How to test Bipolar Transistors if you have an Analog Multimeter

We know how transistor works but some of us doesn't really know how to test the component itself. Nowadays, most Digital Multimeters have sockets provided to test them, but what will you do if you have those old Analog/Needletype ones? This is a simple way to do it.

Step 1: Basic Configuration

Bipolar transistors has 3 pins, The Emitter(E), Base (B) and the Collector (C) which is usually connected to the casing for most Power transistors (TO-3 casing). It can be categorized into two, NPN and PNP configuration, see figure 2. This test is based on the theory that a transistor is like two diodes connected together, see figure 1.

Comments

[baki22]

hai all friend, I need capasitor tester, thanks

[omnibot]

Buy a modern digital multimeter, they usually have it built in.

[Phil B]

I once built a capacitor tester that used a 555 timer and various resistances for the different capacitance ranges. An LED lit up or not as an indicator. It worked pretty well. Do an Internet search for DIY capacitor tester and you will come up with a variety of ways to test capacitors.

[elfarandulero]

here's hundreds of capacitor tester at eBay and Amazon; even tester that test the capacitor in the circuit, I will buy one of these because I fix electronics and I have to test capacitors and is a pain unsoldering capacitors just to test them. Is much better than to build your own;don't forget that if you build your own, what are you doing is gaining a lot of more experience on how a electronic device work,only experience,will never be the same as to buy one which is built by electronic companies with a up to date equipment very sophisticated equipment.

[Wulf]

Good article to diagnose transistor issue, in fact I've replaced two burnt transistor in the 19" LCD monitor's (that I got for free) power supply. $1.15 worth of replacement transistors is all it took to get the $300 monitor's backlight working again.

[omnibot]

That must be good for value as well as environment. Good job.

[Talking Electronics]

Good for You, thats pure savings i should say

[royalestel]

Hey thanks!--I was just wondering how to figure out if a transistor I had was NPN or PNP.

[Talking Electronics]

Your Welcome