Useful Adaptor Techniques

[Neomys Sapiens]

or: why throw money at Pomona?

I already made 2 posts in response to questions about adaptors for 0.025square pins and whether useful test leads can be made by yourself, so I thought that we could have a thread to present and collect useful T&M accessories made by practicioners.

First, the already mentioned ATE-type test leads.
Those make nice Voltage-mode test leads. I used Hirschmann/SKS 2mm cable receptacles with receptacles for ATE-type spring needle probes hard soldered into them. The are far superior to the spring-loaded probes sold by SKS, as they are able to pierce through the various coatings found on pcb's. Also, I can use different tip types and replace them when worn.

Then, some Pin adaptors. Look for example at the various Mil-connectors. Any single series has many sizes and layouts, so you cannot have breakout boxes for all of them. This applies also to SubD and the derivates of it. And yet, the frontal geometry of all 22D-size contacts is the same. Especially when travelling, those adaptors make life easier. Of course, ONE component of the kit IS available from Pomona, that are the 4mm jack to pin/socket adaptors in some sizes. I use them too, but they were never suffienc in range nor in number.
But there is more to it that test jack to pin/socket adaptors. The help vou with passive, i.e. cable testing.
But if one wants to take a look at a working interface, some additional pieces are needed.
- short pin-to-pin and socket-to-socket jumper cables (to close interlock loops etc)
- pin-to-sockets leads in various sizes to complete those interconnections necessary for the working of the device but not under scrutiny at this time
- Y-Adaptors with a pin, a socket and a test jack allowing to look at the signal (doubling as spares for the straight jack-to-x adaptors. I made them with isolation on the socket contacts, so that a dangling end doesn't short)
- For those sizes needed most (22D, 20, 16) also Y-leads from pin to two sockets and vice versa
OF Course it is safer and more comfortable to work with a proper breakout box. But these adaptors will easily fit into existing kits and there is always one breakout box too few! It is advisable to use prime quality parts when making adaptors, because you wouldn't want your test aids to compromise your measurements. I used original Mil-contacts with proper crimping, silicone-isolated leads and Hirschmann jacks in the construction of those shown. Of course, variations are possible, like using 2mm jacks, 4mm safety jacks etc.
The pictures: Test leads 1..3 show the fine leads/probes, Adaptors_small a assorted group from #20/#22 with Y-adaptors, 'through'-leads and jumpers, Adaptors_large the same for #16/#12/#8 contacts.
Adaptors_usage_1 shows the application of the Y-adaptors, while two other signals are connected through, Adaptors_usage_2 shows the #16 test jack-to-socket adaptors powering a DuT.

I'm looking forward to see the solutions from other users too!

Remark: I have to use a follow-on post for some of the pictures

[Neomys Sapiens]

As mentioned above, the remainder of the pictures.