply 0.5 Vdc from the power supply to the non-inverting input of the op-amp.
5. Notice and record the deflection on the ammeter in Table 1. You may use the
potentiometer to move the deflection to a common reference point on the ammeter.
6. Repeat Step 3 but increase the voltage to 1.0 Vde.
7. Repeat Step 5
8. Repeat Step 3 with additional increments of 0.5 Vde until you reach 4.0 Vde.
9. Repeat Step 5 with each 0.5 Vdc increment.
10. Make a graph of deflection setting vs. voltage.
11. Have the instructor select an "unknown" voltage from the DC power supply between 0.5-
4.0 Vdc.
12. Apply the unknown DC voltage to the non-inverting input of the op-amp.
13. Record the deflection in Table 1.
14. Estimate the value of the unknown voltage based on your graph of deflection setting vs.
voltage.
15. Measure the actual"unknown" voltage with your DMM.
16. Record the results in Table 1.

I 85""
17. On a separate sheet of paper, discuss the actual DMM measurement of the unknown Vde
and the value of the unknown Vde based on your graph of deflection setting vs. voltage. What
was the percent error in the two values? Explain how this error might have occurred.
TABLE 1 OP-AMP CIRCUIT/DC VOLTMETER
0.5 Vdc Deflection Reading

3.0Vdc Deflection Reading
Unknown voltage Deflection Reading
Unknown voltage DMM Measurement
Graph Deflection Reading vs. Voltage
11
10
9
en
c
""'0
8
ro
QJ 7
cc
c 6
0
+-'
u 5
QJ
;:;::
QJ 4
0
3
2
1
0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Voltage Input
Circuit Lll-3
I - Ei 3 +
m- R
I
Measured
voltage E
I
____.J+ 0.5 V
-V
L97-
Chapter 12: Board-Level Troubleshooting
• Device repair priorities
• Applying a block diagram of a medical device in the troubleshooting and repair

processes
• Isolating repair problems
• Recognizing and applying knowledge of device inputs and device outputs in the
troubleshooting and repair processes
Historical Device Repair Perspective

Recent (post 1999) changes in healthcare modalities, clinical processes, and financial
reimbursement have required a new perspective in the repair and maintenance of
medical devices. Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) must apply critical
thinking and knowledge of clinical process in prioritizing maintenance and repair of
facility medical equipment. The lowered cost and increased reliability of electronic
components and the rise of healthcare fees create repair decisions that were
nonexistent twenty years ago. In the introduction of this book, the authors stated
that the concentration of troubleshooting processes presented would be confined
primarily to power supplies and printed circuit boards. This is a new paradigm in
medical device repair. Most seasoned biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs)
were taught to repair devices at the component failure. In the past, much time and
effort was spent in the BMET education process teaching this component-level repair
process. This historical practice of the repair of medical devices is not always cost
effective in today's healthcare settings.
The big picture of healthcare economics is as important in determining the repair

process as knowledge of the repair process itself. If an ultrasound machine is
reported as malfunctioning, the time to bring the machine back on line and the
number of patients scheduled for procedures with that particular ultrasound
machine during this downtime must be considered in the troubleshooting
process. This decision making prioritizing is known as "critical thinking" in the
troubleshooting process.
A typical flow chart for critical thinking in troubleshooting is illustrated in Figure

12.01.
Figure Device failure
12.01
Complete
temporary repair
of device
Are there
Can a repair other devices
be completed with available for patient
no risk? use?
Get device from other source as soon as possible Continue with basic medical device
troubleshooting process
The Concept of Board-Level Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is not a skill that you are necessarily born with but certain personal
character traits seem to improve troubleshooting proficiency. Some of these traits
are: a natural curiosity about what makes things work, an understanding of the
physical principles of nature, a sense of satisfaction in completing a repair, and the
intellectual stimulation involved in problem solving.
Board-level troubleshooting is a process of using systems level problem solving

to correct a device malfunction. Board-level troubleshooting should start with a
review of power supply outputs, unless an obvious situation presents itself. "Dirty
power" is a common cause of device microprocessor and sensor problems. Dirty
power refers to a DC voltage with a large amount of AC voltage (ripple) or a large
fluctuation in DC voltage.
If it has been determined that the test point voltages of the power supply are within
tolerance, then the next step in the process is to confirm that the voltage required
Board-Level Troubleshooting 189
at the board level is within tolerance. If the voltage at the test point of the board is
correct and the output of the board is incorrect, it can be assumed that the problem
is board related.
Isolating Device Repair Problems

Turn off the power to the device and remove the suspect board. Clean the board
contacts with a non-corrosive spray that is recommended for "board washing."
Inspect the contact slots to ensure that they are free from debris. The board contacts
should be clean and absent of any dull metallic color. A pencil eraser can be used
to mechanically clean the oxidized metal contacts. Reseat (re-insert) the suspect
board into the contact slot and turn on the power to the device. Use a simulator to
determine if the output from the board returns to the expected state. If the problem
remains, a board exchange is indicated.
Most parts manufacturers will provide a rebate (reduced price) on the purchase
of a replacement board. If you attempt to resolder components, you will probably
lose any rebate provision. Board-level troubleshooting is cost effective if the steps
indicated above are followed. Simply inserting boards until the correct output is
achieved is NOT board-level troubleshooting and in most instances will not be cost
effective but very time consuming. Additionally, if the board-level troubleshooting
process is not followed, the actual problem causing the malfunction will cause
further damage to the device, additional downtime and added expense.
Check all fuses from the power supply to the suspect board. Loading effects
(see Basic Troubleshooting Methods) may cause blown fuses. Check all cooling
apparatus such as fans and heat sinks to ensure that they are providing proper
heat transduction away from the sensitive components. Clean or replace them if
necessary. The device should also have breathing room (proper distance away
from enclosures and other equipment to provide air circulation around the
device). Always clean the exterior of the device as a final step in your maintenance
procedure. These simple maintenance procedures will prolong the life of the
equipment and reduce unnecessary work orders and equipment replacement costs.
Properly performing equipment not only accomplishes cost effective work

flow processes, it also makes a positive impression on your customers (clinical
practitioners and patients). By ensuring that your biomedical equipment is always
in proper working order, you are contributing to positive outcomes of the patients
visiting your facility by guarantying the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures of your technology.
The Decision-Making Process: When to Repair the Board

