Abstract: A system and method for hierarchical arc fault monitoring in an energy storage system, where the energy storage system includes a plurality of stacks that are electrically coupled together. Each stack includes a plurality of battery management system nodes that are electrically coupled together. The method includes (1) obtaining respective electrical measurement values for each stack; (2) determining, for each stack, that the stack is free of arc faults, using the respective electrical measurement values for the stack; (3) obtaining electrical measurement values for the energy storage system; and (4) determining that the energy storage system is free of arc faults outside of the plurality of stacks, using (a) the electrical measurement values for the energy storage system and (b) a subset of the respective electrical measurement values for each stack.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement for monitoring a surge arrester which is connected to a live wire of a power network at a connection point in order to protect an electrical apparatus against incoming surges, the monitoring arrangement including: an analogue measuring circuit for sensing a current impulse through the surge arrester caused by an incoming surge in the live wire and producing a corresponding analogue measuring signal; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the measuring signal into digital signals; and an electronic processing device configured: to establish, based on the digital signals, a voltage peak value representing the highest voltage at the connection point during the incoming surge; and to establish, based on the voltage peak value and by means of a calculation model or look-up table, a maximum-voltage value representing an estimated maximum voltage across the electrical apparatus during the incoming surge.

Abstract: Disclosed examples include apparatus to couple a motor drive to a motor, including a cable with a first end coupled with an output of a motor drive, a second end coupled with a motor, a plurality of conductors to convey an output signal of the motor drive between the first and second ends to drive the motor, and a plurality of shields, with a conductive junction to couple tap points of at least two of the shields together. Resistors can be used to connect the tap points to the conductive junction to provide an impedance in series with the corresponding shield to reduce voltage stress to the motor or the cable. In certain examples, the shields include a semiconductor material to provide an impedance between the first end and the conductive junction to reduce voltage stress to the motor or the cable.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a power line communication (PLC) device sends an active channel scan request from a host layer to an adaptation layer. In response to the adaptation layer receiving the request, a MAC layer is instructed to broadcast a beacon request frame. The PLC device receives from each of one or more neighboring devices that respond to the beacon request frame a beacon frame including an address and a personal area network (PAN) identifier. A listing of PAN identifiers indicated by the beacon frames is provided to the host layer. The host layer selects a target network corresponding to a selected PAN identifier and selects one of the one or more neighboring devices associated with the selected PAN identifier as a target bootstrapping agent. The host layer instructs the adaptation layer to join the target network using the target bootstrapping agent.

Abstract: A display panel testing bench, wherein the display panel testing bench comprises: a bench base, a chassis, a probe assembly, and a linkage assembly; a bench base moving assembly is disposed on the chassis; the bench base is movable on the chassis by the bench base moving assembly, the bench base is configured to fix a display panel; the linkage assembly is disposed on the chassis, and is configured to perform a joint movement of the probe assembly and the bench base; the probe assembly is disposed above the bench base; wherein, when the bench base is moved on the chassis by the bench base moving assembly, the bench base drives the linkage assembly, and the probe assembly is driven by the linkage assembly to move above the display panel.

Abstract: A method for determining damaged faulty and/or weak points in a structural seal. The seal is provided with an electrically conductive layer arranged inside or outside the structural seal and extends over substantially the entire surface of the structural seal and to which layer an electrical test voltage is applied. To establish the damaged, faulty and/or weak points, a further electrically conductive layer is used, which is electrically separated from the aforementioned electrically conductive layer by the structural seal and extends over substantially the entire surface of the structural seal. The level of the test voltage between the electrically conductive layers charged with voltage is selected such that when at least one electrically non-conductive damaged, faulty and/or weak point is present in the structural seal, the electrical disruptive strength is exceeded and an electric spark or arc is formed at the location of the damaged, faulty and/or weak point.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for electric field sensing is provided. The sensor assembly may include an array of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based resonant tunneling devices. A resonant tunneling device may be configured to generate a resonant tunneling signal in response to the electric field. The resonant tunneling device may include at least one electron state definer responsive to changes in at least one respective controllable characteristic of the electron state definer. The changes in the controllable characteristic are configured to affect the tunneling signal. An excitation device may be coupled to the resonant tunneling device to effect at least one of the changes in the controllable characteristic affecting the tunneling signal. A controller may be coupled to the resonant tunneling device and the excitation device to control the changes of the controllable characteristic in accordance with an automated control strategy configured to reduce an effect of noise on a measurement of the electric field.

