Abstract: A method and system for driving a plurality of transient decoupling capacitors connected in a circuit in order to heat them and to screen them via a thermal image of them. Radio-frequency excitation is provided for the purpose by connecting a pulse driver through an inductive circuit and a series capacitance to supply a driving current to the decoupling capacitors. The inductance is selected to yield resonance at a selected frequency; and the series capacitance provides a voltage divider to help set the frequency and to adjust the level of the drive of the decoupling capacitors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating defects in manufactured products employs, instead of the conventional thermal image subtraction, "thermal ratio analysis", which involves ratios of thermal data and their analysis including statistical analysis. Various techniques for "image" enhancement and for suppression of known artifacts are employed to facilitate the decision as to when a defect is detected. The thermal ratio analysis technique is particularly useful for detecting hidden defects in electronic circuitry, such as integrated circuits.