Abstract: To provide a method of, and a device for, detecting smear of a magnetic head, in which detection of smear development before magnetic head assembly is made possible by measuring electrical resistance values between pads and shields of a slider that is integrated with a head main body portion, and in addition, throughput increases. The method of detecting smear of a magnetic head includes measuring electrical resistance values between pads of a slider having an integrated head main body portion, or between the pads and a conductor portion that is connected to a shield of the head main body portion to thereby detect smear development.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for determining the environmental resistance of a wire insulation. The broadband impedance of the wire is obtained before and after the wire is exposed to an environmental condition. The real and imaginary components of the dielectric functions are then extracted from the broadband impedances. A tangent of a ratio of the imaginary component to the real component of the dielectric function of the wire prior to exposure is compared to a tangent of a ratio of the imaginary component to the real component of the dielectric function of the wire after to exposure. The two tangents are then compared to determine the environmental resistant of the insulation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for determining the location of a short circuit in a branched wiring system. The distance from the short circuit to an impedance measurement point is determined based on a measured impedance of the branched wiring system. The branch in which the short circuit is located is then determined by identifying a calculated high-frequency impedance phase spectrum for the branched wiring system with one of the branches short-circuited that correlates to a measured high-frequency impedance phase spectrum for the branched wiring system. The measured high-frequency impedance phase spectrum is measured from the impedance measurement point.

Abstract: To test the ESD resistance of a semiconductor component, for example of a NOS transistor, which can be used as a PSD protective element in a chip, a direct current characteristic of the semiconductor component is monitored and the ESD resistance of the respective semiconductor component is inferred depending on this. In particular, the direct current failure threshold of the semiconductor component at which an increased leakage current occurs in the non-conducting direction of the semiconductor component can be monitored in operation of the semiconductor component using an applied direct current and the ESD resistance of the semiconductor component inferred depending on a change in this direct current failure threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating an effective voltage is provided, which includes a voltage reducer, an analogue to digital converter, a first detector, a second detector and a calculator. The voltage reducer steps down instantaneous output voltages of a generator. The analogue to digital converter converts each analogue signal of the instantaneous output voltages into a digital signal. The first detector detects a first signal of digitized instantaneous output voltage. The second detector detects a second signal, which differs in terms of phase by 120 deg. from the first signal. The calculator calculates an effective voltage according to the first and second signals, by executing a calculation with an expression: E={2(Va2+VaVb+Vb2)/3}1/2, where E represents the effective voltage, Va the first signal of instantaneous output voltage and Vb the second signal, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a wire is provided, which includes a TDR instrument for generating a pulse waveform for transmission through the wire. The apparatus also includes a function generator for generating an electrical or non-electrical forcing waveform for transmission through the wire. The pulse waveform is transmitted through the wire in combination with the forcing waveform and a detector measures a change in dissipation factor values along the wire.

Abstract: A computing system includes a semiconductor which sources current to load components within the system, a controllable load coupled to the semiconductor and having an on-state in which a predetermined current load is drawn from the semiconductor in addition to the load components, and a controller which couples the semiconductor and the controllable load. In this configuration, the controller senses the voltage across the semiconductor on at least three points in time. The controller activates the on-state of the controllable load during one of the three points in time and derives a first calculated voltage as a function of the three voltages sensed. The controller calculates the on-resistance of the semiconductor by dividing the first calculated voltage by the predetermined current.

Abstract: Methods, computer program segment and apparatus for analyzing high voltage circuit breakers are provided. The method includes determining a circuit breaker contact closing time, determining a circuit breaker contact opening time, and determining a circuit breaker pre-insertion resistor resistance value using at least three voltage samples and three current samples to facilitate reducing an induced current measurement error. The computer program segment is embodied on a computer readable media and is programmed to determine a circuit breaker contact closing time, determine a circuit breaker contact opening time, and determine a circuit breaker pre-insertion resistor resistance value using at least three voltage samples and three current samples that facilitate minimizing an induced current measurement error.

