Abstract: A method for configuring an automated in-circuit test debugger is presented. The novel test debug and optimization configuration technique configures expert knowledge into a knowledge framework for use by an automated test debug and optimization system for automating the formulation of a valid stable in-circuit test for execution on an integrated circuit tester. In a system that includes a rule-based controller for controlling interaction between the test-head controller of an integrated circuit tester and an automated debug system, the invention includes a knowledge framework and a rule-based editor. The knowledge framework stores test knowledge in the representation of rules that represent a debugging strategy. The rule-based editor facilitates the use of rules as knowledge to debug or optimize an in-circuit test that is to be executed on the integrated circuit tester.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring at least one output stage which is actuated by a microcontroller using an input signal having any pulse duty factor. The output signal from the output stage is averaged by an electrical circuit and compared to a setpoint value which is calculated from the input signal of the output stage. An error in the output stage is diagnosed when the averaged value deviates from the calculated setpoint value.

Abstract: Automatically maintaining, for life tracking purposes, the correct set of replaceable components in systems with variable configurations and replaceable components using replaceable component data from four sources to determine the correct set of replaceable components for life tracking purposes. The four sources are: 1) hardware driven sensor data provided by the low level system control computer, 2) machine modification data from the list of upgrades that have been performed on the system, 3) configuration specific replaceable component data based on the replaceable component information that is known about each possible system configuration, and 4) replaceable component information obtained by prompting the field service engineer for any supplemental information that cannot be determined automatically from the first three sources.

Abstract: A test method executor is an object designed to execute a test method. The test method executor typically implements a simple state engine that is used to process the data presented by each smart test attribute. The test method executor invokes particular test methods in response to the processed data. The test method executor then condenses the results from all the attributes typically into a simple return value, which is designed to be interpreted by the test harness. The return value indicates, for example, whether the executed test method was a success, failure, or if the test method was “skipped.” Additionally, the test method executor is used to gather data about the method being invoked (such as the method name, which attributes are present, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic design of experiments, having the following steps: inputting a similarity measure of two experiments, inputting a weighting measure for an individual experiment, determining a quality measure based on the similarity measure and the weighting measure, finding a number of experiments where the quality measure assumes an extreme value.

Abstract: A method of device maintenance including determining that maintenance should be performed on a target device, automatically selecting a maintenance process including at least one maintenance task to effect said maintenance, automatically managing said maintenance process on a maintenance server separate from said target device, said maintenance server adapted to manage maintenance processes for a plurality of devices, said managing including at least monitoring the execution of said process and automatically performing at least one said maintenance-related task to effect at least a portion of said maintenance of said target device.

Abstract: A system for compressing a set of data points is provided. The system includes a critical aperture compression module that is configured to discard one or more data points from the set of data points. The discarded one or more data points fall within a tolerance band surrounding a straight line that represents a trend of the discarded one or more data points. A remainder of the set of data points represents a compressed set of data points.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for the analysis and/or monitoring of the partial discharge behavior of an electrical operating means, in particular in terms of its development over time. Here, appropriate partial discharge data is recorded in process state matrices (2, 3), in which, in each case in a matrix element (5) of the process state matrix (1), the amplitude (7) of a partial discharge, its phase angle (6) and its frequency of occurrence is depicted (in particular what is known as a PRPD representation). A simplified analysis is made possible by the fact that, at a first time, a partial discharge process state is registered in a first process state matrix (2) and, at a later time, a further partial discharge process state is registered in a further process state matrix (3). Then, for the purpose of analysis and/or monitoring, the first (2) and the second (3) process state matrix are compared with the aid of comparison and scaling methods.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a method and computer program product for predicting quiescent current variation of an integrated circuit die include steps of: (a) receiving as input a value of a derating factor from a process monitor cell on an integrated circuit die and an on-chip variation of the derating factor; (b) constructing a curve fitting formula for estimating a quiescent current of the integrated circuit die as a function of the derating factor; (c) calculating minimum and maximum values of the quiescent current from the curve fitting formula, the value of the derating factor from the process monitor cell, and the on-chip variation of the derating factor to generate an estimate of minimum and maximum values for the quiescent current; and (d) generating as output the estimated minimum and maximum values of the quiescent current.

Abstract: In a process for the monitoring and automatic early fault detection in valves, in particular intake and/or pressure valves, of an oscillating displacement pump, in particular a membrane dosing pump, it is provided that the increased operating noise produced by a leaky valve due to the back-flow of the fluid being pumped in the closed state of the valve is used as a measure for the leakiness of the valve by the generated effective signal level being monitored continuously and compared to a reference signal level formed from the operating noise of the pump with an intact valve, where, at a predefined level deviation or change due to increased operating noise, early fault detection is triggered. A device for carrying out of this process includes a corresponding measuring device, in particular in the form of a vibration acceleration sensor measuring the produced structure-borne sound as well as a comparator device.

Abstract: A method for performing an availability measurement on a networked system comprising: identifying at least one measurement point in the system; defining a measurement model configured to return a pass or fail result corresponding to a threshold sensed at the at least one measurement point; measuring the system using the measurement model; populating a table with results from the measurement, the table including rows corresponding to measurement points and columns corresponding to measurement functions for multiple measurements; and aggregating the measurement criteria row results to formulate a single availability value representing the availability of the system.

