FADOS 9F1 vs 7F1: Which Circuit Board Tester Is Right for Your Workshop?

Two FADOS Models, Different Missions

ProT Ar-Ge’s FADOS lineup includes two main testers: the FADOS 9F1 (9 Functions in 1) and the FADOS 7F1 (7 Functions in 1). Both use the same VI curve tracing principle and FADOS analysis software, but they target different use cases.

The short version: 9F1 is for labs and production floors, 7F1 is for field service and budget-conscious workshops.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The Two Extra Functions That Matter

The 9F1’s two additional functions, the programmable power supply and IR temperature sensor, aren’t just nice-to-haves. They enable a diagnostic workflow that power-off testing alone cannot reach:

1. Programmable DC Power Supply

The built-in power supply (100 mV to 16 V, 10 mA to 1.5 A) lets you power the board under test and observe how current draw changes as voltage ramps up. A board drawing excessive current at a specific voltage point tells you exactly which power rail has a fault and how much current the faulty component is drawing.

Without this feature (on the 7F1), you need a separate bench power supply, which means additional equipment, cables, and setup time.

2. Non-Contact IR Temperature Sensor

After briefly powering a faulty board, components drawing excessive current heat up. The 9F1’s IR sensor detects these hot spots without touching the board, point, scan, and the software highlights the overheating component.

This technique is particularly effective for finding shorted bypass capacitors, failed voltage regulators, and partially shorted semiconductor junctions that may not show clear V-I curve deviations in power-off testing.

When to Choose the 7F1

The FADOS 7F1 is the right choice when:

• Field service: compact, portable, no internal power supply to add weight
• Budget: lower cost of entry while retaining all core VI testing capabilities
• Education: teaching VI curve tracing fundamentals in training labs
• Simple repairs: boards where power-off VI comparison is sufficient
• Multi-site deployment: equipping multiple technicians at lower cost per unit

When to Choose the 9F1

The FADOS 9F1 is the right choice when:

• Complex diagnostics: multi-layer boards with subtle faults
• Production QC: incoming inspection and outgoing quality verification
• R&D labs: failure analysis and root cause investigation
• High-value repairs: automotive ECUs, medical devices, aerospace boards
• Time pressure: the power supply and IR sensor reach fault classes that power-off testing cannot isolate

The FADOS MUX: Production-Scale Testing

The FADOS MUX multiplexer module works with the 9F1, automating VI curve testing across 100 test points. Connect the MUX to the FADOS unit and run automated pass/fail testing on production boards, ideal for incoming inspection, end-of-line testing, and batch verification.

Buy FADOS in India

GSAS Micro Systems is an authorized ProT Ar-Ge partner. All FADOS units are assembled and tested at our Bengaluru facility (ODM). We provide:

• Demo units available at 11 offices across India
• On-site training: installation, software setup, and operator training
• INR invoicing with GST-compliant documentation
• Local service and spares: repair, calibration, and spare parts from India

Request a quote → · Book a demo →