Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Panasonic TC 26LX20, TC 32LX20 and TV DVD Combo Model TC-22LR30 circuit description, troubleshooting

The DVD Recorder that has been incorporated in the LCD TV High Definition Combo unit is basically the same as that of the DMR-E65.The equipment used for servicing the DMR-E65 is same as the one used for servicing this model’s DVD-RAM Drive .The only difference is that the DVD Recorder (DMR) has been downsized to a physically smaller drive.
The LCD AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology incorporated within this model is very similar to that covered in previous LCD models. The Pixel Control IC, in conjunction with the Main Microcontroller IC, located on the DG Board, is responsible for controlling the backlighting and the active matrix display addressing.
System Control Block
Main Power switch signal is derived from the power on switch, which is located on the K board. The Main Micro (TV Microcontroller), located on the DG board, sees this as a “key scan” input signal and issues a TV ON and AC_On to the control circuitry within the Primary and secondary power supply.
DVD Power switch signal is derived from the DVD operation switch, located on the DVD OP board. This signal is responsible for initiating the power on sequence for the DVD operation. The Main Micro sees this as a “key scan” input signal.
Panel ON signal appears on pin 28 of the DG board connector DG2. This is equivalent to an on/off switch for the LCD Panel.
 Backlight ON /OFF (B/L On/Off) signal provides the enable for the DC to AC backlight inverter power supply which is incorporated within the LCD Panel.
 OSD Timing Compensator synchronizes the OSD with the incoming video.
System Shutdown
The Main Micro on the DG board is responsible for monitoring the various shutdown conditions. The Main Micro monitors the SOS and main voltage (Zero X Detect) detection signals via the DG2 connector.
LED Functions
The Time Warp Led indicates that the DVD is recording at twice the normal record mode (operator’s choice)
The SD LED indicates that the SD card is being accessed either for a read or a write operation
 The DVD LED indicates that the DVD unit is being accessed either for a read or a write operation
* TV Data In/Out are DVD control lines used for playback and record.
* DVD Play switches the audio monitor output from all audio inputs to the DVD Output.
* Wake Up provides Serial data communication between the DVD Micro and Main Micro.
* Fan Control is accomplished through the use of a fan control circuit located on the DVD main circuit board. A PWM output signal from sub processor IC 7501 controls the speed of the fan, based on the internal ambient temperature of the unit .
A Board (TC-22LR30)
The Video Switch IC3101 is responsible for selectively switching all video inputs (Component, Composite, S-Video and HDMI). The selected input is fed to the DG Board via the connector A1.
* The Audio Switch (IC3102) selects the desired audio input for processing by the Sound Control (IC2301). The MTS (IC3103) performs stereo separation of the tuner’s multiplex signal and sends the output to the audio switch.
* The TA tuner board on the TC-22LR30 provides the same functionality as the B tuner board found on the TC26/32LX20. The output is connected to the A board via connector PA7.
The HDMI interface, which resides on the DV board, processes and converts the digital video and audio signals to analog and outputs them to the DG board via the video switch.
H Board (TC-26/32LX20)
The H Board on models TC-26/32LX20 is comprised of an S - Video and Composite video input connection, two Component video inputs, a DVI audio input and an Audio output connection. This board has been merged onto the A board of the TC-22LR30 Combo unit.
K board (TC-22LR30, TC-26/32LX20)
The K board contains the TV ON/Off, Volume, and Channel select buttons, and an additional S-Video and Composite video input connector and headphone jack. It connects to the A board via connector K3.
Power Supply (TC-22LR30)
The power source for all models is comprised of a Primary and Secondary power supply. The P Board is responsible for generating the primary source voltage used to supply power to the secondary power supply, located on the AP board. It also supplies the voltage that feeds the backlighting circuitry, which is incorporated on the LCD panel.
Newer models such as the TC-22LR30 use a 15 volts source that feeds this circuit (DC to AC inverter). However, the TC-26/32LX20 and TC-32LH models use 120 volts as input for the backlight circuitry of their LCD panel.
The AP Board is responsible for supplying all secondary voltages required for operation. Modifications were made on the TC26/32LX20 models AP board to accommodate the voltages required to power up the DVD RAM, which was basically added to the TC-26/32LX20 to make it into a combo unit (TC-22LR30).
P Board - Primary Power
The Primary power supply is responsible for generating the following:
1. The standby power supply
2. The primary source voltage (14volts) for the secondary power supply.
3. Backlighting voltage (15 Volts) for the TC-22LR30
STANDBY POWER Circuit
The incoming AC voltage passes through the inrush current resistor R7001 and enters the rectifier circuit consisting of D7015, D7022, D7023, and D7024 for conversion to DC. The output is then applied to IC7005, a 7volt regulator. The 7volt output of the regulator is sent to the AP board for conversion into 3.3V. This 3.3V is provided to the DG board via pin 44 of the connector PAP2 to serve as standby voltage for the system control circuit.
14V POWER SUPPLY
When a power up command is sent by the system control IC (Main Micro IC1106 on the DG board), the AC_ON pin 47(connector PAP4 pin 13) sends a high to transistors Q7002 and Q7003 to activate the power relay RL7001. AC passes through the relay and enters the bridge rectifier consisting of D7005, D7007, D7008, and D7011.