In some instances it may be necessary to repair the board. If the clinical procedure
is critical or the procedure must be completed in order that no harm comes to the
patient, the BMET must use critical thinking and ingenuity. In his book Critical
Careers: A Guide to Opportunities in Medical Equipment Service (Upstream Press, 2001),
Roger Bowles coined the term "BMETs, the special forces of healthcare" to define
these particular circumstances. The goal of the BMET in these scenarios is to do
whatever it takes to make the device operational to finish the procedure, without
inducing risk to the patient.
Another scenario, which may require repair of the board, is in cases where the
device is no longer supported by parts (refurbished boards) from any vendor. After
the repair process is complete, the BMET may want to address upgrading this
particular piece of equipment, since it could result in patient harm and litigation.

Board-level repair: The concentration of troubleshooting processes that are confined
primarily to power supplies and printed circuit boards. The entire board is replaced
rather than a single component. Board-level troubleshooting is a process of using
systems level problem solving to correct a device malfunction.
Breathing room: A proper distance away from enclosures and other equipment to
provide air circulation around the device.
Dirty power: A DC voltage with a large amount of AC voltage (ripple) or a large

fluctuation in DC voltage.
Rebate: Reduced price on the purchase of a replacement board when the failed
board is returned.
Reseat: Firmly removing and reinserting a board into the contact slot to remove
oxidation on the contacts.
/9}
CHAPTER TWELVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: ----------------------------
Date: -----------------------------
1. You are paged to the cardiac catheriazation lab. There is a clinical procedure in
progress. All of the physiologic signal display channels show only a constant line.
Which of the following critical thinking processes should you follow:
a. Determine if the leads and cables to all of the signal channels are
properly connected.
b. If the answer to "a" is yes, can you get to the power supply and
boards without disrupting the clinical process or causing risk to the patient?
c. Can you test the voltage to the signal board without risk to the patient?
d. Can or should you attempt to repair the board?
e. Can the patient be moved into an available room?
2. The ultrasound machine in room #4 has a head display distortion problem. Six patients
are scheduled for this room today. Explain what actions you can take to solve this
problem. What members of the clinical staff will you communicate with? Who should
you discuss your proposed solution with first?
3. You are working on some preventive maintenance (PM) procedures for the emergency
room over the weekend. One of the devices you are testing has a defect. There is a serious
multiple auto crash resulting in three serious trauma injuries being transported into your
hospital's emergency room. The emergency nurse informs you that all three of the devices
you have been inspecting are required "STAT" in trauma rooms #1, #2, and #3. You know
there is another exact device in the biomed shop with a bad power supply. What are your
options? What critical thinking processes should you follow? List all clinical personnel
that you should be involved in your proposed medical device solution.
4. You work for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The self-diagnostics on the
bedside monitor indicate that board #3 is malfunctioning. Your options are:
1. Call in a board from another biomed working for your company that is 100 miles from
your location.
2. Test the power supply of the bedside monitor, and the power to the suspect board.
3. Remove the suspect board and examine it for improper seating or non-conductive
debris in the contact slot.
4. Take a suspect board from the bedside monitor next to the one you're working on.
Also, What communication should you provide the clinical staff and the in-house
biomeds?
Chapter 13: Repair of Wireless Devices
After completing this chapter you will be able to:
• Describe a typical hospital telephony system.
• Describe a typical "Local Area Network" (LAN).
• Describe a wireless enterprise system.
• Describe the block diagram of a typical wireless medical device.
• Describe common medical device frequencies and bandwidth.
• Describe methods used to transmit and receive wireless information.
• Describe the block diagram of an ECG telemetry system.
• Describe common wireless medical device failures.
• Describe the causes of electromagnetic interference.
• Demonstrate wireless medical device troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrate restoration techniques of wireless medical device failures.
Introduction
Wireless technology has entered the healthcare realm, and it is here to stay. There
will be a continuum of applications for wireless capabilities of individual medical
devices as well as entire medical device systems, hospital-to-hospital wireless
systems and medical device-to-vendor/service technician virtual diagnostics.
Understanding wireless technology is an essential skill set for biomedical
technicians. There has been much discussion and turf battles between Information
Technology (IT) Departments and Clinical Engineering (CE) Departments within
the hospital concerning the responsibility for maintaining wireless systems. Life
science courses in anatomy, physiology and systems biology are a core component
of all biomedical equipment technology and biomedical engineering programs.
Biomedical equipment technicians understand the clinical or patient care aspect
of health care, which is an application of medical technology and life sciences.
Internship programs reinforce this intrinsic relationship of life sciences and medical
device applications with hands-on experience. There is an innate task urgency
and risk to the patient during a medical device failure. This characteristic of the
CE environment cannot be duplicated or rationalized in the IT environment. It is
the opinion of the authors that wireless communications of healthcare devices are
a natural extension of the responsibilities of biomedical equipment technicians.