Abstract: An anomaly on an elongate conductive member is detected by causing a source electromagnetic wave to propagate in a first direction along the elongate conductive member such that the source electromagnetic wave passes through the at least one anomaly. The anomaly causes a reflected electromagnetic wave to propagate in a second direction along the elongate conductive member. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The electric field of the reflected electromagnetic wave is sensed. The magnetic field of the reflected electromagnetic wave is sensed. A direction of propagation of the reflected electromagnetic wave is determined based on the electric field of the reflected electromagnetic wave and the magnetic field of the reflected electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: A discharge amount measuring device includes a power source, first and second sensors, a calibration wire, and a measuring portion. The power source applies a voltage to a coil of a rotational electric machine. The first sensor detects a current flowing through the coil. The calibration wire has an end connected to the coil. The second sensor detects a current flowing through the calibration wire. The measuring portion forms a calibration line based on a first waveform detected by the first sensor and a second waveform detected by the second sensor. The measuring portion calculates a discharge amount based on the calibration line.

Abstract: A well (2) doped for a conductivity type and provided as the sensor region is formed in a substrate (1) made of semiconductor material. Contact regions (4), arranged spaced apart from one another and doped for the same conductivity type as the well (2), are formed in a cover layer (3) that delimits the region with the conductivity type of the well. The contact areas (4) are electroconductively connected to the well (2) and provided for terminal contacts (6).

Abstract: A stand-off sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of electron state definers for generating resonant tunneling current in response to the electric field, wherein the electron state definers include at least one variable characteristic such that a change in the variable characteristic affects the tunneling current, and a monitor for monitoring a change in the tunneling current exiting an electron state definer based on a change in the variable characteristic of the tunneling device.

Abstract: A distance detection system is disclosed. The distance detection system includes an electric-field forming apparatus and an electric-field receiving apparatus. Quasi-electrostatic-field forming means is included in the electric-field forming apparatus. The quasi-electrostatic-field forming means is for forming quasi-electrostatic fields for a plurality of frequencies. The intensity of the quasi-electrostatic field for each frequency falls below a predetermined threshold intensity at a different distance from the quasi-electrostatic-field forming means. Distance detection means is included in either one of the electric-field forming apparatus and the electric-field receiving apparatus. The distance detection means is for detecting a distance between the electric-field forming apparatus and the electric-field receiving apparatus, based on the frequency of a quasi-electrostatic field received by the electric-field receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A method for adapting the signal transmission between two electronic devices (1, 2) that are connected to each other via a physical interface and that each have a transmitter (8a, 8b) and a receiver (7a, 7b), wherein analog signals are transmitted from the transmitter (8a, 8b) of one device (1, 2) along a transmission path (9a, 9b) to the receiver (7a, 7b) of the other device (1, 2). Known scattering parameters (10a, 10b, 10c, 11d) for describing the electromagnetic wave propagation in the transmission path (9a, 9b) between the receiver (7a, 7b) of the first device (1, 2) and the transmitter (8a, 8b) of the second device (1, 2) are retrieved by the first device (1, 2), transmitted to the second device (1, 2), and parameters of the transmitter (8a, 8b) in the second device (1, 2) are adapted with reference to a high-frequency description of the transmission path (9a, 9b) as a function of all of the scattering parameters (10a to 10d, 11a to 11d) known to the two devices.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system.