The diodes convert the AC voltage into DC, which is then applied to pin 3 of IC7003 via the transformer T7001. The voltage on pin 3 of this IC causes it to oscillate and output a PWM pulse to drive the transformer T7001. As a result, energy is built and released from the transformer.
The AC output at pin 11 and 14 of the transformer is rectified into 14 volts to serve as the primary source for all other voltages. After the power supply starts running, the Run Supply for IC7003 is supplied by diode D7033 connected to pin 8 of a secondary winding of T7001. AC voltage from pin 8 of the transformer is also rectified by D7034 and applied to a switching control (regulator) circuit consisting of Q7005. Output of the switching control IC is tied to pin 4 of IC7003 where it is monitored for over voltage conditions. Voltage regulation is achieved via the 14V Error Detection circuit, which consists of IC7006 and IC7008. The output of IC7006 is connected to pin 1 of IC7003, the same input as the Run Supply.
15V POWER SUPPLY

This circuit generates +15Vdc used on the AP board. This voltage is also used to power up the DC to AC converter for the backlight of the LCD Panel. The switched 14Volts (sw+14V., which is generated when the unit is powered up), in conjunction with the MAIN_ON_ACT (signal (H): approx.3.0V), allows Q7001 to turn on and activate the Relay (RL7002). The rest of the operation is exactly the same as that of the 14 Volts power supply.
AP Board - Secondary Power
The Secondary power supply is responsible for producing the various voltages that are required to power the DG board, the A board, the DVD unit and the LCD Panel VCC.
These voltages appear on connectors PAP2, PAP5 and PAP6.
* The 15V supplied from the P Board Connector PAP4 is converted to the MAIN 12V, which supplies this voltage to the Audio AMP Circuitry located on the A board.
* When a MAIN_ON signal (3.3V) from Pin 69 of Microcontroller (IC1106) is issued to this board to turn off the Main power (MAIN 12V, 9V, 3.3V, 2.5V), the MAIN_ON signal is converted to MAIN_ON_ACT to turn off Regulators (IC801, IC806, Q801, Q803) which in turn terminates the Main power.
During normal operation the MAIN_ON_ACT signal (L) provides an enable to regulators IC801, IC806, Q801, and Q803, which provides for the appropriate output of the Main power. Over Current Protection Shutdown Circuits
There are several protection (shutdown) circuits that monitor the voltage sources for over voltage and over current conditions. They prevent the occurrence of catastrophic failures by shutting down the unit. The circuit below is used to prevent catastrophic failures if the Sub_5V, Sub_9V, Main_9V, or DR_12V becomes shorted. These are voltage loss detection circuits that have the same method of operation. Let us analyze the main 9V source as an example.
The circuit consists of a diode whose cathode is connected to a positive B+ source.
Under normal conditions, the diode is reverse biased, which keeps the base of Q832 high. However, if there is a short or excessive load on the Main 9V line that is being monitored, the diode conducts, creating a current path for the base bias of Q832. The transistor turns on and allows 3.3V to output at the collector. This voltage is then provided to the base of transistor Q829 via the diode D874, forcing its collector to go low. This low enters the SOS input of the MPU via pin 42 of the connector PAP2/DG2.
The MPU reacts by having AC ON (H) go Low. This, as you may recall, is supplied to the SUB POWER CIRCUIT of the P board to shut off the SUB Power (14V) and the MAIN Power (15V) voltage sources.
SOS Shutdown
14-Volt Power Down Detect Circuit
The Zero X Detect circuit monitors the presence of the 14 volts source of the main pin power supply (P board) and the Sub_5V of the AP board. Under normal operation, 5 of the connector DG2 supplies a High to pin 61 of the MPU, IC1106. If, for any reason the Sub_5V or 14 Volts lines drop or disappear, pin 5 of the connector DG2 becomes low level to trigger a complete shut down of the unit.
Over Voltage Protection _ AC Shutdown Latch Circuit
This protection circuit is responsible for forcing the AC _On voltage to a low if any of these protected voltages mentioned in the next paragraph become excessive. The AC _On voltage is used to activate the relay RL7001, which is used to power up the unit.
Transistor Q822 monitors the Sub_+3.3V, Sub_9V, Main_11.2V, DVD_5.9V, and DVD_1.8V; Drive 12V, Sub_5V, and Sub_9V lines. If any of these supply lines increase in voltage, transistor Q822 goes into conduction causing its collector to go low. As a result, Q823 conducts causing the AC _On voltage to drop. Transistor Q822 and Q82 form a latch that keeps the unit from being turned back on until it is unplugged from the AC outlet and plugged in again.
Power Supply (TC-26/32LX20)
The power source for all models is comprised of a Primary and Secondary power supply. The P Board is responsible for generating the primary source voltage used to supply power to the secondary power supply, located on the AP board. It also supplies the voltage that feeds the backlighting circuitry, which is incorporated on the LCD panel. Newer models such as the TC-22LR30 use a 15volt source that feeds this circuit (DC to AC inverter). However, the TC-26/32LX20 and TC-32LH models use 120 volts as input to this circuit.
P board (TC-32LH, TC-26/32LX20) - Primary Power
The Primary power supply is responsible for generating the following:
* The primary source voltage (24 volts) for the secondary power supply ƒ The 7-volt standby voltage for the system control circuit 
* Backlighting voltage 120 Volts for the TC-32LH, TC-26/32LX20
Standby Power Supply
The standby power supply provides the necessary DC voltage to the system control Microprocessor, the Reset circuit and the EEPROM. A.C. voltage is supplied to the Full Wave rectifier (D7025, D7026, D7031, D7030), through the Line Filter and Transformer T7004. The 7volts standby voltage produced by the rectifier is present as long as the unit is plugged in.
