Abstract: A test vehicle for an SIR testing system is described. A circuit board having a plurality of interleaved circuit patterns is provided with replica components mounted thereon. The interleaved circuit patterns have different conductor spacings to permit a qualitative evaluation of electronic assembly manufacturing processes. The replica components have connection leads which are soldered to circuit pads on the circuit board. The circuit pads are connected into two groups which are used along with the interleaved circuit patterns to evaluate the manufacturing process using SIR measurements.

Abstract: A thermal head model type determining apparatus for a thermal printer having a print engine containing a replaceable thermal head and a printer controller for controlling the print engine. The thermal head model type determining apparatus includes a memory for storing model type information tables containing property data for each of a plurality of different thermal head model types, a measuring circuit for measuring properties of a thermal head provided in the print engine, a and thermal head model type identifying device for determining the model type of the thermal head provided in the print engine by comparing the properties measured by the measuring circuit with the model type information tables stored in the memory.

Abstract: A cable suitable for detecting the presence of corrosive liquids is disclosed. In an embodiment the cable includes two sensing wires wrapped around a core member, at least one of the sensing wires being surrounded by a non-conductive surface layer. In an alternate embodiment the cable includes two sensing wires wrapped around a core member, the sensing wires and core member being encapsulated by a non-conductive surface layer. Preferably, the cable includes insulating wires for detecting the location of a leak. When a corrosive liquid contacts the sensing wires of the cable an electrical connection is created between them.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing a fault signal indicating a short-circuit between a first phase conductor and a second phase conductor of two different, parallel-running, three-phase power transmission lines. The method produces a fault signal indicating a short-circuit which has occurred between a first phase conductor and a second phase conductor of a power transmission arrangement.

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: The present invention relates to a sensor, which includes a conductor connected to a source terminal, while a second conductor is connected to a return terminal. Between the two conductors resides a semi-conductive layer with a predetermined resistance. A resistance measurement device determines how the predetermined resistance of the semi-conductive layer changes in response to a change in pressure or temperature. Also, included is a sensor with integral fault detection. The present invention also relates more generally to a coaxial cable, which includes a semi-conductive layer between two conductors. The present invention also incorporates a method of sensing pressure or temperature by measuring a change in resistance of a semi-conductive layer.

Abstract: A configuration is provided by which it may be determined whether a MEMS device is in a select state. The select state is defined by a position of a moveable element, which is moved with electrostatic forces upon activation of an electrode. The select state is detected with a sensing configuration that has first and second regions. The regions are generally separated such that they are electrically uncoupled unless the moveable element is in the position that defines the select state. A detector may be provided to indicate whether the first and second regions are coupled electrically.

Abstract: A switching regulator that has first, second, third and fourth terminals, a first power transistor disposed between the first terminal and a first node, a second power transistor disposed between the first node and a second node, a filter including a capacitor and an inductor, and a controller. The first power transistor is partitioned into a plurality of individually-addressable first transistor segments. The second node couples the second and fourth terminals. The second power transistor is partitioned into a plurality of individually-addressable second transistor segments. The inductor is disposed between the first node and the third terminal, and the capacitor is disposed between the third and fourth terminals.

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 method of testing a high-side driver and a low-side driver in an airbag squib circuit includes preliminary testing of squib resistance and squib leakage for a plurality of trials. Next, one of the drivers is turned on while keeping the other one of the drivers off. A current-limited power supply supplies an intermediate voltage to a squib terminal and the voltage at the terminal is continuously compared with a predetermined voltage range which includes the intermediate voltage. The one driver is turned off in response to the voltage at the point being outside the predetermined voltage range, thereby detecting that the one driver is operating properly. If the voltage at the point remains in the predetermined voltage range for a predetermined time period, then the one driver is turned off and an indication is made that the one driver has failed. If the first driver passed, then the other driver is tested in the same manner.