Abstract: A sensor includes a transducer that provides a sensed signal to a signal processing device. The signal processing device switches the operating mode as a function of frequency, such that the switching device is operated in the switched operating mode at low frequencies and in the continuous operating mode at high frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer is a Hall effect sensing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive read head which reduces electrostatic discharge and allows measurement of gap resistances in the head.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting high impedance failures in system interconnects. The apparatus and method may measure resistance of a connection of one or more representative sets of pins on a partitioned chip to a circuit board and determine if the measured resistance of each of the one or more representative sets of pins is less than a threshold value. The measuring step is executed while the circuit board is operating.

Abstract: A device for the recognition of residual synchronization errors of multiple slats or flaps placed next to each other in an aircraft. The device includes a current carrying wire that runs through the slats or flaps. This wire is fastened at one end in the area of the gap between the slats or flaps and, on the other side, run through a cutting device. A detector can be used to detect and indicate the change in resistance when the wire is cut.

Abstract: A circuit and a method to measure continuously the resistance of variable resistors in series as e.g. potentiometers within a sensor, used for e.g. a joystick, has been achieved. The voltage across said sensor comprising any number of variable resistors is stabilized. A constant current source is providing a minimum current through said sensor. A variable current source is used to zoom variations of current through the sensor caused by variations of resistance of the sensor. Said variable current is mirrored and by measuring the voltage across a shunt resistor the total resistance of the sensor is identified. Using ports between each of the resistors, voltages can be measured representing the resistance of each of the variable resistors using known equations of voltage dividers. Any number of variable resistors can be used in the circuit invented.

Abstract: A space-saving test structure includes a core metal line, at least one extrusion detection line and an extrusion monitoring segment. The core metal line has a “non-linear configuration” and is capable of conducting current for an electromigration test, an isothermal test, and extrusion monitoring. The at least one extrusion detection line is situated adjacent to the core metal line. The extrusion monitoring segment is electrically connected to the at least one extrusion detection line. The extrusion monitoring segment is adapted to determine whether an extrusion occurs in the core metal line by measuring a resistance between the core metal line and the at least one extrusion detection line.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for monitoring high impedance failures in chip interconnects use monitoring circuitry on a chip to provide accurate and pro-active prediction of interconnect failures. The apparatus may include a resistance continuity monitoring circuit (RCMC), and a signal path connecting a representative set of pins to the RCMC. The RCMC measures the resistance of a connection of the representative set of pins with a circuit board during system operation and outputs a measured resistance data. The apparatus further includes additional analog-to-digital (A/D) hardware to perform an analog to digital conversion of the measured resistance data. The apparatus further includes a system interface for connecting the monitoring circuitry with other system management devices. The method then performs an algorithm on the measured resistance data, potentially warning of likely interconnect failures.

Abstract: An arrangement for obtaining measurable voltage signals in a utility meter wherein the measurable voltage signals are representative of a power line voltage signal. Includes a first connection to a phase of a power line, a second connection to a reference of a power line, a voltage divider circuit, and a series impedance element. The voltage divider circuit is disposed on a circuit board and is coupled between a first node and the second connection. The voltage divider circuit has an output configured to provide measurable voltage signals to a circuit operable to generate voltage measurement information. The voltage divider circuit has a first impedance value. The series impedance element is disposed apart from the circuit board and is configured for current limiting. The series impedance element is coupled between the first connection and the first node and has a second impedance value.

Abstract: When a disturbance (for example, lightning strike) occurs on a high-voltage overhead transmission line, the line must be checked for any possible damage. If the distance-to-fault is known, line crews can be quickly dispatched for any necessary repair. The present invention is a fault location method and system that uses filtered, time-synchronized positive- or negative-sequence voltage and current measurements from both ends of the overhead transmission line to determine the exact distance to the fault with respect to either end.

Abstract: A device for the automatic control of joints 5 in electrical high voltage lines is disclosed. It comprises a first support 1, a first wheel 2, for lying on a line 4, a driver for driving the first wheel 2, at least one second wheel 3 for lying on the line 4, a measurement unit 11, in contact with a device for measurement of physical data at the joint. The device includes at least one pointed element 7,8,9 for electrical contact with the line 4. The device is especially characterized in that at least one wheel 2,3 is provided electrically connected to the measurement unit.