The 7volts output passes through the AP board and enters the DG board where it is regulated to 3.3V and fed to the system control circuit. Although the unit is plugged into the wall outlet, the main power switch located on the front face of the unit must be in the ON position for the unit to enter and remain in the standby mode.
Primary Power Supply
When the system control circuit obtains a power up command from the operator, the AC_ON pin of the MPU, IC1105, outputs a high to the relay control circuits Q7011, Q7012, Q7015 & Q7016 to activate the relay RL7001. The AC voltage enters D7002 for rectification into 24 volts DC where it activates the relay control circuits Q7013 and Q7014 to activate relay RL7002. The DC level is then boosted to 380Vdc by the Power Factor Control (PFC) circuit, IC7002. The power factor control circuit is made up of an oscillator used to control the charge and discharge time of the transformer T7001. Start up voltage for the circuit is obtained at the output of the D7002.
As the PWM pulses are output from IC7002, the transistors Q7003 and Q7004 are switched ON/OFF to allow the charge and discharge of the transformer T7001. The charge of T7001 is added to the rectified voltage of D7002 to create 380V. IC7002 also outputs a PWM output that turns the transistor Q7007 on and off to control the charge and discharge time of the transformer T secondary output of the transformer is rectified to 24Vdc and supplies the AP board.  The diode D7017 rectifies the AC output of one of the secondary windings of the transformer T7002 to serve as Run supply for IC7002. Power On Operation of the DC-to- DC converter
The P board contains the drive voltage oscillator circuit that develops the 121 volts needed to drive the LCD backlight. Operation begins with the discharge of transformer T7002. The diode D7018 rectifies the AC voltage from the secondary of the transformer.
Approximately 30.1Vdc from the diode passes through the photo-coupler IC7005 and enters pin 6 of IC7001 to begin the oscillation. The pulses that are oscillator enter the transformer T7004, causing it to build a magnetic field. The output of the output at pin 1 of the the transformer is rectified into 121Vdc and provided to the LCD panel via the connector P4. When the rectified output of the transformer reaches 90Vdc, the diodes D7043, D7044, D7045, and D7046 go into conduction, turning on transistor Q7010 and thereby, turning off IC7005. This eliminates the start up voltage of IC7001. The oscillator continues to operate using the run supply created by a secondary of the transformer T7004 and the diode D7014.
Power Off Operation of the DC-to-DC converter
When the unit is turned off, the 120V_Stop command is provided at pin 2 of the connector P1/AP10. This causes the transistors Q7008 and Q7009 to turn on and stop the conduction of IC7005 and IC7006.  
The 120V_Stop line is designed to stop the operation of the backlight DC-to-DC converter if there is a drop or an increase in the 24 volts supply to the AP board. Pin 2  of the connector P1/AP10 inputs a High to the P board causing the transistors Q7008 and Q7009 to turn on. This causes IC7006 to immediately turn on and short pins 6 and 7 of IC7001. This action stops the oscillation of IC7001. To keep the oscillation of the IC from starting again, the DC supply is grounded through Q7008.
Protection of the DC-to-DC converter
Over-current protection of the circuit is provided at pin 7 of the IC7001 from the emitter output of Q7018.
Over-voltage protection of the primary is provided via the diode D7054. If the rectified voltage of D7018 exceeds the operating voltage of IC7001, the diode D7054 conducts and applies DC to the base of Q7019. The transistor Q7019 turns on and causes Q7018 to turn off, effectively removing the feedback voltage to pin 7 of IC7001. This action stops the operation of the oscillator.
AP Board - Secondary Power Supply
The 14 volts derived from the primary power source on the P board enters the AP power board, on the designated connector. The various voltages derived are used to power the DG board, the Audio Control circuitry and the Tuner. If the 24volts shuts down, a 120volt stop signal is generated which causes the unit to shutdown.
Secondary Voltages
The Main 3.3V, 2.5V and Sub 5V, are used to provide power to the DG board. IC80 provides a regulated 9 volts to IC808, which serves as the voltage source for the tune Its output is 30 volts. The Main 9,10 and 12.4 volts supply the secondary source vol to the rest of the unit.
Video Circuit
A Board
The A board serves as the entry point for all video signals that will be selectively processed by the DG board via Video Switch IC3101. The main microcontroller, which resides on the DG Board, is responsible for the selection of the designated video input through the use of the I2Bus select lines. Two composite, two S–Video inputs, a
Component, a single Tuner, an HDMI video, and a DVD video interface are selectively switched for video processing on the DG board. Connectors PA1 and DG1 serve as the signal access point.
Video read from the SD Card is processed by the DVD main unit (M8 and RD) where it enters the Video switch as DVD component Y/Pb/Pr video. Its output appears on connector PA1 as Main Y/Pb/Pr video where it enters the DG board on connector DG1 pins #37, 35, and 33.
* HDMI video from the DV board enters the video switch as HDMI Y/Pb/Pr and is also switched to the Main Y/Pb/Pr video input on the A Board
* The NTSC tuner inputs, and the S-video and composite inputs to the video switch appear on DG1 pin 37.