Untrained and untested IT professionals create unnecessary added risk to patients
and healthcare staff in the clinical setting.
The wireless gadget world began with pocket pagers and was extended
exponentially with the application of cell phones. Internal wireless medical
devices consist of two major network designs: 1) real-time physiologic information
transmission to handheld device (point-of-care devices)- downloaded information
from handheld device using infrared or physical connection to database and 2)
physiologic information transmission from patient connected device to internal
antennae hard-wired to monitors and database (telemetry). A hybrid medical device
wireless network utilizes one or both of the two main network designs inside the
hospital with an interface to the hospital telephony network or to another data
transmission system outside of the hospital. These multi-building systems are
known as enterprise network systems.
Each of these three wireless networks are illustrated by the block diagrams; figure
13.1 point-of-care wireless system, figure 13.2 telemetry system, and figure 13.3
hybrid wireless system.
Figure Point-of-Care (POC) System Block Diagram

13.01
(device stores patient data directly from nurses input or fro, sensors in the device)
>
,..-......._, Main terminal
wireless data '-._./ Operating System
(POC device) _ ....
...
...
....
....
'-..._
Transmission of data can be: 1) wireless or common monitor for nurses & physicians
2) Direct connection with USB port to computer monitor
Figure Telemetry System

monitor
13.02
>«§) r:::::::::::>
Patient (3-lead connection) . . 7' (Co-Ax cable)
Transmitter s1gnal to antennae
Phsiological Information
in "real-time" ECG
Repair of Wireless Devices 195
Figure Internal Wireless System with External Interface
13.03
Hospital Data Base
External Storage & Retrieval or Other Hospital Data Base
(infonnation gathered
patient's bedside)
U-----=:>;;..lnfomation read from
common monitor
Information read directly from the POC device

POC Device
(typical bandwidth is in the giga-hertz (GHz) range for signal transmission)
*Note: cell phones also use a bandwidth in the giga-hertz range. Cell phones may
cause interference with POC signals!
The common monitor in Figure 13.3 may be at the same hospital where the POC
device resides or it may be at a sister hospital. Information is transmitted by
a wireless mode and received by a common frequency antennae, which feeds
information from the receiver to the monitor.
The main purpose of a POC device is to bring the technology to the patient;
instead of bringing the patient to the technology!
Troubleshooting techniques with POC devices are similar to traditional devices BUT
physical connections must be tested and problems with signal transmission and
signal reception must be tested.
Public Domain (Operating) Telephone System (POTS)
Within the hospital, there is a hard-wired telephone system that connects to the
public domain telephone system. This system is known as the "Public Operating
Telephone System" or POTS. Professionals in the telephone business commonly
refer to POTS as the "Plain Old Telephone System" (Figure 13.4). Figure 13.5
illustrates a typical hospital or clinic telephone system.
Figure Public Domain Operating Telephone System (POTS)

13.04 Local
Businesses
Switch Hospital
I
I Hospital
Central PBX
Telephone
Office in Local
your city Residence
Personal cell
phone
Telephone Trunks & Routing from Main Terminal

(Major Phone Company- Sprint, Bell, Verizon, AT&T ect.)
Figure Block Diagram of Hospital-to-Public Telephone Operating System

13.05
Office phones in the hospital or POC devices
/ /
Server or command system

/
Internet
PBX
POC Devices
Figure 12.5 Block Diagram of Hospital-to-Public Telephone Operating System

[ Private Branch Exchange (PBX) ]
Repair of Wireless Devices 19 7
Figure Local Area Network
Wireless Signal
13.06
Internet
(fax machine)
ED
Other computers or receiving devices in the network (Network Operating System)
Local area networks (LANs) connect several individual electronic communications

devices into a shared group. The individual devices are connected as "members" of
a common operating system known as the "network operating system" (NOS).
Normally, one person or group (Information Technology) will be responsible for

the maintenance and control of the NOS. The advantages of a LAN with NOS
administration include: network security, the ability to share common files and
printers, file protection and direct access to files and directories through virtual
drives.
A wireless medical device may be passive (sends or receives data only) or it may
contain algorithms (short computer programs that provide data collection and
transmission commands or signal processing actions). Some of the newer wireless
medical devices contain "fuzzy logic" algorithms. Fuzzy logic allows the program
to "learn" commands as it applies algorithms that provide "best fit for scenario."
Figure 13.6 demonstrates the ability of a LAN system to access the Internet with a
wireless connection. The system could also connect to another hospital's LAN with
a wireless connection.
Troubleshooting Wireless Medical Device Failures
Finding the cause of the problem in any medical device begins with an inspection of
the area where the device is located and using your eyes, ears and nose. You may
want to review Chapter Four "Basic Troubleshooting Methods." You will use the
same techniques to begin your troubleshooting process with wireless devices that
are used for standard medical devices. If possible, ask the nurse or technician what
problems they noticed when the device failed. This will save several steps in the
troubleshooting process. This technique also provides the nurse or technician with
an assurance that you are helping to resolve "their" problem. Remember, nothing
is more important in your role of biomedical engineer or biomedical technician
than excellence in customer service. You are now in a position to begin a planned
troubleshooting process. You should always write down what you observe and
what comments the nurse or technician has provided. Use an iPod, note pad,
laptop or whatever technology your department provides to record all of this
information. You have just completed step 1 in the troubleshooting process. This
is the most important step in the troubleshooting process. Everything that happens
after this is based on your initial observations and also the fact that you have made
a personal introduction to the clinical staff. You have just built a great platform for
troubleshooting of a medical device and also excellence in customer service. Now
let's step through the troubleshooting process:
1) Was there any obvious physical damage to the device?
A. This is an obvious place to start your troubleshooting process. Review your

notes. Is there anything in your notes that corresponds to what you observe
from the damaged device? Are there any loose wires or broken connections?
Can the unit be powered up if the wires or connections are reconnected? Is
the monitor damaged?
2) Is there power to the unit?
A. This will be indicated if the display panel or monitor is blank. A blank screen
or unlit display panel may also be caused by loose connections internally, a
loss of sensor reception or a damaged monitor. Remember, a point-of-care or
mobile device is battery powered. A larger central device will have a power
supply; trace the power cord back to the area where the power supply is
located.
B. No power to the unit does not necessarily mean that the power supply or
battery supply system are not functional. Check the voltage at the power
supply output. Again, reviewChapter Four for the procedure of testing for
power output. There may be harness connections to the monitor or display
system that have come loose. If you have voltage from the power supply,
the problem is somewhere between the power supply and the portion of the
unit that is not functioning. Half-step through the device until you find an
area that does not show a voltage reading on your DMM or has a low voltage
reading. Correct the problem at this point in the system.
3) If the nurse or technician states that they see "snow" or loose visual display on
the monitor in an intermittent manner, you should be think about a possible
cause of electro-magnetic interference (EMI).
A. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a signal or group of signals that are

