1
\$\begingroup\$

I have some AUK diodes (http://www.kodenshi-tk.co.jp/products/power_semi_device/pdf/power_diode_02/14-19_SF10A400HDS.pdf) set in a Samsung X-sustain buffer board for a Plasma TV (PCB number LJ41-08420A). I'm testing with a Klein Tools MM400 multimeter set to diode mode.

Testing with positive on anode, negative on cathode, I get between 0.396 and 0.4v drop between terminals.

Testing with negative on anode, positive on cathode, I get steadily increasing voltage. I let it get as high as 2.8v before stopping.

This happens on all 11 diodes I have tested. A few of these diodes also test as shorted to ground.

I expected to see one of the following: a voltage drop (forward) and OL (reverse) for a working diode; OL in both directions (open circuit); 0v to 0.v4 in both directions (shorted).

Are these diodes faulty? If so, how would I explain the multimeter reverse reading? Is this just a quirk of my multimeter?

\$\endgroup\$
7
  • \$\begingroup\$ Are you measuring them in circuit or by their own? \$\endgroup\$
    – Ahmed Eshra
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 0:48
  • \$\begingroup\$ As an aside, the datasheet for that part is crap. It doesn't inspire confidence in a part when many important parameters (capacitance, reverse leakage) are completely absent from the datasheet. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Green
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 0:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ahmedeshra thanks, edited post to clarify. They are in an unpowered circuit. \$\endgroup\$
    – comte
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 0:51
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ The rising reverse voltage could be because of capacitors charging on the unpowered board. \$\endgroup\$
    – Ahmed Eshra
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 0:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ahmedeshra interesting. So the only way I'm getting a legit result then is to pull one leg of each diode from the circuit? \$\endgroup\$
    – comte
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 0:57

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

When testing parts in-circuit you have to be aware of the affects of other parts in the circuit that end up in parallel with the device under test. On some very sensitive circuits it's even possible that a multi-meter could cause damage though this is pretty rare.

I am almost certain that the slowly rising voltage is not indicative of a fault in the diode, but instead is the result of a capacitor in the circuit charging. Capacitors in power circuitry (and you probablly wouldn't be using a diode that big in a non-power circuit) can be pretty big and multi-meter diode test currents are pretty low, so it may take a while to charge to the voltage where the multi-meter declares it open-circuit (or where some other component in the circuit activates and stops the voltage rising further).

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks Peter, I think this is the case. Each diode has two caps next to it. \$\endgroup\$
    – comte
    Commented May 6, 2020 at 3:57

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.