DG Board
The DG Board is responsible for processing all incoming video signals from the A board. The video input input signals are processed and converted into the LCD format required to drive the LCD Panel. This is accomplished by the main global core IC GC3FM (IC4011) and Video Signaling Processing IC4002.
The Microcontroller, IC1106 (DG board), controls the incoming video signals on the Combo Unit (TC22LR30) in the same way as it does on the TC-26/32LX20.The difference, however, is the addition of a serial data line between IC1106 and the Microcontroller IC7501, located on the DVD RD board.
The main Microcontroller IC 1106 is responsible for:
* Decodes the remote control input code.
* Provides Channel selection
* Global Core control
* Sound volume control
* OSD Display. 
The OSD data that pertains Microcontroller (IC6001), which resides on the M8 board. The TV OSD is mixed with the DVD OSD on this board and is fed to the Video Switch is located on the A Board.
Video Signal Processing
All NTSC video signals are converted to digital data by the analog to digital (A/D) converter circuit located inside the Global Core IC, IC4011. The comb filter in IC40 converts the composite video signal of the main picture to Y and C separated video data. The S-Video signal, which is already Y/C separated, by Chroma information is then applied to the Chroma Demodulator circuit that separates the color signal into PB and PR data.  The Component inputs, which are already Y/C, separated; are converted to digital bypass the comb filter section of this IC4011. The 480p and 1080i ATSC Video signals simply pass through the IC (which IC) and are output to the main global core IC, IC4011.
Interlace to progressive (I/P) conversion for the 480i video format is accomplished via the Video Signaling Processing IC, IC4010, and SDRAM IC4018 which serves as a temporary buffer during the interlaced to progressive conversion process. The Video signal Processing IC is responsible for Pixel conversion, White Balance, Aspect Ratio version, Image resizing and LCD Panel control.
Low Voltage Differential Signaling
The method used to transfer the video information from the Main circuit board to the LCD drive circuit is called Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS). LVDS devices typically consume less power than other signaling systems such as TTL. LVDS device use a constant current driver. Therefore, power consumption is independent of frequency. The LVDS interface voltage is much less than TTL, approximately 2V. The voltage swing is typically 350mV with an offset of 1.25V. Integrated circuits based on VDS technology distribute signals with low-jitter, while creating little noise.  In this application, three 8-bit streams of data are converted from parallel to serial and interleaved. The interleave process makes the data less susceptible to noise.  The peak to peak voltage level is reduced as well. The lower voltage level reduces the power consumption and the generated noise from data transmission.  Another benefit of the LVDS standard is minimal concern for cable length. The data rates for LVDS are 110 Mbps for a 1-meter distance, dropping to 90 Mbps over a 10-meter distance.
HDMI Signal Path
The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) resides on the DV board and serves as an input port designed to receive digital video and audio from a set-top box, a DVD player or other digital devices. IC5003 converts the digital video to parallel analog RGB video. The outgoing audio is converted to analog via IC5006 and
IC5007. EEPROM IC5001 serves as the content protection circuit and monitors the HDMI signal for copyright protection. IC5005 selects between HDMI and DVI audio.
[If the external device has DVI output only, use a DVI to HDMI adaptor cable in order to connect to the HDMI jack to the DV HDMI connector. Also, connect the Audio Out signal from the external device (set top box or DVD player) to the Audio In jacks. An HDMI to DVI conversion cable (TY-SCH03DH) is available at the Panasonic parts department.]
Self-Check Function for TV Section
The self-check feature is designed to check if a particular component is functioning and it does not actually diagnose the problem .For example “Tuner Check OK” doesn’t’ necessarily mean that it is OK. It pings or selectively addresses that particular device via the I2 Bus to determine if it exists. The same holds true for the Global Core IC’s, the MTS, the Sound circuit, and the Audio/Video switches. However, it should be noted that the displayed results could be misleading by indicating that it is OK.
The troubleshooting section of this document is intended to provide the necessary guidance and assistance in the fault isolation of a particular problem and will serve as a diagnostic tool for troubleshooting.
Self-Check Access
To access the self check mode
Press the VOLUME-Down Button on the unit and SLEEP button on the remote at the same time. To exit press any key.
Servicing the TV Portion
Service Adjustment Mode for TV
Purpose of Adjustment mode
Adjustment mode provides the technician with the ability to perform standard video an audio adjustments.
To enter the Adjustment mode
While the unit is powered on, hold down the “Volume Down” button on the unit while pressing the “Display” button on the remote three times (within 2 seconds).  The service adjustment mode menu will appear.
Service mode is broken down into two categories, Main Items, which are all displayed on the menu screen and Sub Items.
How to navigate the Adjustment mode
Use the number buttons “1” and “2” on the remote control to change the Main Item. The number “1” button will cycle from the MAIN option down to the DVD option. The number “2” button will cycle in reverse direction.
Use the number buttons “3” and “4” on the remote control to cycle through the Sub Items until the proper adjustment is reached.
Adjustment of the Sub Item is made using the “Volume” buttons on the remote control.
Data changes are saved automatically when you switch Sub or Main Items, or if you exit the service mode.
Note: When the DVD adjustments are accessed, the unit switches to the DVD mode.
The software version of the DVD Player can be displayed here.
How to exit Adjustment mode
Switch off the “Power” button on the main unit or press the “Power” button on the remote control.
