Testing a Panasonic inverter board can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of testing a Panasonic inverter board, providing you with the technical details and expert-level insights to ensure a successful DIY repair.
Preparing for the Test
Before you begin testing the Panasonic inverter board, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and equipment. This includes:
- Multimeter: A high-quality digital multimeter is essential for testing the continuity and voltage of various components on the inverter board.
- Soldering Iron: A soldering iron with a fine tip will be necessary for making any necessary repairs or component replacements on the board.
- Heat Gun: A heat gun can be used to heat up and test the functionality of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) on the inverter board.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection: It’s crucial to use ESD-safe practices when handling the inverter board to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components.
Checking the Transformer
Image source: Panasonic Ac by Dinkun Chen
The first step in testing the Panasonic inverter board is to check the continuity of the primary and secondary windings of the transformer. Use your multimeter to measure the resistance between the terminals of the primary and secondary windings. The primary winding should have continuity, while the secondary winding should have no continuity.
To test the transformer, follow these steps:
- Locate the transformer on the inverter board and identify the primary and secondary winding terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) measurement mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the primary winding terminals and note the resistance reading. The primary winding should have a low resistance, typically less than 1 Ω.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the secondary winding terminals. The secondary winding should have a much higher resistance, typically in the range of several hundred to a few thousand Ω.
- If either the primary or secondary winding shows no continuity or an abnormal resistance reading, the transformer may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Checking the Diodes
The next step is to check the diodes on the Panasonic inverter board. Diodes are essential components that allow current to flow in only one direction, and they play a crucial role in the inverter’s power conversion process.
To test the diodes, follow these steps:
- Locate the diodes on the inverter board and identify their terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the diode test mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the diode terminals, reversing the polarity of the probes.
- The multimeter should display a low resistance reading in one direction and a high resistance reading in the opposite direction. This indicates that the diode is functioning correctly.
- If the diode shows continuity in both directions or no continuity at all, it is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
Checking the Capacitors
Capacitors are another critical component on the Panasonic inverter board, responsible for filtering and smoothing the electrical signals. It’s important to check the capacitors for proper functionality.
To test the capacitors, follow these steps:
- Locate the capacitors on the inverter board and identify their terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) measurement mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the capacitor terminals. The multimeter should display a high resistance reading, indicating that the capacitor is not shorted.
- If the multimeter displays a low resistance reading, the capacitor is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
- It’s important to discharge the capacitors before testing them to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Checking the IGBTs
The Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) are the heart of the Panasonic inverter board, responsible for converting the incoming AC power into the high-frequency AC power required by the appliance. Proper IGBT functionality is crucial for the inverter’s operation.
To test the IGBTs, follow these steps:
- Locate the IGBTs on the inverter board and identify their terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the diode test mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the IGBT terminals, reversing the polarity of the probes.
- The multimeter should display a low resistance reading in one direction and a high resistance reading in the opposite direction, indicating that the IGBT is functioning correctly.
- If the IGBT shows continuity in both directions or no continuity at all, it is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
- You can also use a heat gun to heat up the IGBTs and see if they start working again. Sometimes, IGBTs can become temporarily disabled due to overheating, and the heat gun can help restore their functionality.
Checking the Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator on the Panasonic inverter board is responsible for providing the correct voltage to the various components on the board. It’s essential to ensure that the voltage regulator is functioning properly.
To test the voltage regulator, follow these steps:
- Locate the voltage regulator on the inverter board and identify its input and output terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the voltage (V) measurement mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the voltage regulator’s input and output terminals.
- The multimeter should display the expected output voltage from the voltage regulator, which should match the specifications for the inverter board.
- If the output voltage is not within the expected range, the voltage regulator may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Checking the Fan Motor
The fan motor on the Panasonic inverter board is responsible for cooling the internal components, and it’s important to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
To test the fan motor, follow these steps:
- Locate the fan motor on the inverter board and identify its terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) measurement mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the fan motor terminals.
- The multimeter should display a low resistance reading, indicating that the fan motor has continuity and is likely functioning correctly.
- If the multimeter displays no continuity or an abnormally high resistance, the fan motor may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Checking the Control Board
The control board on the Panasonic inverter board is responsible for managing the overall operation of the inverter. It’s important to ensure that the control board is functioning correctly.
To test the control board, follow these steps:
- Locate the control board on the inverter board and identify its various components and connections.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) measurement mode.
- Touch the multimeter probes to various points on the control board, checking for continuity between the expected connections.
- Refer to the inverter board’s schematic or service manual to understand the expected continuity patterns on the control board.
- If you find any unexpected discontinuities or abnormal resistance readings, the control board may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Remember, when handling the Panasonic inverter board, it’s crucial to follow proper ESD-safe practices to avoid damaging the sensitive electronic components. Additionally, if you encounter any issues or are unsure about the testing process, it’s always best to consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s service manual for guidance.
Reference:
- Microwave inverter test – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKGhEmGACtw
- How to repair faulty microwave inverter board – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFizRFATGI
- DIY Panasonic Microwave Inverter Repair = Happy Wife & $$$ saved. – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7KgVC6pmk