more powerful (in Watts) crossing the path of the signal you wish to view.
Some causes of EMI include digital TV stations, citizen band (CB) radio in
close proximity to your signal, university physics projects with large magnetic
waves and unshielded X-ray or MRI signals.
Figure Wireless Device
13.07
Wireless signal
j Receiver Viewing monitor
B. EMI problems are difficult to troubleshoot. Many times the EMI signal will
be intermittent. Move the POC device to different locations in the hospital. Is
there a location that is problematic? Elevator and air handler units may create
low frequency or mid-frequency high energy signals. Meet with the Safety
Committee and discuss the facts you have documented. Recommendations
include signage in problematic areas, mesh wiring in ceilings and walls in
problematic areas (this will not be a popular recommendation but it is very
effective) and covering the POC transmitter in aluminum foil. Grounding
your device is the primary means to remove radio frequency interference
(RFI) and EMI. A grounding strap from the chassis to a grounded electrical
outlet is the best means to remove EMI. A grounded environment with some
type of wire mesh ceilings and walls is also an excellent means to remove
unwanted external electrical charge interference. This is usually not a feasible
solution in most medical facilities except in areas with a sleep lab.
4) Use a simulator with the same frequency to test the signal acuity at the receptor.
Turn on the signal simulator. If the signal receptor displays the signal on the
monitor, your problem is now limited to the transmitter or the device itself.
5) If you turn on the simulator and no signal appears on the monitor, check the
antennae feed for telemetry type systems. An open coupling is a common
antennae problem.
Glossary of Terms
Bandwidth: The frequencies centered around the main frequency of a data or

voice transmission. As an example, if the main frequency is 10kHz there will be a
frequency above (12kHz) and below (8kHz) the main frequency. This "band" from
8kHz to 12kHz is the "bandwidth" of the transmission.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): An invisible energy wave, packet, or electrical

transmission signal that has more power in Watts/meter than a lower power
signal of interest. The effect of EMI will be displayed on a monitor as "snow" or a

complete "white out" of the signal intended to be displayed on the monitor. EMI
has dangerous potential in medical devices that are hard-wired (antennae) or
wireless that are intended to monitor electrocardiograms (ECGs) and vital signs of
blood pressure, temperature and respiratory functions.
Local area network: A system of connected devices in a designated area, usually an

office configuration, single building or two or more buildings in close proximity, that
share a common communications link and a central server.
Network: A communications or data system that is designed to accommodate

several users for several functions.
Point of Care (POC) Device: A device in the medical field that is portable and
designed with the function of obtaining patient information and/or sensors to obtain
physiological data, ultrasound images and skeletal muscle scans at the bedside or
site where the patient is located. This is a new paradigm in health care organization
where the medical device required for testing is taken to the patient instead of the
patient being required to go to the medical device. POC devices may store patient
information in the device for "downloading" after initial input or the information
may be transmitted by wireless means in real-time to the nurses station, admitting
station, central server or all of the mentioned locations.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX): An internal phone system located within the
premises of the facility that has all the essential functions of a local telephone
company. A PBX has voice mail, call forwarding, message call greetings and call
center functions.
Public Domain Operating System (POTS): This is a term used to describe the
telephony system that may be accessed by all users (the public) within a telephone
company's geographical area. A voice or data transmission may leave one telephone
company's geographical domain and enter another through a series of "central
office" telephone connections. POTS are also called "land line" connections, since
the final connection to the user involves use of wire cables or fiber optic cables that
physically connect the transmission "over land" and not with a wireless connection
such as a cell phone. Land line systems have an advantage over wireless systems
due to their immunity to EMI. In a natural disaster or bioterrorist scenario, a land
line is more secure and reliable than a wireless cell transmission. All hospitals
should have a dedicated land line for disaster scenarios. If the internal PBX system
is compromised a VHF transmission system should be available as a back up.
Internal communications should include an internal network of "radio phones."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN REVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
1. If a 3-lead connection to a patient is not connected with the green or red lead to the patient's
lower abdominal side, what problems will this cause with monitor signals?
2. If the leads of a 3-lead telemetry system have not been changed in 3 or more days, hair or
sweat may cause a disconnected reception signal to the monitor. How do you resolve this
problem? How do you recognize this problem?
3. Explain how you would distinguish between a low battery problem on a POC device and a
disconnection of the power supply (battery) to the POC main board.
4. Explain the purpose of a POC and how it differs from a standard medical device.
5. Explain the troubleshooting process in determining that you have a problem with EMI.
6. If you have determined that you have an EMI problem, what steps should you take to
remedy the problem?