Abstract: A self-compensating fault locator (10) broadly comprises a testing unit (16) to take measurements across two test points (18), a processing unit (20) to locate faults by analyzing the measurements, and a switching unit (22) that can connect termination points (14) of an electrical circuit (12) to the test points (18) in a sequence controlled by the processing unit (20). The fault locator (10) may also include a harness (24) to connect the electrical circuit (12) to the switching unit (22). The processing unit (20) is preferably programed with the electrical circuit's (12) interconnection information. The processing unit (20) also preferably stores internal characteristics of the fault locator (10). Using the interconnection information and the internal characteristics, the processing unit (20) may accurately locate faults within the electrical circuit (12). Additionally, the processing unit (20) may locate faults within the fault locator (10) and/or the harness (24).

Abstract: A coil-on plug testing apparatus generates an output signal representing an ignition signal. The testing apparatus includes an inductive sensor for detecting an electromagnetic flux generated by a coil-on plug device during a firing event and generating and outputting a voltage in response thereto, and a signal processing circuit electrically connected to the inductive sensor for generating an output signal in response to variations in the voltage output by the inductive sensor. A method for determining burn time for a coil-on plug ignition includes disposing an inductive sensor adjacent to a coil-on plug ignition housing, using the inductive sensor to detect an electromagnetic flux output by the coil-on plug ignition during a period encompassing at least one firing section, and determining a burn time by identifying a firing line, identifying an endpoint of a spark line and determining a time period therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting high impedance failures in system interconnects. The apparatus and method may measure resistance of a connection of one or more representative sets of pins on a partitioned chip to a circuit board and determine if the measured resistance of each of the one or more representative sets of pins is less than a threshold value. The measuring step is executed while the circuit board is operating.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining the critical length of a conductor. In one aspect, a system may include at least one device under test (DUT) including at least one test strip of a metal under test. The test strip may be formed from a series of segments of the metal under test. The system may be configured to detect electromigration in the DUT using Blech's law. The system may be further configured to detect a rising voltage drop across the metal strips under test, and furthermore to calculate the electrical resistance change of the metal strips under electromigration testing conditions. The obtained results may be applied to ULSI design stage to improve the EM rule violation examination.

Abstract: A fault indicator for monitoring an electrical conductor has a housing, an indicator flag or a light emitting diode (LED) that becomes visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the indicator flag or LED to a fault indicating condition and for resetting the indicator flag or LED to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. An overload indicator provides an overload indication, such as a fast flash rate, for a predetermined time when an overload threshold is exceeded, and provides a different overload indication, such as a slow flash rate, for a predetermined time when the line current in the monitored conductor falls below the threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting electromigration at its outset includes a pair of conductive traces deposited on a substrate in an integrated circuit. A multiplicity of conductors are connected along the length of the traces. Current is passed through the traces and the resistances of the traces from one conductor connection to the next are continually monitored by observing the voltage drop from one conductor to the next. The connection of the conductors to the traces may be less than one micrometer apart. When resistance changes as a result of the onset of electromigration, the exact location can be determined and studied in optical or scanning electron micrographs.

Abstract: A device for detecting load impedance having an analog circuit portion for detecting the impedance value of a load, and a digital circuit portion adapted to provide load impedance type information. The analog circuit portion having two power MOS transistors connected in series to each other and between a supply voltage and the ground, and a pair of mirror MOS transistors common-connected with their respective gate terminals to the gate terminals of the power MOS transistors. The digital circuit portion includes a first comparitor to determine whether the output current of an audio amplifier is higher or lower than a threshold value and a second comparator to determine whether the output voltage of the amplifier is higher than a threshold voltage, a memory to store output signals of the first and second comparitors, and a logic circuit arranged in cascade with the memory to output a load-type indication signal.

Abstract: Various circuit configurations for use in switch assembly used in a surgical hand piece system are provided. The circuit configuration provide a number of functions such as permitting the presence and direction of conductivity to be detected. The circuit configurations also provide a way to detect and measure the degree of influence of debris which is located between the conductive members of the handpiece. In addition, the circuit configurations also provide a way to identify the type of switch end cap which is attached to the handpiece. The handpiece body and the switch mechanism are electrically connected to one another in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body and reduces the number of conductive members needed to communicate the status of each switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact sensor that detects contact between two objects and includes a first conductor separated from a second conductor by a crushable layer with a predetermined crush resistance. The crushable layer deforms under pressure such that a signal passes between the first and second conductor.

