Hi,
Interested in opinions on the best way to test Quartz Crystal on modules, without having to remove the crystal from the module.
What has worked for other enthusiasts in the past to verify the crystal is working? I know some people actual remove it from the module and test with another functional module.
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive frrequency counter to test with as well?
I recently picked this little scope up thinking I could use it for module troubleshooting some how? -> http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/DSO_Nano_v2
Here's additional reseach I came across.
right ways to test a crystal: -
(a) Using Oscilloscope (not sure if you need a 10x probe, otherwise you would load the crystal down?)
A crystal produces a sine wave when excited. It is appropriate then, to see a waveform representative of a sine wave on the clock pins. If the clock is not functioning properly, replace the crystal. In most cases this should solve the problem since microprocessors are usually very reliable. Check the crystal with power on.
(b) Frequency Counter (seems people in the forum are using this method)
Frequency Counter can be use to check the frequency of the crystal. The reading must be taken when the equipment power is switch "on". Place the probe of frequency counter to the crystal pin and read the measurement. Be sure that your frequency counter meter has the range that is higher than the crystal frequency you are measuring.
(c) Crystal Checker (has anyone built and used this with success?)
With this method, usually the crystal is placed in the feedback network of a transistor oscillator. If it oscillates and the LED is lighten up, this mean that the crystal is working. If the crystal doesn't work, the LED stays off. Instead of using LED, some other crystal checker uses a panel meter to indicate if the crystal is working or not.
Interested in opinions on the best way to test Quartz Crystal on modules, without having to remove the crystal from the module.
What has worked for other enthusiasts in the past to verify the crystal is working? I know some people actual remove it from the module and test with another functional module.
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive frrequency counter to test with as well?
I recently picked this little scope up thinking I could use it for module troubleshooting some how? -> http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/DSO_Nano_v2
Here's additional reseach I came across.
right ways to test a crystal: -
(a) Using Oscilloscope (not sure if you need a 10x probe, otherwise you would load the crystal down?)
A crystal produces a sine wave when excited. It is appropriate then, to see a waveform representative of a sine wave on the clock pins. If the clock is not functioning properly, replace the crystal. In most cases this should solve the problem since microprocessors are usually very reliable. Check the crystal with power on.
(b) Frequency Counter (seems people in the forum are using this method)
Frequency Counter can be use to check the frequency of the crystal. The reading must be taken when the equipment power is switch "on". Place the probe of frequency counter to the crystal pin and read the measurement. Be sure that your frequency counter meter has the range that is higher than the crystal frequency you are measuring.
(c) Crystal Checker (has anyone built and used this with success?)
With this method, usually the crystal is placed in the feedback network of a transistor oscillator. If it oscillates and the LED is lighten up, this mean that the crystal is working. If the crystal doesn't work, the LED stays off. Instead of using LED, some other crystal checker uses a panel meter to indicate if the crystal is working or not.