Trace Curve is a flaw tracking device, commonly known as a Curve Signature Analyzer, or Curve Tracer that contains characteristic curve analysis features. Curve analysis is a powerful test technique for finding PCB faults: an AC voltage at a given frequency is injected into a pin at a given point on a circuit board and the analyzer injects voltage and current, resulting in a curved shape on an XY display. This display is a "signature" of the circuit's operation, which can be compared to a standard or known "good" board. If the patterns do not match, the test board is defective. For example, when testing a point, a capacitor will show an ellipse, a resistor will show an angled straight line, a diode shows the characteristic exponential curve, and so on.