Abstract: A fuel cell resistance test system includes a contact head having a plurality of spaced electrical contacts for contacting multiple ones of the fuel cells composing the stack. In one embodiment, a plurality of selectively actuable switches produce a short between respective pairs of adjacent ones of the electrical contacts. A processor opens each of the switches, one at a time in succession, to apply a defined voltage from a voltage source, successively across pairs of adjacent ones of the electrical contacts. A current sensor measures a resulting current and the processor or other computer determines whether a short exists based on the magnitude of the defined voltage and the magnitude of the resulting current. Alternatively, the test system may include a current source and a voltage sensor.

Abstract: The field ground fault detector of the present invention detects a ground fault that occurs in the field circuit and in any associated circuits galvanically connected to the field. The field ground fault detector discerns the ground resistance so that it can be monitored to detect gradual degradation of the ground resistance. The detector estimates the resistance of the ground fault and the location of the ground fault. The detector is able to estimate the location of the ground fault during system operation and during periods of non-operation. The invention utilizes a low frequency square wave oscillator to permit measurement of the ground fault resistance when field voltage is not applied, to insure that there are no blind spots when the field is energized, and to provide a method for estimating the ground fault resistance. The field ground detector can differentiate between ground faults that occur on the AC side form those on the DC side of the Thyristor Bridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature on an electronic chip. The Apparatus includes a thermal sense element on the chip, a power supply passing electrical current through said thermal sense element at a known voltage and temperature, and a measuring circuit determining the initial resistance of the thermal sense element at said known voltage and temperature. The measuring circuit measures the change of the resistance of the thermal sense element as the temperature of the electronic chip changes, and compares the change in resistance of the thermal sense element to the initial resistance. The measuring circuit determines the temperature of the electronic chip from the initial resistance and change in resistance of the thermal sense element during the operation of the electronic chip.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the remaining life of a light bulb, which includes a device for determining cold filament resistance of the light bulb while the light bulb is in a non-operating mode, a comparison device for comparing the cold filament resistance of the light bulb to a reference near an end of its life filament resistance, and a device for displaying an indication of a life expectancy for the light bulb. The system may be integrated into a vehicle or may be portable.

Abstract: The integrity, connection and location of cable wire termination extending between two different points is checked for shorts between wires and open wires. The actual remote termination plug configuration can be mapped from testing end to determine remote plug wiring. The actual location of the remote terminated end is identified either by a visual indicator, a electronically recorded message made by operator at time of cable termination, or both.

Abstract: A circuit and a method to measure continuously the resistance of variable resistors in series as e.g. potentiometers within a sensor, used for e.g. a joystick, has been achieved. The voltage across said sensor comprising any number of variable resistors is stabilized. A constant current source is providing a minimum current through said sensor. A variable current source is used to zoom variations of current through the sensor caused by variations of resistance of the sensor. Said variable current is mirrored and by measuring the voltage across a shunt resistor the total resistance of the sensor is identified. Using ports between each of the resistors, voltages can be measured representing the resistance of each of the variable resistors using known equations of voltage dividers. Any number of variable resistors can be used in the circuit invented.

Abstract: A circuit is provided that can provide, in a single package, a circuit to monitor a sensing element which uses a variable resistor. The circuit (also known as a signal conditioning circuit) may contain resistor input terminals to which a reference set resistor and a resistive sensor can be attached. A reference voltage signal can be applied to both terminals. There are also a circuit for sensing the resulting current flowing through both the set resistor and the resistive sensor. The difference of the currents flowing through each element can then be monitored as being indicative of the difference in resistance between the set resistor and the resistive sensor. The current difference signal can be used to generate a voltage difference signal indicative of the difference in resistance between the set resistor and the resistive sensor. The signal conditioning circuit may be used to adjust the temperature of various devices.

