ABI Electronics - RevEngFrom PCB To SCHEMATICS !
The Problem Maintenance and repair operations continue to suffer from a lack of circuit diagrams.
The Solution RevEng is an effective method of creating professional quality circuit diagrams from a sample board.
Contents RevEng comprises PC based measurement hardware, RevWin control software and EdWin, an integrated CAD package.
Functions RevEng learns the connectivity of a sample circuit (NetList) that EdWin uses to create a circuit diagram.
Learn Connectivity Learning is by clips, connectors and probes that are attached to clusters of components. RevWin guides the operator to place and move the clips around the reference circuit.
Measurement Technique RevEng measures the resistance between the component pins. The short circuit threshold is set at 7 ohms. The compliance is 5 volts into an open circuit and 10 mA into a short circuit. Typically the system delivers 10 uA into a circuit.
Accuracy A verification facility enables users to confirm the learned data is accurate.
Clip Checks To minimise operator errors, the system applies an orientation check and pin check to confirm clip contact and position.
Intelligent Control RevWin generates an efficient sequence of clip combinations and movements that will learn all possible connections.
Operators Intervention The operator can modify or override the automatic placement of the clips if necessary.
Safety RevEng learns without applying power to the board. It limits the measurement voltage and current. Semiconductor gates are not affected and it is safe to use even on low power technologies.
Component Access A wide range of IC clips and connectors provide contact with the circuit. Handheld probe and buzzer facilities overcome physical access limitations of the board.
Net Lists Net list is a list of components and connections. It is a valuable document in test engineering and maintenance support for test engineers to trace signals, as input to CAD packages and as data input for ATE programs.
CAD Edwin provides unique features that enable drawings to be generated in a short period of time. Edwin imports the net list and an automated process places components and routes signals. Drawings can include bus structures and multi-page schematics.
Library There are over 12,000 components in the library. New and custom devices can be added easily without knowledge of the content orfunction.
Unique and Capable RevEng was designed in the UK to provide an effective solution that overcomes the restrictions imposed by manual methods. It is not limited by the size and complexity of the circuit or by the component technology used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is RevEng a tester? NO. RevEng is optimised to learn connections between components. It does not use the expensive measurement channels used in ate. It is a "stand alone" facility that avoids the "bottleneck" suffered by a "multi use" system. RevEng offers a higher performance at a lower cost than the optional facility on an ATE.
Does the board need to be powered up? NO. RevEng makes all measurements without applying power to the reference circuit.
What skills are needed? There are two major parts to the process. Data entry and learn followed by schematic drawing. Technicians and draftsmen with a basic knowledge of electronics and circuit diagrams are more appropriate than graduates.
Will RevEng damage my board? NO. RevEng uses a low compliance measurement. The technique is safe even for low power devices.
What devices are in the library? Currently the library contains over 12,000 components and connectors. These include discrete components, analogue and digital ICs, microprocessors and memories.
Can RevEng handle custom and unknown devices? YES. If the component is not in the library, you simply draw the symbol and define the number of pins on the component. There is no need to understand the function of the device or even which pins are inputs or outputs.
Can analogue and complex digital circuits be learned? YES. RevEng is not limited by the component technology or circuit complexity. It caters for discrete components; analogue ICs, digital ICs, VLSI, processors and mixed technology high pin count ASICs.
What about low value resistors, inductors and transformers? The measurement threshold is set to 7 ohms. This is the optimum value for most circuits. Low resistance components may appear as short circuits. These should be disconnected during the learning process.
I only have faulty boards. Can I still learn the circuit? YES. Provided the fault does not cause a short circuit between nodes.
Do I need to understand the function of the circuit? NO. Knowledge of the circuit function is not needed to use RevEng effectively.
Can I learn part of the circuit? YES. Simply define those components to be included in the drawing and follow the standard procedure. Part or all of the remainder of the circuit can be included later.
Do poor connections cause errors? NO. RevEng has a Pin Check that checks contact before every measurement. Operator warnings are given for contact errors and missing or misplaced clips.
How accurate is RevEng? Very accurate. To ensure complete confidence RevEng offers ReScan and Verification procedures.
What is the benefit of buying more channels? Reduced learn time. The time to learn is a function of the number of components and the number of clips available. The greater the number of clips the shorter the time to learn. The choice is a balance between capital investment and the time to learn. PIZZA systems are suitable for smaller circuits and Cabinet systems for larger circuits.
How many clips do I need? The choice is a balance between the cost of the clips and the time to learn. The practical limits are from two for each IC package style to one for every IC.
Can I assemble my own clips? YES. RevEng uses standard ribbon cable, DIN41642, IDC connectors and commercially available IC clips. These can be assembled to meet user requirements.
What about non-standard package styles and connectors? These are not a problem. Virtually any style connector or clip can be used to attach to the component.
What happens if there is no clip for a component? Wandering Probe and Buzzer modes are provided to cater for "unclippable" components.
Can I produce an artwork for the circuit board? YES. The CAD software can be enhanced to include PCB layout, design verification and simulation. These options are available through your local distributor.
(click here to view more information about RevEng)
Contact PT. Inti Instrumen Jaya to discuss your requirements.
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