Warning: If you are making adjustments in the service mode, keep a record of the data value before making the adjustment.
Servicing the DVD
Service Tools
This is a list of the service equipment that portion of the LCD TV Combo.
DVD Test Disc DVDT-S01 and DVDT-S15 (Supplied from SPC.)
* Extension cable REKZ0214 (Supplied from SPC)
Shakanabi Software: Not supplied as service parts. (This software is used for the repair of Circuit Board M8.)
Data change CD-R: Not supplied as service parts. (This CD-R is used for the repair of Circuit Board M8.)
M8 Circuit Board repair
Change what is referred to as the model setting data for the software that resides in IC6702. This converts TC-22LR30 [the DVD portion] to that of a DMR-E65 for ease in troubleshooting.  This is accomplished through the use of the Shakanabi Software.
Repair Circuit Board M8 as you would rep
DMR-E65 DVD Recorder. Upon completion setting data back to that of the TC22LR30.  Use the Data change CD-R to accomplish the task.
Troubleshooting
Shutdown Problems
If a problem occurs in either the unit or power supply a protection circuit is activated and the unit shuts down. The Power indicator on the front of the unit will flash red several times indicating an error code. Error codes vary for different models.
LED Flashes Once every 5 seconds.
Check the Backlight supply voltage from the P board.
> TC22LR30 -15 volts P2 pin 9-15 Ground pins 1-7.
> TC26/32LX20- 120 volts P4 pins 1-2. Ground Pins 4-7
LED Flashes Five Times
Check the Main 9Volts Regulator Q801 on the AP Board
LED Flashes Eight Times
Check the Sub 5 Volts regulator, IC808.
Unit shuts down and the Power on LED is off.
Check the SOS Shutdown and over-voltage protection circuits.
SOS Shutdown Problem
If the unit keeps shutting down check the SOS Shutdown line at pin 9 of connector DG2.
It should be at a high level. Anodes of D877, D878, D880, D844 all should be high.
Backlighting
Backlighting Brightner Panasonic’s line of LCD TVs is accomplished through the use of Cold Cathode Fluorescent tubes (CCFL), which is currently the light source of choice, by a number of leading manufacturers.
Inverter Power Supply
Pulse width modulation is a very straight forward the CCF tube(s). The inverter is turned on and off (using the input or an enable/disable line) from the Microprocessor Unit (MPU) to control cycle is lengthened to increase the brightness and reduced to decrease the brightness. One of the major advantages of pulse width modulation is the tube is always fully “on” or fully “off” and full starting voltage is always applied to the tube(s) (assuming nominal input voltage).
High Voltage power supply
A CCF tube needs high voltage. The starting voltage is generally over 1,000 volts and bettween 200 and 500 volts rms.
Most CCFT DC to AC inverters are tuned switchers designed to produce a specific voltage, frequency and output current when a designated tube is connected to the output. The classic current-fed two-transistor inverter has a tuned resonating output, tuned resonating input and inductive dc input which provides for good power transfer and high operating efficiency.
The type of circuit depicted inherently produces a pure sine-wave output, but the voltage and current waveforms are both distorted when they are applied to a CCFL tube, which is a highly nonlinear device. The transition from the starting voltage to the operating vented by a small internal series output capacitor which serves as the ballast providing impedance and allowing proper tube current after the tube has been ignited.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

How to troubleshoot Panasonic TH 42PX60U Plasma TV

9th Generation Plasma TVs troubleshooting
What really happens when the TV is plugged in.
1. When the Plasma TV is plugged in, there’re a few indications of normal operation. Knowing this will help us understand what’s going on with the unit when an abnormality occurs.  There is a click from the relays RL402 and RL403 when they are activated.
2. The LED in the Optical Jack inside the DT board turns on for approx. 4 seconds.
3. Immediately after that, one of the Tuner LEDs (Right) turns on (Solid Red) for approximately 20 seconds.
4. The LED in the Optical Jack inside the DT board turns on again for approx. 1 second and both LEDs (tuner and optical jack) turn off.
5. Then you will hear another click from the relays RL402 and RL403 indicating that they are no-longer engaged. (Note: At this time the Tuner and the Optical Jack LED turn off.)
Understanding how the SHUTDOWN circuit works
SOS
What will normally cause the TV to shut down?
A short circuit on any of the voltage lines
> An over-voltage condition
> Abnormality in the Control Drive Pulse circuit (SC, SU, SD, and SS boards)
Cases When Missing Voltages Can Cause the TV to Shut Down
Missing the source voltage to the PA board 
(STB14V) from the P board
> Missing output voltage from the PA board to the DG board.
> Missing 15V or VSUS on either the SS or SC boards while the control drive pulses from the D board are being provided
If the SUB 5V, SUB 9V or MAIN 3.3V is missing on the DG Board, the unit goes into shutdown.
The power LED blinks ten times.
The voltages are monitored on the DG board by the MPU, IC1103
TV Shutdown due to Over-voltage or Short Circuit
This could happen if there’s a short circuit in one of the B+ lines from the PA board, an over-voltage condition, or missing STB 14V from the P board.
If any of the SUB or MAIN voltages that are highlighted on the DG Board is missing, the unit goes into shutdown.
The power LED blinks ten times.
If any of the voltages created on the PA Board is excessive or shorted, the unit goes into shutdown.