Abstract: A structural integrity monitoring system includes a piezoelectric sensor that is adapted to be secured to or embedded within an item of interest. A resistive element is placed in series with the piezoelectric sensor. An output from the series combination of the resistive element and the sensor is conditioned and then transmitted wirelessly to a remote location. An interface located at the remote location receives the transmitted signal, determines the content of the signal and provides an output indicative of the structural integrity of the item of interest.

Abstract: A self-compensating fault locator (10) broadly comprises a testing unit (16) to take measurements across two test points (18), a processing unit (20) to locate faults by analyzing the measurements, and a switching unit (22) that can connect termination points (14) of an electrical circuit (12) to the test points (18) in a sequence controlled by the processing unit (20). The fault locator (10) may also include a harness (24) to connect the electrical circuit (12) to the switching unit (22). The processing unit (20) is preferably programed with the electrical circuit's (12) interconnection information. The processing unit (20) also preferably stores internal characteristics of the fault locator (10). Using the interconnection information and the internal characteristics, the processing unit (20) may accurately locate faults within the electrical circuit (12). Additionally, the processing unit (20) may locate faults within the fault locator (10) and/or the harness (24).

Abstract: A device for the automatic control of joints 5 in electrical high voltage lines is disclosed. It comprises a first support 1, a first wheel 2, for lying on a line 4, a driving means for driving said first wheel 2, at least one second wheel 3 for lying on said line 4, a measurement unit 11, in contact with means for measurement of physical data at said joint. These means comprise at least one pointed element 7, 8, 9 for electrical contact with the line 4. The device is especially characterized in that at least one wheel 2, 3 is provided electrically connected to said measurement unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact sensor that detects contact between two objects and includes a first conductor separated from a second conductor by a crushable layer with a predetermined crush resistance. The crushable layer deforms under pressure such that a signal passes between the first and second conductor.

Abstract: Methods for determining electrical and thermal properties of a heated pipeline are provided. During commissioning or at any time thereafter, a base curve of impedance versus temperature of the pipeline is determined, so that impedance measurements can thereafter be used to measure temperature of the pipeline. Continuous monitoring of impedance is provided to detect changes in conditions of the pipeline. Start-up procedures that decrease risk of damage to the annulus from arcing are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective and monitoring apparatus (20, 23) for monitoring and reducing shaft currents and shaft voltages on the generator shaft (19) of a generator (16) which produces electrical power, which protective and monitoring device (20, 23) is connected between a contact apparatus (21, 24), which makes contact with the generator shaft (19), and a grounding connection (22, 25) and comprises a parallel circuit formed by a resistance and a capacitance, with one end of the parallel circuit (26, 27) being connected to the contact apparatus (21, 24) and its other end being connected to the grounding connection (22, 25), said parallel circuit being protected against overvoltages on the generator shaft (19) and means (31) being provided for bridging the parallel circuit (26, 27) when an overvoltage occurs.

Abstract: A sensor network has a plurality of resistors connected to row lines and column lines in a matrix. A monitoring resistor is connected between ends of two adjacent row lines. One of the row lines is connected to a pull-up resistor and the other row line is grounded to form a series circuit. When a voltage is applied to the series circuit, a voltage across the monitoring resistor is inputted to an ECU. If the circuit is in the shorted condition, the voltage across the monitoring resistor is 0. If the circuit is in the open condition, the voltage is equal to the voltage applied to the circuit. If no failure is present in the series circuit, the voltage is equal to the divided voltage. Failure detection in column lines is performed in the same manner as the row lines.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the contactless detection of a bar-shaped or wire-shaped processing electrode of a machine tool such as a spark erosion machine. The detection is based on measuring an impedance change in the measuring area, which is caused by the processing electrode moving through the measuring area. The impedance change is measured by one or more measuring electrodes disposed in the measuring area.

