Industrial Electronics Troubleshooting

Course Description

EET1180C — Industrial Electronics Troubleshooting is a 3-credit lecture/laboratory course within the Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course teaches proper troubleshooting and repair techniques for a variety of electronic equipment such as amplifier systems, equalizers, mixers, power inverters, and other common industrial electronic systems. Emphasis is placed on safety and the correct use of electronic testing instruments. The course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory practice, reflecting the Florida Engineering Technology model of integrating circuit theory, instrumentation, and applied repair skills to prepare students for employment in manufacturing, electronics, and related high-technology industries.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies to diagnose faults in industrial electronic equipment.
• Demonstrate safe use of electronic test instruments, including digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
• Interpret and apply electronic schematics and wiring diagrams to locate circuit faults.
• Identify and test common electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, op-amps) for correct operation.
• Troubleshoot and repair amplifier systems, including audio amplifiers and power amplifiers.
• Diagnose and repair faults in power supply and power inverter circuits, including rectifier and regulator stages.
• Apply laboratory safety practices and electrical safety standards appropriate to industrial electronics environments.
• Document troubleshooting procedures and repair outcomes using technical reporting standards.

Optional Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes may be addressed depending on instructor emphasis and available laboratory equipment:

• Troubleshoot mixer and equalizer circuits used in audio and signal-processing applications.
• Use simulation software (e.g., Multisim or equivalent) to model and verify circuit behavior prior to bench testing.
• Perform component-level board repair, including basic soldering, desoldering, and PCB inspection techniques.
• Diagnose faults in op-amp application circuits (comparators, active filters, summing amplifiers).
• Identify and apply electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention procedures for sensitive electronic components.
• Introduce basic preventive and predictive maintenance concepts for industrial electronic systems.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Safety in the Electronics Lab and Industrial Environment — electrical safety rules, PPE, lock-out/tag-out awareness, ESD precautions.
2. Troubleshooting Principles and Methodology — systematic fault isolation strategies (half-splitting, signal tracing, signal injection); use of technical documentation.
3. Test Instruments and Measurement Techniques — operation and correct application of digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, function/signal generators, and bench power supplies.
4. Schematic Reading and Circuit Documentation — interpreting schematic symbols, block diagrams, and service manuals; recording and reporting findings.
5. Passive Component Testing — testing resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers for correct values and failure modes.
6. Semiconductor Device Testing — diode and transistor (BJT, FET) characterization and fault diagnosis; checking for opens, shorts, and leakage.
7. Amplifier System Troubleshooting — small-signal and power amplifier circuits; identifying bias faults, gain errors, distortion, and oscillation problems.
8. Power Supply and Power Inverter Troubleshooting — rectifier stages, filter capacitors, linear and switching regulators; diagnosing output voltage and ripple faults.
9. Audio Signal Processing Equipment — troubleshooting equalizers and mixers; signal-path tracing and operational verification.

Optional / Supplemental Topics

1. Op-Amp Application Circuit Troubleshooting — comparators, integrators, active filters, and instrumentation amplifiers.
2. Circuit Simulation for Fault Analysis — using simulation tools (Multisim or equivalent) to model normal and fault conditions before bench work.
3. PCB Repair Techniques — soldering, desoldering, trace repair, and component replacement on printed circuit boards.
4. Industrial Sensor and Control Interface Testing — introduction to sensors and transducers common in industrial electronic control systems.
5. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance — scheduled inspection procedures, performance trending, and condition monitoring basics.
6. Introduction to Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Motor Controls — overview of electronic motor drive systems and common fault conditions.

Resources & Tools

• Test Equipment: Digital multimeters (DMMs), dual-trace oscilloscopes, function generators, regulated bench DC power supplies, LCR meters, and component testers.
• Laboratory Platforms: Electronic training boards, breadboards, and service/repair benches with a variety of consumer and industrial electronic equipment (amplifiers, mixers, power inverters).
• Simulation Software: National Instruments Multisim or equivalent SPICE-based circuit simulation software.
• Technical References: Manufacturer service manuals, component datasheets, and schematic libraries.
• Recommended Textbook: A standard industrial electronics or electronic troubleshooting text (e.g., Electronic Troubleshooting by Daniel Tomal & Neal Widmer, or equivalent adopted by the offering institution).
• Florida SCNS / FLDOE: flscns.fldoe.org — official statewide course numbering system reference.

Career Pathways

Completion of EET1180C supports preparation for entry-level and advancement positions in the following areas:

• Electronics Technician — maintenance, repair, and testing of industrial and commercial electronic equipment.
• Field Service Technician — on-site diagnosis and repair of electronic systems for manufacturers, utilities, and service organizations.
• Industrial Maintenance Technician — troubleshooting electronic controls and drive systems integrated into manufacturing equipment.
• Avionics / Aerospace Electronics Technician — inspection, testing, and repair of electronic systems in aerospace applications (with additional training).
• Audio Systems Technician — installation and maintenance of professional audio amplification, mixing, and signal processing equipment.

This course articulates within the A.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology offered at Florida state colleges. Graduates may pursue bachelor's degree completion through Florida's 2+2 transfer pathway to B.S. or B.A.S. programs in Engineering Technology at state universities and colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT): Core competencies in this course align with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) CPT certification, which is supported by Florida's Engineering Technology degree programs statewide.
• ETA International — Certified Electronics Technician (CET): The troubleshooting and component-level skills developed in EET1180C support preparation for the Associate-level CET examination offered by ETA International.
• SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance) Credentials: Students in the Electronics Engineering Technology track at participating Florida colleges may be eligible to pursue SACA industry credentials that include electronic troubleshooting competencies.

Laboratory Requirement

The "C" suffix in EET1180C designates a combined lecture and laboratory course under the Florida SCNS. Students must satisfactorily complete all scheduled laboratory sessions. Lab work typically constitutes a significant portion of the final grade and requires demonstrated hands-on proficiency with test instruments and repair procedures.