Simple diode tester with MicroPython
Channel: EEZ Open
Date: 2019-12-19

Our first example of MicroPython scripting is a simple diode tester that is used to find out breakdown voltage of normally inversely biased diodes such as Zener diode or TVS. The script interacts with user via TFT touchscreen asking for diode name (that become a filename of measured data stored on the SD card) and voltage step that is set to 100 mV but can be higher like 1 V if test speed is more important precision.
Script will use one or two DCP405 modules on first two slots. Therefore test voltage could be up to 80 V since script will couple two modules in series. Test current is set to 10 mA to limit max. power dissipation.
When breakdown voltage is found (i.e. when all 10 mA is drawn) script execution is stopped and results are displays. Results can be transferred to the PC with a single click action. EEZ studio now comes with Save as CSV option enabling processing of measurement results in other application (e.g. spreadsheet editor).