The power LED blinks ten times.
The base of Q5642 being low indicates a short circuit in the Main 1.8V, Main 9V, or Main 5V output of the PA board.
The base of Q5641 being low indicates a short circuit or an over-voltage condition in the NR14V, Main 1.8V, Main 3.3V, SUB 9V, SUB 3.3V or SUB 5V output of the PA board.
To rule out the P board (Use a Peak Hold Meter for voltage reading)
Follow this procedure when the click sound of the relay can be heard after the unit is plugged in. If the relay does not click, check the STB 5V from the P board.
If the STB 5V is missing, the P board may be defective. (If STB 5V is OK, the DG board may be defective.)
> Disconnect connector P10 in the P board (Make sure the TV is unplugged).
> Because you only have 2 to 3 seconds to measure the STB 14V, place your meter’s probe at pin 1 of connector P10 on the P board before plugging the TV to the AC line.
> Plug the TV to the AC line while still holding the probe at pin 1.
> Check to see if the 14V comes up. If it doesn’t come up, the P board is defective. If it does, (since it may take some involvement to determine which of the PA or the DG board is defective) it’s OK to order Both the DG and PA boards together.
Power LED blinks 10 times
When the power LED blinks 10 times right after the TV has been plugged-in into the AC line and the Power is OFF, the P, the PA, the DG, the H, or the DT may be defective.
Click on the pictures to magnify
To rule out the H board
Disconnect connector H40 and plug the TV into the AC line Note: If the Power LED stops blinking, the H board may be defective. If the power LED still blinks, (Keep in mind, every time the H board is suspected to be defective, change both the PA and the H board at the same time before applying power to the unit.) 
> Remove the screws securing the DT board. Plug the TV into the AC line.
> Note: If the Power LED stops blinking, the DT board may be defective.
> Note: When the DT board is removed, the unit will power up with all functions disabled due to a lack of data communication.
> If the Power LED still blinks, it is possible that the problem is the PA or the DG board.
Power LED blinks 5 times
This is caused by abnormalities on the 5V line.
This could also happen if the VDA voltage is shorted.
SOS
> The Power LED could also blink 5 times if the VDA voltage is shorted [Normally by the Panel (de-multiplexer ICs)].
> To understand the reason,
> When the ribbon cables from the D board to the C boards are disconnected in order to isolate the C boards, the Power LED will blink 6 times.
> The following circuit explains the reason why.
> To properly isolate the C boards without having the Power LED blink, the test point TP9387 (Labeled TP9387 on the D board) should be grounded through a 1K resistor.
> The VDA connector should be also disconnected.
Drive Reset Circuit Test Point
The test point shown in these pictures is a substitute for TP9387. It is located on the foil side of the board. To make the ground connection, the board has to be removed.
Fan SOS
To determine if a fan is the cause of the 11 blinks of the power LED, simply use a peak-hold voltmeter to determine if pin 3 of the fan connector goes High before shutdown. If it does, the fan is defective. If it does not, check the other fans and the fan drive drive circuit.
D Board and DG board SOS Detect
No video, No OSD
Determining whether a No video, No OSD symptom is caused by the video process or the panel drive circuit
> Unplug the unit from the wall outlet.
> Disconnect the connector DG5 from the DG board.
> Plug the unit into the wall outlet and turn on the power.
> If the unit displays a white screen, It is a video process problem.
> If the unit does not display a white screen, proceed to check the panel drive circuits.
Isolation of the SC and SS Boards
If any of the connectors providing the 15V or VSUS voltage to the SC or SS board is disconnected while the connectors that provide the Scan and Sustain Drive pulses from the D board are still connected, the TV will shut down.
[Do not let the TV run for more than 30 seconds while isolating any of the circuit boards.]
The Scan Board (SC) and the Sustain (SS) board could be easily isolated.
This can be useful to diagnose:
> Shutdown Problems
> Video Problems.
The SC board could be isolated from the sources (Supplied Voltage & Scan Control Pulses)
SC board completely isolated from the sources (P and D boards)
Expectation when Isolating the SC Board
The Supplied voltage VSUS and 15V (SC2 & SC23) cannot be disconnected while the Scan Control pulses (SC20) are being supplied to the SC board. This will cause a shutdown condition.
If SC20 is disconnected while SC2 and SC23 are still connected
The Power turns ON (Black Picture – No OSD – Sound is OK, and there should be video out of the Monitor Jack))
SS LED is ON and SC LED is OFF
Isolation of the SC Board
The SC board could be isolated from the Driver Boards (SU &SD)
Sometimes the TV goes into “Shutdown” indicating that the problem is located on the SC board. This does not
necessarily means that the SC board is the cause of the problem.
When this occurs, disconnect both the SU and the SD boards from the SC board.
Note: To disconnect, remove 2 screws holding each of these boards in place and disconnect SC41, SU45, SD46 and SC42
Isolation of the SC Board
Sometimes the TV may not go into “Shutdown” when there is a scan problem.
This symptom seems to be caused by a defective D or SC board. When in reality, it is caused by the SU board
When this occurs, disconnect the SU board from the SC board.
Note  To disconnect, remove 2 screws holding the boards in place and disconnect SC41, SU45.
Disconnecting the SU board yields a good picture at the bottom half of the screen and a completely black area in the upper half of the screen.
Isolation of the SU Board
What is the cause of this symptom?