7. T F You have determined that you have an EMI problem. Never communicate this
problem with the nurse or technician since it may cause anxiety in patient care.
8. Explain the troubleshooting process to determine if you have a transmitter or receiver

problem with signal to the monitor. Use a simulator.
9. What is the purpose of a simulator in troubleshooting a signal problem?
10. You are called to the ER concerning a problem with a POC device. Explain the steps you
would take in the troubleshooting problem. Do not forget the customer service aspect in
your role as a BMET or biomedical engineer.
11. Describe problems that could occur in a LAN system that are unique to the LAN
configuration. Think about the device-to-device connections.
Epilogue: The Future of Medical Devices 203
Epilogue: The Future of Medical Devices

Nanotechnology and biotechnology will define the 21st century. Without knowledge
of these technologies, you will be without the tools needed to be proficient in your
career field. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary science based on chemistry and
physics. Essentially, nanotechnology is the science that studies the effects and/or
manipulates objects 100 nanometers or less in size. A nanometer is 1 x 10/\-9 meters,
or a billionth of a meter. Particles in the nanometer range do not obey the traditional
rules of physics. Quantum physics defines the actions of nanotechnology. This
phenomenon of quantum physics creates some interesting possibilities for assembly
of "nano devices." Imagine creating a device that has the ability to enter a cell and
move proteins in and out of the cell or repair damage to a cell wall. This will be the
medical device of the future.
Biotechnology is the interdisciplinary science of cellular biology, anatomy and

physiology, biochemistry, computer science and biomedical engineering that is
used to modify or study genetic makeup, DNA or genetic sequences and cellular
responses to such transactions. Wow! What an impressive combination of sciences.
At first glance, it may also seem a bit overwhelming. The rules of biotechnology
are actually quite simple to learn. An introductory course in biotechnology is
recommended in order to understand the terminology of the science.
Biotechnology begins with the human genome. Congress commissioned the

Institute of Health in 1990 to "map" the human genome. This was known
collectively as the "Human Genome Project." The purpose of the project was to
identify every gene in the human body. A genome is the complete identification
of all genes within a living organism. After five years of research on the Human
Genome Project, about 80% of the human genes had been identified. The project
accumulated a mountain of information. This information was extremely important
and several genes related to serious diseases had been identified. The project
was stopped at this point in order to sift through all of the data that had been
collected. It is estimated that it will take an additional ten years to sort, examine,
and test the information collected. Humans have about 25,000 genes contained in
the deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) and proteins of 23 human chromosomes. A
chromosome is a tightly packed coiled unit of DNA and protein. Chromosomes are
numbered from one to twenty three based on their length. Chromosome number
one is the longest and number 22 is the shortest. Chromosome 23 is identified by the
XX or XY pair.
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10
H .
11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 X y
Chromosome 23 is the gender chromosome. If you have the XY 23rd chromosome

you are male if you have the XX chromosome you are a female.
So what does all this nanotechnology, microscopic cell tool and chromosome
stuff have to do with your career in biomedical technology? In short, everything!
Medical devices will consist of small tongue depressor sized diagnostic tools that
can be used in the doctor's office. On the "tongue depressor" will be micro-channels
that connect several "wells" of different proteins. The nurse will swab your mouth
and extract some DNA. The DNA will be cleaned of tissue and debris, and a micro-
pipette will place a small amount of your DNA into the "well" of the device. As your
DNA runs through the micro-fluidic channels across the wells filled with special
DNA pieces or proteins a reaction will take place indicating specific health problems.
The "plastic stick" with the samples will be run through a spectrometer. The
spectrometer will print out a spectrograph. The lines one the spectrograph indicate
the presence of certain protein combinations.
These protein combinations detect cells such as breast and colon cancer, or problems
with other organs in the body. This "lab-on-a-chip" is being used for limited tests
currently. As "recombinant DNA'' and "gene markers" are better understood, the
"lab-on-a-chip" medical device will become more widely used. This will allow
many tests now done in the hospital lab to be done in the doctor's office.
Epilogue: The Future of Medical Devices 205
The device technology that must be understood by biomedical engineers and
biomedical technicians will be in the area of spectrometry. Take classes in mass
spectrometry. Go to seminars that involve the used of biotechnology devices.
This technology is moving at a rapid pace. There will still be infusion pumps,
centrifuges, and bed scales to repair and calibrate in the hospital. Many medical
devices will become smaller, smarter, and more technical in their capability.
Following these trends will make you a technician or engineer that is in demand,
and your pay increases will follow that demand.
Appendix A: Common Resistor Values 207
Appendix A: Common Resistor Values
Standard values of commercially available resistors.
Ohms Kilohms Megohms

(0) (kO) (MO)
NoTE: Boldface figures are 10% values.

Appendix 8: Technical Math 209
Appendix B: Technical Math

Conversion Tables - Powers of 10
Example of powers of 10:
100,000 1x105
1,000,000 1x106
0.0001 o-1. 0-2_ 0-30-4_ 1 1x10-4
0.01 1x10-2
Positive power of 10 <E------0.0--? Negative power of 10
Multiplying and dividing with powers of 10
1000
= 103 -;- 10-2 = 103 • 102 = 1 X 10 (3+2) = 1 X 105
0.01
1000 X 0.01 = 103 • 10-2 = 1 X 10(3-2) = 1 X 101
(1,000)(10,000) = 103 • 104 = 1 X 10(3+4) = 1 X 107
(100)(0.0001) = 102 • 10-4 = 1x 10(2-4l = 1x 10-2
Power of 10 Prefix Abbreviation
1012 Tera T
109 Gig a G
106 Mega M
103 Kilo k
10-3 Milli m
10-6 Micro f1
10-9 Nano n
10-12 Pi co p
De/ta-Wye Transformation
R = RaRb
2 Ra + Rb + Rc
R = RbRc
3 Ra + Rb + Rc
+ R1R3 + R2R3
R=------
a R3
Energy
Energy is the amount of power used over a period of time. It may be defined by:
W=Ptwhere W energy (W-s, J)

p power (W)
t time (s)
For most practical prposes, W-s is too small a quantity, so energy may be defined also in terms
of watt-hour (W-h) or kilowatt-hour (kW-h).
Kirchoff's Current Law
Kirchoff's Current Law states that the algebraic sum of the currents entering and leaving a
junction (node) is zero. In other words, the sum of the currents entering a node equals the sum
of the currents leaving the node.
Kirchoff's Voltage Law
Kirchoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that the algebraic sum of the potential rises and drops
around a closed loop (or path) is zero. In other words, the sum of the potential rises will equal
the sum of the potential drops around a closed path.
Maximum Power Transfer
A load will receive maximum power from a linear bilateral DC network when its total resistive
value is exactly equal to the equivalent (Thevenin or source) resistance of the network as seen
by the load.
Appendix B: Technical Math 211
Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law states that for a fixed resistance, the amount of current flowing though the device
is directly proportional to the amount of voltage (pressure) imposed across the device, and is
defined by the equation:
V=IR where v voltage (V)

