How to test Firewire port/chip?

[777funk]

Is there any information out there on how to test firewire ports/chips?

 

[Khron]

Diode test mode on your meter CAN help - red probe on ground, black probe on each of the four data pins (if any show near zero, that port is dead); black probe on the Firewire chip's 3.3v rail, red probe on each of the four data pins (ditto). Normal readings should be around a diode's forward voltage drop (0.5-0.7v).

 

[777funk]

Diode test mode on your meter CAN help - red probe on ground, black probe on each of the four data pins (if any show near zero, that port is dead); black probe on the Firewire chip's 3.3v rail, red probe on each of the four data pins (ditto). Normal readings should be around a diode's forward voltage drop (0.5-0.7v).

Good to know and thanks! I have so many fw interfaces (getting to be obsolete). I've never had a chip fail yet. But I realize it will eventually happen!

 

[RuudNL]

If you own a Midas Venice F32 mixer, don't even think about 'hot plugging' the firewire cable, because it's a guarantee to destroy the firewire chip! (TSB41AB2)

 

[12afael]

I think it is a connector design problem. if you happen to angle the connector when connecting it or disconnecting it will connect the power line to one of the data lines. I have replaced a couple of those TSB chips with 50/50 luck. I have a RME Fireface that I will need to change the chip for a second time but I will change the input resistors too. they are 4 resistors in one small chip.