Philippine E-Journals

PC-Based Digital Logic IC Tester via USB Port

Geric A. Agawin | Kristian Hannah M. Fernando | Claudius Jose A. Yango

Discipline: Computer Engineering

 

Abstract:

Using descriptive and experimental methods of research, the study developed a device that would test digital logic integrated circuits (ICs) for possible flaws and provide additional information about the IC subjected to testing, and be interfaced with the computer using universal serial bus (USB) as its connection medium.

 

The developed application software consisted of the database containing the information of the different ICs to be tested, particularly the basic logic gates and flip-flops of up to 24 pins. This prototype was composed of the IC socket wherein the IC subjected for testing was placed and the IC reading controller which was used to verify each of the IC pins’ signals. This component was dependent on the device instructor. The last component was the USB controller which assisted the connection of the device and the computer through USB. This controller contained the PIC18F4550, a microcontroller unit used to facilitate the connection between the device and the personal computer (PC).

 

Result of the study showed that the PC-based digital logic IC tester via USB port was a less expensive tester for checking the functionality of an IC since it is a PC-based device and has a simplified structure.

 

For a much faster connection medium to improve transfer of data, the researchers recommended the use of USB 3.0 and Firewire. Likewise, for the microcontroller, Cypress CY7C68001 Microcontroller Unit (MCU) could also be used to perform USB connection.