Abstract: The present invention synthesizes a prescribed impedance. The impedance is synthesized by generating a current having a value substantially equal to a voltage divided by a prescribed impedance. Sensing the line voltage and converting that sensed line voltage to its digital equivalent accomplish this first step. The digital line voltage is processed by a factor related to the prescribed impedance to produce an output voltage that has a value substantially equal to the sensed voltage divided by the prescribed impedance. The output voltage controls a voltage to current converter that generates the appropriate current across the points or terminals where the line voltage was measured. Thus, the prescribed impedance is generated across these points or terminals because the line voltage divided by the generated current is substantially equal to the prescribed impedance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for data input into an electronic data processing means that has an input and an output, and wherein a program runs in a loop that cyclically queries whether an input voltage whose magnitude is greater or smaller than a specified threshold value is present at the input. One pole of a voltage source is applied via a series connection made up of a first, a second and a third resistance to the other pole, whereby the voltage dropping at the third resistance forms the input voltage. The first resistance and the second resistance can be regulated. If a query indicates that the magnitude of the input voltage is greater or smaller than a specified threshold value, then a synchronization of the first resistance is initiated. The second resistance is regulated in such a way that it is at first smaller than a second limit value and subsequently greater than a second limit value or vice versa. The program forms digital input information on the basis of the number of synchronizations.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a low impedance load on an output of a driver circuit electrically connected to a coil of a fluid dispensing gun. The driver circuit provides a plurality of output signals to the coil in response to respective drive signals. Each drive signal has a waveform commanding the dispensing gun to open, and the waveform has a higher magnitude initial peak period followed by a lower magnitude hold period. A feedback circuit provides a difference signal as a function of a difference between each drive signal and a feedback of a corresponding output signal. A diagnostic circuit is connected to the driver circuit and provides an error signal representing a low impedance error as a function of the difference signal crossing a threshold signal magnitude during an occurrence of the peak period of the drive signal.

Abstract: In a method and system for assessing the stability of an electric power transmission network, where at least one pair of measurements including a first and a second measurement point (P1,P2), each measurement point comprising a voltage and a current phasor, is processed and where a Thévenin impedance (Zt) and a present stability margin (dS(k)) value are computed, a validity indicator (v) is computed which depends on whether there is a difference between the first and second measurement points and whether there is a difference between corresponding estimated first and second load impedances (Za). From all validity indicators (v) associated with all of the at least one pair of measurements a quality indicator (q) is computed that is associated with the Thévenin impedance value (Zt) and with the present stability margin (dS(k)). The invention allows to continuously compute and output a present stability margin (dS(k)) value and to provide a measure (q) of its quality.

Abstract: A rupture detector for a windshield assembly having one or multiple transparent members. The rupture detector includes a conductive member attached to a portion of the transparent member. An electrical power source in communication with the conductive member applies an electrical potential to the conductive member, and an electrical measurement mechanism is in communication with the conductive member and measures the electrical potential of the conductive member. A windshield assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of obtaining highly reliable semiconductor devices with the realization of high integration and high speed intended is provided. During processes after a desired circuit including a CMOS static type circuit is formed on a semiconductor substrate until product shipment, a first operation of feeding a predetermined input signal to the circuit and retrieving a first output signal corresponding to it and a second operation of giving an operating condition of increasing an ON resistance value of MOSFETs constituting the CMOS static type circuit and retrieving a second output signal corresponding to the condition are conducted, and a testing step of determining a failure by the first output signal varying from the second output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a battery connection is provided. The apparatus includes a clamp attached to a conductor for attaching the conductor to an object, a first sensor configured to detect a voltage associated with the clamp, and a second sensor configured to detect a voltage associated with the conductor at a point located distally from the clamp, the voltage detected by the first sensor and the voltage detected by the second sensor are compared. A method for testing a connection includes sensing a first voltage in a cable carrying current to at least one of two and from a connection, sensing a second voltage associated with the connection, comparing the first and second voltages, determining whether the connection is acceptable or not acceptable based on the compared voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting whether bonding wire supplied to an ultrasonic bonding tool of an ultrasonic bonding machine is present in a bore of the tool tip and providing an alarm signal if a wire segment normally within the bore is absent because of inadvertent breakage or misfeeding of the wire includes an electronic switching and detection module connected between a machine ground terminal connected to a wire supply reel and a bonding tool electrically isolated from the machine ground. In response to an enable signal input to the module prior to making the first of a pair of ultrasonic bonds to interconnect a pair of binding sites by a bonding wire, electronic switching means within the module electrically isolate the machine ground from the tool, and electric continuity detection means within the module determines whether the tool has been brought to voltage level near that of the machine ground by electrical conductive contact between the wire segment within the tool bore, and the bore wall.