I current (A)
R resistance (0)
Applications
Ohm's Law-Common Algebra Conversions and Related Equations
V = I•R (Voltage is equal to the current in amperes multiplied by the resistance in ohms)
Example I: Find the voltage of the DC circuit in the figure above if the current is 100
milliamperes.
Step one: Find the total resistance Rt. RT = R1 + R2 + R3 = 1000 + 1500 + 2000 = 4500
Step two: Plug in the known values for Ohm's Law. Voltage = Current 0.001 A (convert
milliamperes [1x10-3 amperes] into amperes) X resistance 450 ohms=
0.001A x 450 = 0.450 Volts.
Example II: Find the DC current in the figure above if the voltage source is 10V.
Step one: Find the total resistance Rt. RT=R1+R2+R3=100(0)+150(0)+200(0)=450(0)
Step two: Plug in the known values for Ohm's Law. Voltage (10V) =current (the
unknown value) X total resistance (450(0))
Step three: Create an equation to solve for "I" (DC current).
DC Current (I)- Voltage/Resistance= 10V/450(0)= 0.222V/(O) = 0.222A

Example III: Find the total resistance of the circuit if the voltage is SV and the current is O.OlA.
In order to find total resistance, both the voltage and current of the circuit must be
calculated. In this problem both values for voltage and current are given in a "live
circuit" the voltage must be measured, in order to calculate total resistance (Rt) of a
circuit.
Create an equation to solve for "Rt" (total resistance).
Total Resistance (Rt) =Voltage/Current= SV/O.OlA = 500 (0)

Appendix C: Useful Web Sites 213
Appendix C: Useful Web Sites
www.aha.org
American Hospital Association

840 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-6374
www.ashe.org
American Society for Healthcare Engineering

One North Franklin 28th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 422-3800
Contains information on testing of electrical and electronic components. Good resource

for conferences. Useful job site information
www.aami.org
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 220
Arlington, VA 22201-4795
(703) 525-4890
www.fda.gov/cdrh
Safe Medical Devices Act/Center for Devices and Radiological Health
www.cdc.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3534
www.howstuffworks.com
HowStuffWorks.com
C/0 Convex Group, Inc.
One Capital City Plaza
3350 Peachtree Road, Suite 1500
Atlanta, GA 30326
www.ieee.org
IEEE Operations Center

445 Hoes Lane,
Piscataway, NJ 08854-1331
(732) 981-0060
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, one of the more established

professional organizations. Some of their articles are a bit esoteric. Useful job site
information.
www.jcaho.org
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 792-5000
www.nfpa.org
National Fire Protection Association

1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
(617) 770-3000
www.newegg.com
Newegg.com
132 South 6th Avenue
La Puente, CA 91746-3026
(909) 395-9046
Electronic supplies including power supplies.

Appendix C: Useful Web Sites 215
www.rsna.org
Radiological Society of North America