How do you isolate a problem of this kind
Isolation of the SD Board
Supply Voltage from P to SS board
To completely isolate the SS board
> Disconnect P12 and P11 on the P board and SS23 on the SS board.
> Place a jumper at pin 8 and 10 of connector P12. 
No output to SS board from the D board 
Defective D board
Defective SC board

Thursday, February 23, 2017

How to repair the LCD TVs, No video, No backlight, Line fault, Distorted video, Improper video level, White Balance adjustments

No Video, No Back-light
Video abnormalities can be anything from no video at all, missing lines or sections, unwanted pixel lighting, and severe to subtle distortions.
The different scenarios that might be encountered will be classified and practical approaches applied.
A true “no video” condition assumes that none of the various inputs or tuner sources are displaying a picture. As mentioned earlier, it is important to immediately isolate the cause and determine if it lies within the video process or the panel control circuits. All Sony televisions generate what is known as “On Screen Display” graphics (OSD). Any display of on-screen graphics (such as channel, video input numbers, or customer setup menus) immediately disqualifies the panel and the drive circuits as the cause. On-screen graphics can be a powerful troubleshooting tool but its use is unique to the design of the unit. A flowchart specific c to that chassis/model should be used.
All LCD televisions, whether a direct-view or projection type, require a light source be present to pass through the LCD crystals and out to the viewer. In direct-view units the current choice is multiple fluorescent tube lamps whose light output is spread by a diffuser panel. Projection units utilize a high-intensity lamp. In Sony LCD projection units, the lamp light is split into red, green, and blue light components. These light components are sent to individual LCD panels for pixel control and recombined for projection to a screen.
Since current LCD technology is unable to completely block back-lighting, a small amount of light passes through the LCD crystals and can be seen
as a dark gray raster. Ambient room lighting will determine how easy this is to see. In most cases it is easier to watch the screen as the unit is being turned off to see if the raster becomes slightly darker.
All Sony LCD televisions contain protection circuits to monitor the circuits driving the back-light lamps. 
If the ballast control circuits or the lamp(s) fail, the unit will usually shut down and display a diagnostics indication.  Verification of back-lighting should always be the first step in isolating a “no video” condition regardless of the presence of protection circuits.
No Video with Back lighting
If back-lighting is confirmed, the next step is to observe for the presence of any on-screen display (OSD) graphics. These are generated by the main microprocessor or video process circuits. The presence of OSD is a clear indicator that the LCD panel and its associated drive circuits are functioning. The focus of attention is now in the video input and process circuits.
Distorted Video
Distortions in the video can be a difficult challenge since it can manifest itself in many ways. Fortunately, many of the distortion issues that are caused by the panel control and driver circuits are unique and usually easy to identify. Distortions can be classified into the following groups:
The unlit or fully lit rows or columns of pixels
Digital distortion across the screen
Improper video level
Dark or colored spots on the screen.
Rows or Columns of Pixels Lit or Unlit
Fully lit rows or columns of pixels are more common in LCD panels than ones that are not lit at all. The horizontal and vertical address lines are controlled by drive circuits that are linked to the panel via flexible PC cables. These cables are bonded to the outer edge of the panel. If the bond is lost at one or more of the lines, the control voltage will be lost.
This allows the liquid crystals to twist to their normal position and allow full light to pass through. Since an entire line is affected all of the red, green, or blue pixels will light. 
This is a clear indication of a panel failure since very expensive and specialized equipment is needed to repair the bond.
If the unit is under warranty will need to have the panel replaced.  If it is out of warranty, owner have to buy and replace it. 
The entire unit be exchanged for direct-view models. On larger LCD panels, the replacement of the defective panel in the field.
Digital Distortion Entire Screen
Unless the LCD panel has been damaged in any way, this type of distortion is usually caused by the process circuits for the video signal. The proper step is to isolate the cause to a particular board. The two key circuits for processing video are the initial circuits to perform analog to digital conversion, and another to scale the incoming video data to the panel resolution and allocate that information to the proper pixels.  Distortions caused by digital process circuits are unique and, in most cases, easy to identify as to the source. Random points of pixel lighting and loss of detail in the displayed image are examples of distortion caused by the initial video process stages. If this happens, using the OSD functions of the unit can help to verify this. OSD is usually inserted near the end of the digital processing, before it enters the panel scaling circuits.
The figure below illustrates an example of a digital process failure in the front end of the process circuits. Note how the OSD is unaffected. The OSD has made it clear that there is nothing wrong with the panel or the scaling and drive circuits.
Distortions caused by the scaling and panel drive circuits usually generate symmetrical patterns. Erroneous highlight and black level can also occur here since gamma correction is performed at this stage.
Improper Video Level
Video level issues can affect one or all of the primary colors. The panel scaling and control circuits are reliant on the initial video process stages to properly reproduce brightness and contrast levels. If an overall picture level problem occurs with white balance appearing normal, suspect the failure in the initial video stages. It is not likely that a failure in the gamma correction or LCD drive circuits will affect all three colors.
In situations where one color is at a level so as to affect white balance, the problem can be in the initial video stages or in the panel. White balance shifts on direct-LCD units are not common. If the entire range of a particular color has increased or decreased suspect a problem in the initial video stages since this is where these adjustments are located and stored on to non-volatile memory. Gamma shifts or failures usually cause white balance problems at the extreme low or highlight areas of a particular color.
