Abstract: An apparatus for error checking in a power supply includes a power module that determines that the power supply is in a self-test condition. The self-test condition involves the power supply being connected to an input power source while it is disconnected from the electronic load that it normally services. A load module connects an internal test load to the power supply when the power supply is in self-test condition, and an error checking module performs error check operations on the power supply while it is connected to the test load. The apparatus also includes a notify module that actuates an indicator when the error checking module determines that there are one or more faults in the power supply. The apparatus may also include a log module for storing error messages and reports in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for error checking in a power supply includes a power module that determines that the power supply is in a self-test condition. The self-test condition involves the power supply being connected to an input power source while it is disconnected from the electronic load that it normally services. A load module connects an internal test load to the power supply when the power supply is in self-test condition, and an error checking module performs error check operations on the power supply while it is connected to the test load. The apparatus also includes a notify module that actuates an indicator when the error checking module determines that there are one or more faults in the power supply. The apparatus may also include a log module for storing error messages and reports in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A drill bit, and associated method of manufacture, characterized by the presence of a low friction coating on the drill flute surfaces and the absence of such coating from the facets on the cutting surfaces of the drill bit. In one form, a tungsten carbide based microdrill bit is coated with a high temperature diamond like carbon to a layer thickness measured in microns. The cutting facets of the microdrill bit are then ground to expose the tungsten carbide material. The microdrill bit formed thereby is particularly useful in creating holes through multilayer printed circuit boards as a part of forming electrical vias. Low friction flute surface coated microdrills exhibit materially longer drill life, better drill location accuracy, can operate at materially greater chiploads, and produce higher quality holes through printed circuit boards.