Abstract: A system is provided for precisely measuring a resistive load embedded in a potentially non-linear and capacitive Powered Device network which eliminates variable voltage from the measurement, decreases the capacitive settling times, and averages out system noise. A current and voltage (I-V) controller receives control voltages, applies constant load voltages to the resistive load in response to receiving the control voltages, and generates current flow voltages corresponding to current flowing through the resistive load. An integrating analog to digital converter (ADC) circuit receives the generated current flow voltages from the I-V controller and performs measurement cycles thereon. A control processor is operatively communicative with both the integrating ADC circuit and the I-V controller for controlling the measurements and calculations on the resistive load during first and second measurement cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to non-interactively test telephone networks and more specifically to localize faults such as resistive faults in the subscriber loop of the telephone network is presented. The method and apparatus determine whether the fault is in the tip line or ring line of a phone line. The existence of a fault voltage, if any, is also determined. The resistance of the tip line to ground and the resistance of the ring line to ground is measured. A fault resistance is calculated from this information, from which the location of the fault is determined.

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 comparitor 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: A method for measuring the resistance component current included in the leakage current is provided. In a monitoring apparatus and system for measurement the signal waveform of at least one AC cycle is sampled. The resistance component leakage current is measured by dividing the average of integrated value of the instantaneous leakage current values and the instantaneous voltage values by the square root of average of squared instantaneous voltage values. In addition, a voltage signal of the target measurement circuit is obtained the waveform of the leakage current signal and the voltage signal for one cycle is sampled and stored; the leakage current signal and the voltage signal are expanded to N-th higher harmonic wave component respectively, and the resistance component that relates to the leakage current is calculated.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the operating conditions of a rolling bearing, has the rolling bearing including; an outer ring of a metal with outer raceway; an inner ring of a metal with an inner raceway; and a plurality of rolling elements; a first member electrically connected to the outer ring; a second member electrically connected to the inner ring; and a lubricant presented on the area at which the outer raceway and the inner raceway come in contact with the rolling surface of the rolling elements; wherein, the electrical characteristics between the outer ring or first member and the inner ring or second member are monitored in order to monitor the operating conditions of the rolling bearing operating with a lubricant and when the electrical characteristics thus monitored fall outside a predetermined range, the lubricating conditions are judged poor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disc drives. Before a pivot cartridge is assembled into a disc drive, impedance readings of the pivot cartridge are taken, preferably, at more than one rotational position and across a frequency range. The pivot cartridge is accepted for assembly into the disc drive only if its impedance readings compare favorably with readings taken of a good pivot cartridge. Otherwise, the pivot cartridge is rejected and the impedance readings are analyzed to provide identification of the defect in the pivot cartridge. In addition, a system and a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing the method of screening pivot cartridges and identifying causes of defects is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the repair of resistive circuitry in an integrated circuit die having a multitude of circuit paths. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor die having a resistive electrical connection is analyzed. The location of a circuit portion in the die having a resistive electrical connection is identified. Using the identified location, the resistive circuit portion is annealed and the resistivity of that circuit portion is reduced. The reduced resistivity improves the ability of the die to operate at high speeds, and makes possible the repair and subsequent use of the die in various applications.

Abstract: To precisely and easily detect a disconnection failure in a bonding connection of a flip coil of a magnetic sensor, wiring patterns for connecting switching devices to a +FL terminal of an X-axis sensor and a +FL terminal of a Y-axis sensor are arranged on a circuit wiring board. After MOS transistors are mounted to the board, the wiring patterns are connected to each other by wiring in the MOS transistors. The MOS transistors are mounted to the circuit board so that a flip coil of the X-axis sensor and a flip coil of the Y-axis sensor are connected in parallel to each other. Before the MOS transistors are mounted on the circuit board, the resistance of each of the flip coils and is measured. The disconnection failure in bonding connection of the flip coils can be inspected based on the fact that a difference between a measured value in a case of good bonding connection and that in a case of bad bonding connection is large.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter performs thermocouple diagnostics on a thermocouple attached to the transmitter to determine if, and the extent to which, the thermocouple has degraded. Various methods of obtaining thermocouple resistance are also provided.