820 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60532-2251
(630) 571-2670
Index 217
Index
A
AC motors, 84-85, 87
block diagram, 87
single-phase, 85-87
troubleshooting, 87-89
alternating & direct current theory, 33-48
AC/DC voltage, 33-34, 110, 146
frequency and, 34-35
glossary, 40-41
house voltage, 33-34, 109
laboratory exercise, 47-48
review questions, 43-44
suggested reading, 41
switching power supplies, 114-115
amplifiers, 143-155
Class A amplifier circuits, 143, 146
Class B (push-pull mode), 108, 144
Class C amplifier circuits, 145
common emitter circuit, 149-151
glossary, 146-148
two-stage amplifier, 153-155
B
bandwidth, 199
Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs)
critical thinking and, 187-188
excellence in customer service, 197-198
web sites, 213-215
block diagrams
AC motor block diagram, 87
DC motor block diagram, 87
electrical safety test, 9
Point-of-Care (POC) system, 194, 200
power supply, 52, 93, 102, 123-128
switching voltage power supply, 114
board-level troubleshooting, 187-192
concept of, 188
critical thinking and, 187-188
decision making process, 190
glossary, 190
historical perspective, 187-188
isolating device repair problems, 189
c
calibration (CAL), 8
capacitors, 100-102
capacitor start motor, 89
laboratory review questions, 141
cardioversion and voltage potentials, 3
centrifuge, 72, 73, 91
replacing brushes, 72
circuits
circuit loading, 53
common emitter circuit, 149-151
integrated, 158-159
open circuits, 53, 55
shorted circuits, 54, 55
critical thinking
flow chart for troubleshooting, 188
current
current flow, 34, 41
left-hand rule and, 80-81, 90, 91
measuring with a digital multimeter, 38
D
DC (direct current). See AC/DC voltage
DC motors, 83-84, 87
DC motor block diagram, 87
DC voltmeter, 183-186
digital multimeter (DMM), 36-39, 41
digital volt meter (DVM). See digital multimeter
diodes, 98-99, 125, 129, 146
AC to DC rectification and, 99
diode construction, 98
forward bias condition, 147
full-wave bridge configuration, 129
full-wave rectification, 110-111, 116
half-wave rectification, 110, 116-117
reverse bias condition, 148
E
electric shock and industrial safety systems, 1, 11
laboratory exercise, 17-19,21-22
macroshock and microshock, 4-5
safety practices, 1-3
electrical safety analyzers, 8-9, 12
electrical safety test, 9
Index 219
electromagnetic interference (EMI), 198-199,200
electromechanical devices
glossary, 72
troubleshooting, 67, 71
electronic components
diodes, 98-99
field effect transistors, 105-106
filtering, 99-102
power supply, 93
rectifiers and semiconductors, 97-98
review questions, 107
transformers, 94-97
voltage regulators, 102-104
electronic motors, 89
AC motors, 84-85
single-phase, 85-87
brushes, 83, 88
capacitor start motor, 89
centrifugal switch, 86, 89
common symptoms of motor failure, 87-88
commutator, 89
DC motors, 83-84
electromagnetic principles, 79-83
failure modes and repair, 87-89
glossary, 89
squirrel cage rotor, 84, 90
start windings & run windings, 85, 86
stator, 79, 80, 81, 87, 89, 90
electronic schematics, 23-28
common electronic symbols, 24
glossary, 28
how to read, 23
reference ground, 26-27
test points, 27, 28
troubleshooting techniques with, 27
understanding resistor values, 25-26
F
failure modes (understanding)
clinical failure-use error, 51, 55
electromechanical failure, 51, 55
electronic failure, 52, 55, 65-66
mechanical failure, 51
Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, 80, 90
feedback system, 116
filtering, 99-102, 111, 119, 126, 146
capacitors and, 100
flow charts, 129
critical thinking, 188
power supply troubleshooting, 128
op-amp troubleshooting, 174
frequency, 41
AC/DC voltage and, 34-35
fuse replacement, 125, 128, 131, 189
G
ground fault current interrupters (GFCI), 6-7, 9, 11
diagram, 6
grounding
concept of, 9-11
ground wire, 10, 11
neutral wire, 11
reference ground, 26-27
three-prong plugs, 10-11
H
Hertz (Hz), 33
hot wire, 10, 11
Human Genome Project, 203-204
1-J-K
inverted and noninverted signal implication, 160-163
calculating signal gain, 162
unity gain op-amp circuits, 163
Kirchoff's Laws
current, 6, 36, 41, 210
voltage, 36, 210
L
laboratory safety rules, 15, 45
troubleshooting and, 59
left-hand rule, 80, 81, 90, 91
line isolation monitors (LIMs), 7-8, 11
diagram, 7
local area networks (LANs), 197, 200, 202
Index 221
M
macroshock and microshock, 4-5, 11
electric shock, 4
maximum safety testing valves, 5
physiological effects on the body, 5
skin effect, 4-5
magnetism, 83-84
basic principle of, 81-82
math for technicians. See technical math
medical devices
future of, 203
maximum safe testing values, 4
three-prong plugs and, 9-10
MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effects), 105-106
0
Ohm's Law, 35-36, 38, 211-212
applications, 211-212
one-hand rule, 2, 11-12
op-amps (operational amplifiers), 157-171
2 stage high-pass filter, 168
bandpass filter, 169
comparator (expected output), 166
DC voltmeter, 183-186
instrumentation amplifier, 167
glossary, 174-175
input mode applications, 163-171
inverting and noninverting applications, 160-163
laboratory exercise, 179-181, 183-186
low-pass filter, 171
multiple gain amplifier, 179-181
notch filter, 170
oscillators and, 172-173, 174
packaging diagrams and, 157-159
saturation hysteresis voltage, 163-164, 174
summing circuits, 165
theory of operation, 159
troubleshooting flow chart, 174
unity gain amplifier, 179-181
original equipment manufacturer (OEM), 192
oscillators, 172-173, 174
basic, 172
Colpitts oscillator, 172
Hartley oscillator, 172
oscilloscope (electronic troubleshooting tool), 39-40, 117
bench oscilloscope, 40
hand-held, 40
power supply board and, 95
p
power bus (grounding), 3
power cord (troubleshooting), 87
power supply, 109-122
ACto DC rectification, 99
bipolar and field effect transitors, 102-104
block diagram, 52, 93, 102, 123-128
capacitors, 100-102
electronic components, 93-106
filtering, 99-102, 111, 119, 126
glossary, 116-117
input source, 109-111
laboratory exercise, 121-122, 133-140
linear integrated circuit voltage regulators, 113-114, 117
metal oxide semiconductor field effect transitors, 105-106
rectifiers and semiconductors, 97-98
review questions, 107-108, 119-120, 131, 141
switching power supplies, 114-115
transformers, 94-97
transistor shunt voltage regulator, 112-113
troubleshooting, 122, 123-141, 198
voltage regulators, 102-104
preventive maintenance, 191
electrical safety analyzers, 8-9, 12
R
RC time constant (tau), 126, 129, 147
rectifiers, 97-98
full-wave rectifier, 133-140
relays
contact, 72
electronic diagram, 68
mercury switch relay, 69, 72
normally closed (NC) relay, 69, 72
normally open (NO) relay, 72
Reed switch, 70, 72
troubleshooting, 67-70, 73-74
resistance, 41
resistors, 28
common resistor values, 25, 207
Index 223
s
safety practices
ground fault current interrupters, 6-7
grounding, 3
laboratory exercises, 17-19, 21-22
laboratory safety rules, 15
one-hand rule, 2, 11-12
voltage potentials, 1
semiconductors, 97-99
diodes, 98-99
semiconductor component, 148
true conductors, 148
simulator, 199
solenoids, 67, 73
troubleshooting, 70
T
technical math, 209-212
conversion tables (powers of 10), 209
Delta-Wye Transformation, 210
energy, 210
Kirchoff's Current Law, 6, 36, 41, 210
Kirchoff's Voltage Law, 36, 210
maximum power transfer, 210
Ohm's Law, 35-36, 38, 211-212
telephone operating systems
hospital-to-public, 196
public domain operating system (POTs), 195-196,200
test points (tp), 27, 28, 38
three-prong plugs, 9-10
green dot, 11
hospital grade power plug, 10
transformers, 94-97, 148
center tap transformer, 146
multiple output, 96
replacing parts, 97
windings (primary and secondary), 94-96
transistors
bipolar and field effect transistors, 102-104
bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), 102-103
junction field transistors (JFETs), 103-104, 106
metal oxide semiconductor field effects (MOSFETs), 105-106
shunt transistors, 112, 114-115, 117
troubleshooting
board-level, 187-192
circuit loading, 53
concept of, 188-189
electric motors, 87-89
electromechanical devices, 63-64, 67, 71
electronic schematics, 27
failure modes, 51-52, 55, 65-66
flow chart, 50
glossary, 55, 72
half-step method, 52, 55, 65-66
isolating device repair problems, 189
laboratory exercises, 61-66, 75-77
laboratory safety rules, 59
mechanical troubleshooting, 61-62
medical devices, 49
op-amps, 174
open circuits, 53, 55, 65-66
oscilloscope, using for, 39-40, 122
power supply problems, 128
relays, 67-70, 73-74, 75-77
review questions, 57, 73-74
shorted circuits, 54, 55, 65-66
solenoids, 67, 70
survey the environment, 49-50
voltage regulators, 122
wireless devices, 197-199
v
voltage, 41
AC/DC theory, 33-41
AC/DC voltage and current, 35-36
cardioversion and, 3
digital multimeter, 36-38
glossary, 40
house voltage, 33-34, 109
Kirchoff's Laws and, 36, 210
measuring with a digital multimeter, 38
Ohms's Law and, 35-36
pure regulated DC voltage, 117
voltage potentials, 1, 12
voltage regulators, 102-104, 117, 127
linear integrated circuit, 113-114
switching, 117
troubleshooting, 122
voltmeter
building DC, 183-186
op-amp circuit/DC voltmeter, 185
Index 225
w
web sites, 213-215
wireless devices
hospital-to-public telephone operating system, 196
internal wireless system, 195
local area network (LANs), 197
Point-of-Care (POC) system block diagram, 194, 200
private branch exchange (PBX), 200
public domain operating telephone system (POTS), 195-196
telemetry system, 194
troubleshooting failures, 197-199
About the Authors
Nicholas Cram
Cram received a Biomedical Equipment