White balance issues with a projection LCD unit are approached in an entirely different manner. Since 3 separate LCD panels are used, it is possible for white balance issues to occur that is not electrical in nature.  If drive to one LCD panel were to fail, the symptom would be an extreme white balance shift towards the particular color of the panel that lost drive.
Likewise, damage, dust or aging of polarizing filters could cause a drop in one or more of the primary colors.
White Balance
White balance adjustments are provided to vary the output level of the red, green, and blue LCD panels to achieve proper gray-scale of the displayed image. In a direct-view LCD television, the level of each red, green, and blue pixels are varied. 
Most Sony televisions have more than one white balance setting. Three are most common. They are: Cool, Neutral, and Warm.
Neutral is a “true” white balance. If a test pattern were to be displayed using a “stair-step” pattern from full white to black, all of the brightness levels of the scale would be true black, white and gray. The “Cool” setting adds a small amount of blue to give the picture a “hot” look. “Warm” contains a small amount of red to soften the intensity of the picture.  Adjusting of white balance is only required if the unit has had a board replacement in which the circuits controlling the balance are located. Other situations where white balance will require adjustment include aging of the unit through time, or when someone else has changed the settings.
Adjusting the White Balance
The proper procedure for adjusting white balance is covered in the service manual for each model. A color analyzer is required to properly set the X and Y values of each of the color temperature settings. 
The steps required to perform this adjustment varies from model to model. It also varies between a direct-view and projection unit. Because of this, it would be impossible to cover the requirements in a general sense. Each type of unit has a unique procedure for the initial setting of brightness, contrast, and what color temperature to start with. Some direct-view LCD models have an adjustable back-light that must be set to a certain level. The procedure for reading color balance from the screen also varies for a projection or direct-view model.
Many technicians will not have the luxury of carrying a color analyzer. They are expensive ($4000 and up) and require training to use properly.
In cases where color balance must be adjusted and an analyzer is simply not available, there is a procedure that can be performed that will produce satisfactory results. Although not nearly as accurate, it is better that not doing the adjustment at all. This procedure should only be done if it is absolutely necessary and a color analyzer cannot be acquired.
Adjusting the White Balance Without a Color Analyzer
In cases where a color analyzer is not available, white balance can be aligned by eye. Technicians who are experienced with adjusting CRT based displays will be familiar with this procedure. They are similar except that CRT’s require that the G2 grid (screen) be adjusted to the point of stopping the electron emissions from the cathode at reference black.
Drive controls are then adjusted to make each cathode emit the proper level of electrons at high brightness to achieve a white raster.
When adjusting an LCD display, there are no cutoff adjustments. In this particular model, the Sub-Contrast adjustments are used to adjust white balance for the bright areas of the screen. The Sub-Brightness adjustments are set for the low-level brightness areas.
The best test pattern to use when visually adjusting white balance is a monochrome stair-step pattern versus a 100IRE white screen. This provides a view throughout the range of brightness levels the display will generate. Another significant difference in the adjustment procedure is starting with the “Neutral” picture setting. The “Warm” setting shifts the white balance towards the red end of the scale whereas the “Cool” setting shifts towards the blue spectrum. By using “Neutral”, the white balance can be adjusted visually. This provides a reference for the eye so that the “Cool” mode can be set with the Blue Sub-Brightness and Contrast increased slightly to boost the color temperature to around 9300K. The “Warm” setting will have more Red Sub-Brightness and Contrast levels to create a white balance in the 6500K range. “Neutral” should fall into the 8000K level.
Be sure to leave the low-bit data settings for the Green Sub-Brightness and Contrast to zero. The high-bit data should be in the mid range. Adjust the Blue and Red data to achieve white by adding these colors to the green. The following procedure can be used for a unit when the white balance is significantly off:
* With the unit in “Neutral”, set the brightness level to one-third and the picture level to two-thirds. Input a monochrome stair-step pattern with at least 75IRE at the highest white level.
* Check that the Green Sub-Contrast and Brightness levels are set to mid-range for the upper-bit data and zero for the lower-bit data.
* Set the Red upper-bit data for Sub-Contrast and Brightness to mid-range and the lower-bit data to mid-range.
* Set the Blue upper-bit and lower-bit data for Sub-Contrast and Brightness to zero. The picture will now be a yellowish/green.
* Adjust the Red Sub-Contrast Low to generate a yellow color at the brightest portion of the test pattern. If you find that you are reaching the extreme end of the data range (0 – 255), set the Red Sub-Contrast High up or down one number and try again.
* Once the bright video level is closest to yellow as possible, repeat the above procedure for the Red Sub-brightness adjustments.
* When satisfactory yellow is achieved throughout the video range, set the high-bit data for Blue Sub-Contrast and Brightness to mid-range. Adjust the low-bit data for each to change the yellow screen to white. If you are at either of the extreme ends of the data ranges (0 – 255), set the upper-bit data up or down accordingly.
* Once the “Neutral” white balance is satisfactory, adjust the “Warm” white balance in the same way. Add a small amount of extra Red Sub-Contrast and Brightness. 
“Cool” is adjusted adding a small amount of extra Blue Sub-Contrast and Brightness data.
Although the above procedure can be somewhat subjective, it has worked rather well for CRT-based consumer televisions for many years. It is a viable alternative when a color analyzer is impossible to acquire.