PIC RJ-45 Cable Tester
(Summer Circuits 2010 article)
This RJ-45 cable tester automatically checks cable continuity and tests the connection configuration. Each of the eight connections is checked independently and short-circuits are detected.
The circuit can be built using either a PIC16C62B or a PIC16F72.
Materials
Gerber file
CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.
Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.
The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.
Component list
R1 = 10 k-ohm
R2,R3R4,R6,R7,R9,R10,R11,R12,R14 = 330 ohm
R5 = 560 ohm
R8 = 2.2 k-ohm
R15 = 10 k-ohm x 8 resistor array
R13 = 56 k-ohm
Capacitors
C1 = 20pF ceramic
C2 = 100nF ceramic
Semiconductors
T1 = BC327
T2 = BC337
D1 = LED bar, 10 LEDs, e.g. Kingbright DC-10EWA
IC1 = PIC16F72, programmed, Elektor # 090643-41
Miscellaneous
BT1 = two 1.5 V AA batteries with holder
K1,K2 = 8-pin RJ45 connector (socket), PCB mount
S1 = pushbutton, 6x6mm, e.g. Omron B3W-100
PCB # 090643-1
Discussion (0 comments)