Electronic Components Testing Key Terms

Be conversant with terminology related to electronic components testing

By Howard Robertson

Electronic component testing equipment is extremely important for checking the operation of electronic components against quality standards before these components are delivered to customers. Electronic testing equipment is also useful for detecting the erroneous working of electronic components in an industrial or residential device.

Electronic testing equipment is available in various categories, such as analyzers, probes, testers, meters or signal-generating devices. While interacting with experts from the electronic industry, you will need to understand various technical terms that indicate types, processes or technologies related to an electronic components testing device. This guide will familiarize you with some electronic component testing key terms, such as oscilloscope, ohmmeter, ground resistance testers and thermography.

Thermography or infrared imaging

Thermography consists of infrared imaging processes that allow changes in temperature to be seen using the amount of radiation emitted by an object. Electrical power line technicians use infrared imaging cameras to detect overheating joints and parts to prevent potential hazards.
Try: If you want to understand thermography or infrared imaging, read through information at the Infrared Training Center, an infrared training company.

Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope is a device that displays a graphical representation of electrical signals. Technicians find oscilloscopes useful for repairing television sets and other electronic items.
Try: You can get detailed information on oscilloscopes and their applications at Trinity College Dublin.

Circuit breaker test sets

These devices are useful for testing circuit breakers and switching devices. You can use circuit breaker test sets to test low voltage power or thermal and magnetic motor overloads by simulating fault conditions.
Try: TRS-RenTelco, a supplier of industrial test equipment, provides information on circuit breaker test sets.

Ohmmeters

An ohmmeter is a portable device for measuring relatively low values of electrical resistance. It is an important test laboratory device.
Try: You can get detailed information on ohmmeters at IET Labs Inc., a supplier of testing devices.

Ground resistance testers

Ground resistance testers are devices useful in testing electrical grounding systems. These testers can measure ground resistance, current leakage and insulation resistance. The applications for ground resistance testers vary from construction to telecommunications projects.
Try: You can learn more about ground resistance testers at GlobalSpec, an online resource.

Megohmmeter or insulation resistance tester

A megohmmeter measures high value insulation resistance under a constant voltage supply. It is useful in the cable manufacturing, aeronautic and automotive industries and test laboratories.
Try: To learn more about megohmmeters and their applications, read through information at Sefelec, a leading manufacturer of measurement and power conversion equipment.