Abstract: A circuit board with embedded components includes a plurality of embedded components and at least one transmission line electrically connected to at least one of the embedded components and having a terminal circuit. Therefore, a measuring device is used to be electrically connected to the transmission line and send out a signal, so as to receive a corresponding reflected signal, and then, compare the received reflected signal with a signal pattern in the database to obtain an electrical parameter of the embedded component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new technique for solving the problem of detecting and locating soft faults, such as frays, in electrical conductor wires. This new technique utilizes the nonlinear ferroelectric capacitive properties of piezoelectric ceramic elements, such as PZT, in conjunction with an antenna coil, to realize a tuned antenna receiver circuit with significantly increased reception sensitivity. The present invention consists of a battery powered, hand-held transmitter, with an output terminal for physical connectors, and a battery powered, hand-held receiver. Soft faults are detected and accurately located, to within a half inch distance of the actual soft fault, as the receiver is passed along the path of the electrical conductor wire, by the operator, who determines a reduction or cessation of the visible and audible indicators.

Abstract: A power line communication device is provided that in one embodiment includes a parameter sensor device configured to measure a parameter of a power line, a modem configured to transmit parameter data over a power line, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor device and modem. The parameter sensor device may include a current sensor device that includes a Rogowski coil. For measuring the current or other parameter of a higher voltage power line conductor, the parameter sensor device may be configured to provide data to the controller via a non-conductive communication link, such as via a wireless, fiber optic, or radio frequency transponder link. In addition, the parameter sensor device may include an isolated power source and receive power via a fiber optic conductor or inductively from the power line.

Abstract: A non-contact circuit analyzer includes a computer system having a memory with circuit parameters stored therein wherein the circuit parameters specify acceptable operating characteristics for a circuit. The analyzer further includes a magnetic field detector coupled to the computer and configured to detect the magnetic field emitted from the circuit while operational. The magnetic field relates to current in the circuit. The analyzer further includes an electric field sensor coupled to the computer and configured to detect the electric field emitted from the circuit while operational. The electric field relates to voltage and/or operating frequency in the circuit. The magnetic field detector and the electric field detector are configured to send signals for the detected fields to the computer system. The computer system is configured to compare the signals to the circuit parameters to determine whether the circuit is operating within the circuit parameters.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a power distribution center having an enclosure with an access door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The power distribution center includes a non-contact sensor disposed inside the enclosure, wherein the non-contact sensor includes a non-contact voltage sensor, or a non-contact temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. The power distribution center also includes an indicator viewable outside of the enclosure while the door is in the closed position, wherein the indicator is coupled to the non-contact sensor.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for mounting a circuit board or device to be tested, and for mounting a sensor assembly, the positioning system having the capability of moving the sensor assembly in three dimensions. The sensor assembly is positioned on the mounting assembly such that it is not in contact with the circuit board under test. The sensor assembly in operation samples the electromagnetic field emanating from the circuit under test and converts those signals into a representative electrical signal in a digitized format. A processing system compares the measured values from the sensor assembly with reference values from the same point in a circuit known to be good and provides an indication to the user as to whether the difference therebetween is within an acceptable range or outside thereof.

Abstract: A stray voltage detector has a portable housing carrying a pair of electrostatic charge sensors spaced apart along an axis, and a pair of field intensity indicators, each indicator connected to an associated one of the charge sensors and constructed to indicate a relative electric field intensity at its associated sensor. The voltage detector is constructed to provide simultaneous electric field intensity feedback from both indicators to an operator moving the housing along the axis over a surface with a localized region at an elevated voltage, to assist in locating the localized elevated voltage region. The detector is useful for locating high-voltage regions, even when there is little or no current flowing through such regions to generate a magnetic field.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a power distribution center having an enclosure with an access door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The power distribution center includes a non-contact sensor disposed inside the enclosure, wherein the non-contact sensor comprises a non-contact voltage sensor, or a non-contact temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. The power distribution center also includes an indicator viewable outside of the enclosure while the door is in the closed position, wherein the indicator is coupled to the non-contact sensor.

Abstract: A breakdown inspection apparatus for a wire includes a power supply applying a voltage to the wire and an electric field sensor detecting an electric field generated around the wire by the applied voltage so as for a user to determine according to variation of the electric field if there is an open defect in the wire.

Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault in an electrical conductor has a housing, a high capacity battery, at least one light emitting diode (LED) visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault and which may be automatically reset to a non-fault indicating position a predetermined time after the occurrence of the fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the LEDs to indicate a fault and for resetting the LEDs to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. The electronic circuitry conserves energy by drawing insubstantial current from the high capacity battery during non-fault conditions. The electronic circuitry may also include in-rush restraint to avoid false tripping of the fault indicator during surges. An inrush restraint circuit has an output signal that is logically combined with a fault indicator signal to disable the fault indicator during inrush conditions.

Abstract: The characteristic evaluating system of the present invention includes: a cable-driving transmitter transmitting a signal to one end of a cable to be measured; a load connected to the other end of the cable; a probe detecting a common mode current of the cable; a receiver receiving a signal detected by the probe; and a controller controlling the cable-driving transmitter, the load, and the receiver. The cable-driving transmitter is constructed such that a plural transmission condition is selectable when transmitting the signal. The load is constructed such that plural termination conditions corresponding to the signals transmitted to the cable is selectable. The characteristic of the cable is measured by scanning relative positions of the probe and the cable in a longitudinal direction of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for sensing data relating to a structure (14), including an inspection site sensor system having at least one microprocessor (16) coupled to the structure. At least one sensor (12) for sensing data is connected to each of the at least one microprocessors that compare the data to a standard. A user interface (18) is coupled to the microprocessor (16) for presenting the comparison, and a wireless transmitter (20) is coupled to the microprocessor (16) for transmitting at least one of the data and the comparison to a management site (22). The management site (22) includes a receiver (24) for receiving the transmitted at least one of the data and the comparison, a microprocessor (26) coupled to the receiver (24); and a user interface (28) coupled to the microprocessor (26).

Abstract: A system for locating a malfunctioning bulb in a decorative light string uses an antenna that produces an output signal corresponding to the strength of the electric field produced by a portion of the light string near the antenna. An amplifier is coupled to the antenna to receive the antenna output signal and produce an amplified output signal representing the strength of the electric field. The amplifier includes a negative feedback circuit to improve the stability of the amplifier. A detector receives the amplifier output signal and activates an alarm device when the amplifier output signal is above or below a predetermined threshold representing a known operational condition of the light string.

Abstract: A molded voltage sensor is provided that achieves excellent sensing accuracy over a wide temperature range by molding promary and secondary capacitances are of a voltage divider into a solid dielectric material and wherein th e capacitances are preferably fabricated from the same material, or at least materials having nearly identical temperature coefficients of permittivity. In a preferred arrangement, a first member of dielectric material includes a conductive pattern of the outer surface thereof and an electrical connection attached to the conductive pattern. The first memberis the molded into a prerdetermined location with respect to a central conductor and a layer of the dielectric molding material is also molded over the exterior of the first member. Another conductive pattern is formed on the over-molded layer. The overall assembly is then molded to form a body of the sesired shape and provides insulation between the conductor and the conductive patterns.

Abstract: In a method of testing an electrode structure in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a matrix, a test unit is positioned at a position of a target one of the plurality of electrodes apart from the target electrode by a preset distance. The test unit has a MISFET having a source, a gate and a drain. Then, a first voltage is applied to the target electrode such that a gate voltage is induced at the gate by electrostatic induction. Also, a second voltage is applied to at least one of the source and the drain such that current flows between the source and the drain based on the gate voltage. Then, a value of the current is examined to determine an electrical connection state of the target electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a method an apparatus for diagnosing short defects on inaccessible or non-contacted nodes of an integrated circuit device using capacitive coupling techniques. In accordance with the invention, an alternating current (AC) signal generator is connected to apply an alternating current (AC) signal to an accessible node of an IC device under test. Preferably, all remaining accessible nodes of the IC device under test are grounded. A sensor plate of a capacitive sensing probe is placed in signal coupling proximity to the inaccessible node of interest on the integrated circuit device. If a signal is present on the inaccessible node of interest, it is capacitively coupled to the sensor plate of the probe. A measurement device obtains a measurement representative of an amount of current flow capacitively coupled to the sensor plate by the capacitive sensing probe.

