Development of a portable SMD tester with UART-based data transmission

Mar 13, 2026·
Cristian Zelencov
Cătălin Creciunel
Cătălin Creciunel
Hardware & Communication Systems
· 1 min read
Abstract
This paper presents the development of a compact and low-cost device designed for the identification and measurement of various SMD components, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and bipolar junction transistors. Based on the GM328 platform, the device integrates a UART communication interface for real-time data transmission to RS232-based industrial controllers, enabling its use in automated quality control workflows.
Type
Publication
Universitatea Tehnică a Moldovei
publications

Project Highlights

The device acts as a bridge between manual laboratory testing and automated industrial verification. By leveraging the GM328 measurement platform, we achieved high-precision parameter extraction for:

  • Passive Components: Resistors, Capacitors (ESR measurement), and Inductors.
  • Semiconductors: Automatic detection of Diodes and BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistors) pinouts and characteristics.

Industrial Integration

The standout feature of this research is the UART communication layer. Unlike standard portable testers, this implementation allows:

  1. Real-time Logging: Streaming measurement data to a PC or industrial controller.
  2. Automated Verification: Integration into assembly lines as a preliminary component check unit.
  3. Legacy Support: Compatibility with RS232 interfaces through level shifting, making it ideal for older industrial PLC environments.
SMD Tester UART RS232 GM328 Quality Control Embedded Systems
Cătălin Creciunel
Authors
Cătălin Creciunel (he/him)
Research Scientist & Embedded Systems Engineer
Cătălin Creciunel is a graduate of the Technical University of Moldova, specializing in microelectronics and nanotechnology. With over 5 years of experience as a Research Scientist, he has developed innovative solutions for semiconductor materials including ZnO, GaP, and InP through thermal treatment and anodization techniques. His expertise spans embedded software development in Python and C/C++, hardware design using CAD tools, and nanotechnology research including semiconductor and composite nanofiber production. Cătălin is dedicated to advancing technology through continuous learning and innovative contributions to microelectronics and embedded systems.