Series 260: Microprocessors
Course 268: Maintaining/Troubleshooting Computer Systems
Covers the maintenance of microprocessor-based equipment, including preventive maintenance. Describes diagnostic procedures and takes a "hands-on" look at many types of test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit emulators. Emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation in all areas. Discusses general troubleshooting guidelines and covers troubleshooting aids and accessories.
Lesson 1 - Preventive Maintenance
Topics:
Causes of component failure and malfunction; Noise; Hardware and software maintenance; Environmental operating conditions
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the preventive maintenance requirements of a microprocessor-based system.
- Identify potential maintenance problems of microprocessor-based equipment and propose solutions to those problems.
- Discuss ways to limit the undesirable effects that environmental operating conditions can have on a device.
- Develop an overall plan for a preventive maintenance program.
Lesson 2 - Diagnostics
Topics:
Hardware review; Bus timing; Logic levels; Diagnostic software; In-circuit debugging; Clock timing signals; System self test
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the best way to go about troubleshooting hardware problems in a microcomputer system.
- Explain what an in-circuit debugger does.
- Describe static stimulus testing.
- Discuss the use of diagnostic and self-test software programs.
- List at least five specialized component testers that can be used to troubleshoot microcomputer systems.
Lesson 3 - Test Equipment
Topics:
Logic probes and pulsers; Current probes; Oscilloscopes; Logic and signature analyzers; In-circuit emulators
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using logic probes to troubleshoot microcomputer system problems.
- Describe the major features of a modern digital oscilloscope.
- Describe the difference between a logic analyzer and an oscilloscope.
- Explain how a signature analyzer is used to isolate a defective part.
- Identify the purpose of an in-circuit emulator.
- List some test instruments that are available as microcomputer-based printed circuit cards.
Lesson 4 - Documentation
Topics:
Hardware and software documentation; Documentation problems; Operational documentation
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the different types of hardware documentation required for a microprocessor-based system, and describe their uses.
- Identify the different types of software documentation required for a microprocessor-based system, and describe their uses.
- Explain the necessity of operational documentation for a microprocessor-basedsystem.
Lesson 5 - Troubleshooting Guidelines
Topics:
Flowcharts; Using test equipment; Intermittent problems; Aids for troubleshooting software; Hardware troubleshooting
Learning Objectives:
- List the basic steps to be followed when troubleshooting a microcomputer system.
- Discuss the use of flowcharts and test equipment in troubleshooting microcomputer systems.
- Identify some aids for troubleshooting software.
- Describe four hardware accessories that simplify and speed up troubleshooting.