Abstract: A device for enabling testing of electrical paths through a circuit assembly is presented. The device may include a test facilitating shipping and handling cover for a socket of the circuit assembly. The test facilitating shipping and handling cover may have a conductive layer for capacitively coupling to an array of pins in the socket during testing. A method for testing continuity of electrical paths through a circuit assembly is presented. In the method, one or more nodes of the circuit assembly are stimulated, contacts of a socket on the circuit assembly are capacitively coupled with a conductive layer of a shipping and handling cover mated with the socket, and an electrical characteristic is measured by a tester coupled to the shipping and handling cover to determine continuity of electrical paths through the circuit assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and apparatus for acquiring multiple capacitively sensed measurements from a circuit under test. Multiple digital sources are respectively connected to stimulate multiple respective first ends of multiple respective nets of interest. Respective second ends of the multiple respective nets of interest are capacitively sensed. The respective capacitively coupled signals are digitally sampled and shift correlated with respective expected digital signatures. If a high level of correlation is found for a given net, the net is electrically intact; otherwise, the net is characterized by either an open or some other fault that prevents it from meeting specification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing open defects on non-contacted nodes of an electrical device is presented. Actual and expected signal measurements are collected for various contacted nodes of the electrical device. Nodes whose actual measurements are out of range of their respective expected measurements are deemed abnormal nodes. Non-contacted nodes may then be assessed as having, or as likely to have, open defects based on knowledge of the degree of coupling of the non-contacted node to the abnormal contacted nodes. In the preferred embodiment, abnormal nodes are identified using a linear regression analysis, and the non-contacted nodes indicted as having open defects are identified using a weighting scheme.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for inspecting a branched circuit wiring having branch portions branched halfway therefrom by using a less number of non-contact sensors. An inspection method for inspecting a branched circuit wiring having three or more ends, including the steps of: supplying an inspection signal to one end of the branched circuit wiring; disposing one or more non-contact sensors for detecting the inspection signal while being in non-contact with the branched circuit wiring over the remaining ends other than one end of the branched circuit wiring; and determining if any disconnection is caused in the branched circuit wiring, based on the inspection signal detected by the one or more non-contact sensors. The disposing step includes the step of arranging at least one of the one or more non-contact sensors to cover the remaining ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a surge arrester connected to a power network, comprising a registering unit (1) and means (63, 66) for attachment of the registering unit to the surge arrester. The registering unit comprises a grounding line (16), which is adapted to conduct a current flowing through the surge arrester to ground, means (4) for registration of a current passing through the gounding line (16) from the surge arrester, a member (9) for registration of current pulses passing through the surge arrester, and a storage member (5) for storing data concerning the current passing through the grounding line (16) from the surge arrester and data concerning registered current pulses.

Abstract: A sensor for converting a physical quantity into an electric signal and issuing the output is driven by a drive circuit which is driven by a drive signal issued from a 1-chip microcomputer. The 1-chip microcomputer judges fault of sensor function when the sensor output signal is out of a specified output range. Further, when stopping the operation of the drive circuit, if the sensor output signal does not coincide with a specific value, the 1-chip microcomputer also judges fault of sensor function. According to the invention, in the event of a trouble of sensor function allowing the sensor output signal to settle within an output range, such trouble can be detected.

Abstract: A method for measuring at least one characteristic parameter of an alternating current in a conductor, the method including the steps of measuring the magnetic field around the conductor at a point along the conductor; deriving an analogue voltage signal representative of the measured magnetic field; amplifying the analogue voltage signal; converting the amplified voltage signal into a digital voltage signal; measuring the digital voltage signal and, when the amplitude of digital voltage signal reaches a predetermined value, adjusting a gain setting of the amplification; and generating an output signal representative of the parameter of the alternating current based on the amplified voltage signal and the gain setting.

