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
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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
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