Abstract: A Method and an arrangement providing detection of deteriorated lamp filaments (3) in a lamp circuit (11) fed by constant current, in particular for a lamp supervision system for airfield lights. A change in a constant current fed through a lamp circuit (11) is initiated, whereby the lamp filament resistance is determined once in conjunction with the change in current and once a time period later. A difference between the resistance determinations constitutes the deterioration of a lamp filament (3) in comparison with a threshold value. Hence, no record of previous resistance determinations have to be stored, and lamps (4) can be replaced when the difference matches the threshold value.

Abstract: A negative voltage detector including a resistor divider circuit is used to translate a negative voltage into a standard CMOS logic low or logic high value. The small area consumed by the negative voltage divider allows multiple device placement within a logic device without the consumption of much area on the logic device. Additionally, the multiple devices placed may detect different negative voltage thresholds with a simple tuning of device components.

Abstract: An analyzer sensor for detecting signal waveforms on a pair of conductors. The apparatus includes capacitive couplers connected to termination impedance and adapted for placement adjacent to the conductors to capacitively couple the signals of the conductors to the associated termination impedance. The invention further includes a first and second buffer amplifier responsive, respectively, to the signals at the termination impedances, for providing at a first and second output thereof, respectively, an amplified difference of the signals. Furthermore, the invention includes a utility module having a battery source connected to the buffer amplifiers by a line for providing power to the buffer amplifiers at a location distant from the buffer amplifiers.

Abstract: A method and device whereby green tire components are on-line controlled as to quality, dimensions and structure by means of electric resistance measurements.

Abstract: Analyzer Sensor. The present invention is an apparatus for detecting signal waveforms on a pair of conductors. The apparatus includes capacitive couplers connected to termination impedance and adapted for placement adjacent to the conductors to capacitively couple the signals of the conductors to the associated termination impedance. The invention further includes a first and second buffer amplifier responsive, respectively, to the signals at the termination impedances, for providing at a first and second output thereof, respectively, an amplified difference of the signals. Furthermore, the invention includes a utility module having a battery source connected to the buffer amplifiers by a line for providing power to the buffer amplifiers at a location distant from the buffer amplifiers.

Abstract: A sensor cable (10) for detecting and/or locating a deformation of the cable includes a conductive core (20), a dielectric layer (40), a controlled resistive layer (50), a piezoresistive layer (60), and an outer shield (70). Deformation of the cable (10) creates a change in resistance between the shield (70) and the controlled resistive layer (50), and also creates a piezoelectric-induced voltage between the conductive core (20) and the controlled resistive layer (50). The incidence and/or location of a deformation of the cable is deducible from electrical parameters, indicative of the change in resistance and the induced voltage, measured at one or both ends of the sensor cable.

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 relates to a method for locating a fault on a power transmission line which is series-compensated with capacitors. The site of the fault is determined with the aid of measured currents and voltages at one of the two ends of the power transmission line before and after the occurrence of the fault and a calculating algorithm based on impedance models of the power transmission line before and after the occurrence of the fault.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing compensation current and test device using the same, the method comprising: using a standard test voltage value as a standard voltage value for a standard voltage value for a subsequent compensation calculation; reading a test voltage value and a leakage current after connecting an object to be tested to a connecting point; and calculating a simulated compensation value of a dynamic leakage current in accordance with an equation.

Abstract: A method for determining the effect of load impedance on the magnitude and phase of loop gain of a power converter apparatus to aid in predicting stability of the converter apparatus under various operating conditions. The converter apparatus has an open-loop output impedance and provides an output signal to an output locus.

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: Methods and apparatus for improved impedance measurements are which allow for shorter delays during recalibration and which eliminate the need to physically disconnect and reconnect test leads after initial calibration has been completed. In particular, an adjustment factor is calculated based on impedances measured during initial calibration and is used to adjust future impedance measurements. Moreover, a plurality of loads having pre-measured impedances are switchably connected to the meter such that re-calibration using said loads may be accomplished without the physical connection or disconnection of test leads. The plurality of loads are preferably incorporated into a test board which also comprises additional test leads and a switching mechanism to alternately connect the various loads and test leads to the meter.