Abstract: A system for locating parallel arcing faults in a set of wires is described. The system includes three devices that can be used in combination or alone. A first device applies a current to a wire while grounding the remaining wires of the set of wires so as to cause the parallel arc, the first device being adapted to locate the parallel arcing fault using one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms being conducted on the wire under test. A second device comprises a controller and two or more receivers, each receiver being electrically coupled to the controller for receiving one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms being radiated by the parallel arcing fault. A third device senses one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms as well as the ultrasonic emissions emitted from the parallel arcing fault.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically testing electrical circuits in which electromagnetic values that are to be sensed by an array of sensors are forecast or simulated, for use as a reference, by calculation using computer files corresponding to a board under test and to an array of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is a apparatus and method for accurately finding a location of a fault in a fiber cable where a cable locating current is leaking to ground. The system includes a sensor body, voltage probes mounted in the body to face the cable, a reference voltage input and a voltage comparator that compares the reference voltage to a measured voltage at the probes. Use of the system may include applying a conductive medium such as a conductive gel between the probes and the cable.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method are disclosed. The inspection apparatus comprises a probe 30 having a width equal to or less than that of the layout pitch of conductive patterns 15 to be inspected, and a sensor section 20 having an area capable of covering the layout region of the conductive patterns. The probe 30 is adapted to be scanningly moved across an inspection-signal supply region including respective portions of the conductive patterns. The sensor section 20 is positioned opposed to the conductive patterns 15. An AC inspection signal is fed from an AC power source 35 to the probe 30 to form a capacitive coupling between one electrode or the conductive pattern, and the other electrode or the sensor section 20, and a detected signal from the sensor section 20 is amplified through an amplifier 25 to check the detected signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the inspection of materials and the detection and characterization of hidden objects, features, or flaws. Sensors and sensor arrays are used to image form two-dimensional images suitable for characterizing the hidden features. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant magnetoresistive sensors may be used on magnetizable and conducting materials, while capacitive sensors can be used for dielectric materials. Enhanced drive windings and electrode structures permit nulling or cancellation of local fields in the vicinity of the sense elements to increase sensor sensitivity. The addition of calibration windings, which are not energized during measurements, allows absolute impedance and material property measurements with nulled sensors. Sensors, sensor arrays, and support fixtures are described which permit relative motion between the drive and sense elements. This facilitates the volumetric reconstruction of hidden features and objects.

Abstract: A circuit tester (1) for testing circuit integrity in a series-wired string of Christmas fairy lights powered by domestic mains electricity.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field presence sensor independently evaluates the presence or absence of an object in a variety of frequency ranges. Conflicting indications of the presence of the object in these different ranges, such as may be caused by electromagnetic interference, is resolved through a voting system. In this way, band limited noise may be resisted while improving the sensitivity of the sensor and without reducing its response speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of effective board inspection. In the board inspection apparatus wherein a pulse signal is applied to one edge of a pattern line on a board, a non-contact probe receives a signal at another edge of the pattern line, and a conduction of the pattern line is inspected in accordance with the received signal, the board inspection method comprising steps of: applying an inspection signal to the one edge of the pattern line at a predetermined time; receiving an applied timing of the inspection signal at a receiving side; and monitoring a variance of a received signal which is detected by the probe after the applied timing.

Abstract: The receiver has a casing member and a tip is removably attached to the casing member. A transmitter is connected to a battery and the transmitter produces a transmitter signal by periodically connecting a resistance to the battery. Preferably, the transmitter signal has a frequency of about 20 kHz. A sensor may be placed adjacent to, but not in contact with, an electrically conductive member to take advantage of the air capacitance. An electrical field is created between the sensor and the electrically conductive member. Due to the periodical load on the battery, the sensor may sense the transmitter, signal in the DC carrying conductive member. The transmitter signal is passed through an integrated circuit to filter out all frequencies except the desired 20 kHz and a detection signal is sent to the indicator to activate the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a technique for inspecting a branched circuit wiring having branch portions branched halfway therefrom by using a less number of non-contact sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing and validating the timing of LVS circuits. In particular, based upon an input of a topological description of an LVS circuit (e.g., a netlist) and other circuit parameters such as a clock specification or any mutex or logical correlations between inputs and ignored devices, an output of all paths and arcs from primary inputs to sense amplifier inputs is generated. A complete set of valid input vectors required to exercise all paths is generated. These vectors may then be exhaustively simulated to provide input waveforms to all sense amplifiers.