Technology degree from Texas State
Technical Institute (now Texas State Technical
College Waco) and worked as a biomedical
technician while completing his Bachelor
and Master of Science degrees in Biomedical
Engineering from Texas A&M University. He
has published extensively on topics relating
to the biomedical and biotechnology fields in
addition to being an editor of ThL' journal of
Clinical Engineering for the past eight years. Cram
currently serves as CEO of Dominion Biomedical
in College Station, TX.
Selby Holder
Holder graduated from Connnlly High School
in Waco, Texas, with honors in 1989 and only
year later graduated from Texas State Technical
Institute (now Texas State Technical College
Waco) with a Biomedical Equipment Technology
degree. He was subsequently employed by
Healthcare Biomedical Services of Waco for
eleven years and worked on a variety of medical
devices including defibrillators, monitors,
diagnostic ultrasounds, sterilizers, infusion
devices, and more. Since 1999 he has been a
certified biomedical technician. After the birth of
his son-and therefore wanting to spend more
time at home than on the road Holder became
an instructor at TSTC V'Vaco in 2002. He currently
serves as Physical Plant Director at TSTC Waco.
TSTC Publishing
Established in 2004, TSTC Publishing is a provider of high-end technical instructional

materials and related information to institutions of higher education and private industry.
"High end" refers simultaneously to the information delivered, the various delivery
formats of that information, and the marketing of materials produced. More information
about the products and services offered by TSTC Publishing may be found at its vVeb site:
publishing. tstc.ed u.
lill,iJ-Ht'l<tl,
TEXAS STATE
TECHNICAL CoLLEGE
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What is the purpose of the book?

What is the purpose of the book?

What topics are covered in the book?

What topics are covered in the book?

I I

Publisher: Mark Long

Manufactured in the United States of America

1. Medical electronics--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

R856.15.C73 2010 610'.28'4

Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 23

Alternating & Direct Current ••••••••••••••••••••a•••••••••••••••••••••••• 33

Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 33

4: ic Troubleshooting Methods ................................................... 49

Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 49

Relays & Other ical

Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 67

7: Introduction to wn ........ ,.. Supply Components ................................ .

Chapter Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 93

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 109

Chapter 9: ng Problems ................................. 123

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 123

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 143

Chapter 1 : ............................................ 157

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 157

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 187

Chapter Objectives ................................................................................................................... 193

.Appendix Common ........................................................ 207

8: Technical Math ......................................................................... 209

C: WebSites .................................................................................. 213

Working with biomedical electronics in the healthcare environment is an exciting and

After completing this chapter you will have an understanding of

• Electrical shock hazards associated with the repair of electronic components

• Electrical monitoring and protection devices used to create a safe environment

• The skin effect of electrical current

• National Fire Protection Association Section 99 electrical safety requirements

• The purpose of grounding

Voltage potentials can be created during the renovation or new construction

Safety: The One-Hand Rule

A 101-.JV voltage potential could cause cardioversion.

Figure Common power bus

Macroshock and Microshock

Macroshock is a physiological response to a current applied to the surface of the

Microshock is a physiological response to current applied to the surface of the heart

The Skin Effect

Devices deemed non-medical equipment by the manufacturer may exceed the

Health-care facilities have become "hospitality-friendly" in all aspects of

Maximum safe Ground integrity (new) .15 Q (used) 0.5 Q

Lead to Ground 10 !JA 50 !JA

Lead to Lead 10 !JA 50 !JA

Tingling or prickly feeling 1-5 Threshold

Physical pain 5-8 Pain Intensity

Muscles contract involuntarily

Muscles in the lungs become

Uncontrollable contractions of the

Heart ventricles remain contracted,

Monitoring & Testing Devices

Ground Fault Current Interrupters

A typical wet area in a hospital would be a hydrotherapy room or patient shower. A

Figure Diagram of a ground fault current interrupter (GFCI)

torroid are wrapped in