Abstract: A test structure provides defect information rapidly and accurately. The test structure includes a plurality of lines provided in a parallel orientation, a decoder coupled to the plurality of lines for selecting one of the plurality of lines, and a sense amplifier coupled to the selected line. To analyze an open, a line in the test structure is coupled to the sense amplifier. A high input signal is provided to the line. To determine the resistance of the open, a plurality of reference voltages are then provided to the sense amplifier. A mathematical model of the resistance of the line based on the reference voltage provided to the sense amplifier is generated. Using this mathematical model, the test structure can quickly detect and characterize defect levels down to a few parts-per-million at minimal expense.

Abstract: A digital distance relay for deciding whether a fault point is within a stipulated operation region by obtaining an impedance to the fault point. The relay comprises: means for deciding whether the impedance is within a specified region by applying a value proportional to the relative phase; and means for deciding the fault point is within the stipulated operation region if: (a) when the load current indicates a sending direction, the positive-phase resistance and reactance are within a stipulated region based on stipulated positive-phase resistance and reactance, and the impedance is decided within the specified region; or (b) when the load current indicates a receiving direction, the positive-phase resistance and reactance are within a stipulated region based on stipulated positive-phase resistance and reactance, or the impedance is decided within the specified region.

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 discharge current and terminal voltage of the battery are periodically measured while a rush current flows into a predetermined constant load of the loads. The rush current first monotonically increases from zero to a peak value and subsequently monotonically decreases from the peak value to a steady value. A first approximate expression of a current-voltage characteristic for the increasing discharge current and a second approximate expression of a current-voltage characteristic for the decreasing discharge current are computed. An intermediate value of two values of the terminal voltage change per unit current change at points corresponding to the peak values of the first and second approximate expressions excluding a voltage drop caused by a concentration polarization component is computed when the first and second approximate expressions include the voltage drop. The intermediate value computed is measured as the pure resistance of the battery.

Abstract: A resistance hybrid is disclosed including m+1 unit resistors connected in series, to further be connected in series between two resistance elements, one Rbottom and the other Rtop. Each unit resistor SBn includes an error correction resistance element R1dn and a set resistance element RTn connected in series, and further connected in parallel to a fuse RLn. In addition, the error correction resistance element R1dn is formed such that the combined resistance of the fuse RLn, set resistance element RTn, and error correction resistance element R1dn, is equal to the resistance value of the error correction resistance element R1dn. The value of resistance of the unit resistor SBn after the disconnection increases by the resistance value of set resistance element RTn, to thereby obviating the error possibly caused by the disconnection, which is originated from the resistance value of the fuse RLn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for location of a fault which has occurred on one of a plurality of lines in a power distribution network where the location is performed with the measured values of the common supply voltage of the plurality of lines and the currents of the plurality of lines after the occurrence of a fault; calculating the equivalent positive-sequence impedance Z1kf and zero-sequence impedance ZZ0kf of the network in a pre-fault steady state for all M nodes based on knowledge of the configuration and topology of the network, and obtaining, via a superordinate protection system, which of plurality of lines has become faulty and which type of fault has occurred.

Abstract: A detector detects frequencies in two predetermined bands separately with respective predetermined coupling. The detector includes a first transmission line, and second and third transmission lines and disposed near the first transmission line. One end of the first transmission line is connected to a terminating resistor, and the other end of the first transmission line is connected to an anode terminal of a detecting diode through a wideband matching circuit. A cathode terminal of the detecting diode is connected to a load circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for locating a fault (F) in a section of parallel transmission lines in a network comprising the steps: measuring the currents and voltages of both lines at a measuring point arranged at one end (A) of the section, determining the fault distance (x) between the measuring point and the fault as a solution of an equation Ax2−Bx+C−Rf=0 comprising the fault distance (x) as a variable and the fault resistance (Rf), the invention is characterised in that the parameters (A, B, C, D) comprise the phase components of the locally measured currents and voltages and are obtained from calculating from the measuring point to the fault location along the both parallel lines, and wherein the equation is resolved into its real and imaginary parts: Real(A)x2−Real(B)x+Real(C)−Rf=0 Imag(A)x2−Imag(B)x+Imag(C)=0, whereby the fault distance is derived from the imaginary part.