Abstract: Plug and socket devices for measuring and diagnostic purposes are known in the art. The substantial disadvantage of said plug and socket devices is that they only furnish mechanical and electrical connections. For diagnostic purposes, an additional socket for connecting the corresponding diagnostic device must therefore be provided. According to the invention, in order to provide for automatic diagnosis when the plug and socket device is connected, the latter has insulation piercing connectors, screw terminals or spring terminals for connecting at least one cable. A printed circuit board, on which a diagnostic and evaluation circuit is located is provided in the housing of the plug and socket device, at least one switchable terminating resistor is provided and the plug and socket device has a display device that is connected to the diagnostic and evaluation circuit for automatic continuous display of evaluation results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing damage to machine components is provided. The method includes calculating an expected parameter value based on a first parameter value indicator, calculating an estimate of an actual parameter value based on a second parameter value indicator, the second parameter value indicator being different than the first parameter value indicator, determining if the calculated expected parameter value is different than the calculated estimate of the actual parameter value by a predefined limit, and generating a damage flag based on a result of the comparison. The apparatus includes a computing device including a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor programmed to execute a software product code segment that includes a detection boundary module, an estimator, and a comparator wherein the computing device is programmed to assess damage within an engine.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of deterministic jitter and random jitter in a digital signal having transitions between logical levels, the method comprising the steps of: providing said digital signal, determining a plurality of bit error rate values, each bit error rate value being associated with one of a plurality of successive timing points, and each bit error rate value being derived from a comparison of a result of a detection of a transition occurring in the digital signal cumulatively prior to its associated timing point with an expected signal, applying a polynomial fit in time to said plurality of bit error rate values associated with said timing points for determining a number of polynomial coefficients of said polynomial fit, and deriving the amount each of said deterministic and said random jitter from said polynomial coefficients.

Abstract: An improved method and system for detecting covert surveillance devices uses frequency spectrum traces produced by a spectrum analyzer. The electromagnetic spectrum is scanned in a reference area to produce a reference frequency spectrum trace. The electromagnetic spectrum is then continuously scanned in a nearby target area to produce a peak hold frequency spectrum trace. The reference frequency spectrum trace is then subtracted from the peak hold spectrum trace to produce a comparative frequency spectrum trace. Peaks in the comparative frequency spectrum correspond to signals that are unique to either the reference area or the target area or transitory in nature. Statistical analysis is performed on subsequently obtained frequency traces to identify any changes in the frequency traces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to calibration a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The method includes providing a calibration module with a single port, providing within the calibration module a set of reflecting components with known scattering parameters, providing control signals to the calibration module through the single port, providing the known scattering parameters to the VNA through the single port, coupling one of reflecting components to the VNA, measuring scattering parameters, and comparing the measured scattering parameters with the known scattering parameters. The apparatus includes a calibration module and a controller module. In one embodiment, the calibration module includes a set of reflecting components, a memory that stores the characterization data, and a current source which sends characterization data in the form of current pulses to the controller module. The controller module includes a voltage source that generates the control signals used by the calibration module.

Abstract: Fuel flow information is generated in an engine compartment and transmitted for display on the fuel page(s) of a GPS signal receiver located in view of a vehicle operator. A fuel transducer coupled to a pre-programmed micro-controller are provided as an integrated single unit in the engine compartment of the vehicle (e.g., an aircraft). The integrated transducer/micro-controller unit outputs RS232 fuel flow signals to the GPS signal receiver without requiring any extra panel space. Since the transducer/micro-controller is already pre-programmed to compensate for the proportionality or “K” factor, no further calibration or compensation programming is needed at installation time (or when one composite transducer/computer unit is substituted for another). Separate transducer/micro-controller power supply and grounding connections suppress common mode noise. A blinking LED power/fuel flow visual display on the unit in the engine compartment helps trouble shoot power and/or transducer problems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing flutter test data using non-linear transfer function frequency response fitting are provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of data points are read, with each data point representing a motion of an aeroelastic structure (e.g. an aircraft surface) at a different location. A closed form fit to the plurality of data points is performed to obtain an initial curve fit condition. At least one non-linear transfer function frequency response curve fit is then performed to the plurality of data points.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting catalyst into a fluid catalyst cracking (FCC) unit is provided. In one embodiment, a system for injecting catalyst into a FCC unit includes a catalyst injection apparatus coupled to a controller. The controller is housed in an enclosure suitable for hazardous service and has a communication port for communicating information derived information regarding activity of the catalyst injection apparatus to a device remote from the enclosure while the enclosure is sealed. In another embodiment, a method for injecting catalyst into a FCC unit includes the steps of dispensing catalyst from an injection system into a FCC unit, storing a record of system activity in a memory device disposed in an enclosure suitable of hazardous duty, and accessing the stored record without exposing an interior of the enclosure to an environment surrounding the enclosure.

Abstract: Distribution of processing activity across processing hardware based on power consumption and/or thermal considerations. One embodiment includes a plurality of processing units and a monitor to obtain monitor (e.g., power consumption, or temperature or some combination thereof) values from the processing units. The monitor transfers a process from one processing unit to another in response to the monitor values from the processing units.