Maintaining Troubleshooting Computer Systems

Course Number: 768

This course focuses on the maintenance of microprocessor-based equipment, including preventive maintenance. It describes diagnostic procedures—the sequence of tests to be followed in diagnosing a problem—and takes a "hands-on" look at many types of test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit emulators. The course emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation in all areas (hardware, software, and operational record-keeping). It concludes with general troubleshooting guidelines, troubleshooting aids, and accessories.

Recommended Contact Hours - 8

Chapter 1: Preventive Maintenance

Topics: Causes of component failure and malfunction; Noise; Hardware and software maintenance; Environmental operating conditions

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the preventive maintenance requirements of a microprocessor-based system.
• Identify potential maintenance problems of microprocessor-based equipment and propose solutions to those problems.
• Discuss ways to limit the undesirable effects that environmental operating conditions can have on a device.
• Develop an overall plan for a preventive maintenance program.

Chapter 2: Diagnostics

Topics: Hardware review; Bus timing; Logic levels; Diagnostic software; In-circuit debugging; Clock timing signals; System self test

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the best way to go about troubleshooting hardware problems in a microcomputer system.
• Explain what an in-circuit debugger does.
• Describe static stimulus testing.
• Discuss the use of diagnostic and self-test software programs.
• List at least five specialized component testers that can be used to troubleshoot microcomputer systems.

Chapter 3: Test Equipment

Topics: Logic probes and pulsers; Current probes; Oscilloscopes; Logic and signature analyzers; In-circuit emulators

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using logic probes to troubleshoot microcomputer system problems.
• Describe the major features of a modern digital oscilloscope.
• Describe the difference between a logic analyzer and an oscilloscope.
• Explain how a signature analyzer is used to isolate a defective part.
• Identify the purpose of an in-circuit emulator.
• List some test instruments that are available as microcomputer-based printed circuit cards.

Chapter 4: Documentation

Topics: Hardware and software documentation; Documentation problems; Operational documentation

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the different types of hardware documentation required for a microprocessor-based system, and describe their uses.
• Identify the different types of software documentation required for a microprocessor-based system, and describe their uses.
• Explain the necessity of operational documentation for a microprocessor-basedsystem.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Guidelines

Topics: Flowcharts; Using test equipment; Intermittent problems; Aids for troubleshooting software; Hardware troubleshooting

Learning Objectives:

• List the basic steps to be followed when troubleshooting a microcomputer system.
• Discuss the use of flowcharts and test equipment in troubleshooting microcomputer systems.
• Identify some aids for troubleshooting software.
• Describe four hardware accessories that simplify and speed up troubleshooting.