Abstract: A contact-type displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of an object to be detected based on a change in a resistance value includes a resistor having a surface to be slid, a slider which slides on the surface to be slid in a predetermined direction in accordance with a displacement of the object to be detected, and an irregular pattern formed on the surface to be slid and including convex portions and concave portions continuously formed along a direction crossing or perpendicular to a sliding direction of the slider.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a load in response to a ground fault condition includes measuring a ground fault alternating current flowing from the load. A real part and an imaginary part of the ground fault alternating current is ascertained. Electrical power is removed from the load and/or the ground fault condition is indicated to a user if a magnitude of the real part exceeds a first predetermined threshold and/or a magnitude of the imaginary part exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

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: A portable power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment's line cards to BellCore's AC power fault standards. A switched transformer unit is coupled to a single-phase AC line voltage source for generating a switched voltage output in 0-220 volt range or in 0-1100 volt range. A primary control relay is coupled to the switched transformer unit for applying the switched voltage output for selected time durations under control of an external computer. A test selector switch coupled to the primary control relay connects the switched voltage output to either a resistive test circuit portion or an inductive test circuit portion, each of which is designed to comply with the respective AC power fault testing conditions.

Abstract: An improved high impedance fault (HIF) detection system comprises an analyzer located at a circuit breaker or substation with feeders, wherein the analyzer analyzes current and/or voltage waveforms to detect a HIF on the feeder or on one of a plurality of laterals coupled to the feeder; a plurality of remote outage detectors located respectively at corresponding customer sites, each remote outage detector including a mechanism to detect a loss of potential or power at the corresponding site; and a computer in communication with the analyzer and the remote outage detectors.

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: A method of determining the resistance of a conductive loop formed by a fault in a monitored section of a power-supply line through which a.c. current is flowing. Instantaneous values of the current and voltage are measured over a given period of time. The instantaneous values of the current and the voltage are measured over a half-period of the a.c. current. Instantaneous power values of the current are integrated to give a value proportional to the effective power. The instantaneous values determined for the current are squared and the integral of the square of the current determined. The resistance is determined by dividing the value proportional to the effective power by the integral of the square of the current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for locating a fault (F) in a section of parallel transmission lines in a network comprising the steps: measuring the currents and voltages of both lines at a measuring point arranged at one end (A) of the section, determining the fault distance (x) between the measuring point and the fault as a solution of an equation Ax2−Bx+C−Rf=0 comprising the fault distance (x) as a variable and the fault resistance (Rf), the invention is characterizsed in that the parameters (A, B, C, D) comprise the phase components of the locally measured currents and voltages and are obtained from calculating from the measuring point to the fault location along the both parallel lines, and wherein the equation is resolved into its real and imaginary parts:

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.

Abstract: A probe apparatus having probe groups comprising two or three probes that independently contact single terminals of tested chips. As a result, the probe apparatus is capable of recognizing voltage drops of a test signal applied prior to the chip testing onto a test path along two or three probes contacting, the terminal and the interfaces between them. The test path does not pass through the chip. An electronic circuit measures the voltage drops and compensated accordingly operational signals passing through the terminals, the probes and the interfaces during the chip testing. A first embodiment comprises two probes per group. A second embodiment comprises three probes per group. In the second embodiment, the variable resistance component of three resistance measurements of first/second, first/third and second/third resistance paths are compared by the electronic circuit, in order to determine absolute resistance values for each of the three signal paths.

Abstract: In measuring the resistance value of an output buffer, a supply voltage is supplied to a first P-channel transistor in its source through an ammeter provided within an IC tester, a ground potential is supplied from the IC tester to a first N-channel transistor in its source, and a voltmeter provided within the IC tester is connected to a first external output terminal. A test control signal is then brought to a high level. Further, a test signal of a plurality of bits, which brings only a first test control signal to a high level while brining the remaining 2nd to nth test control signals to a low level, is input into a decoder. As a result, the first P-channel transistor and the first N-channel transistor are brought to an ON state, while 2nd to nth external output terminals are brought to a high-impedance state.