Abstract: A method of determining current detection circuit failure determines failure of a current detection circuit that is connected to positive and negative sides of a power source and that issues a voltage corresponding to detected current at an output terminal. The method of determining failure cuts-off either one of the current detection circuit connections to the positive and negative sides of the power source, detects output voltage from the output terminal, and determines proper operation or failure of the current detection circuit.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a multi-wire line for supplying current to a sensor and for emitting a signal that corresponds to a measured value to an evaluation module via a signal line. To eliminate measuring errors caused by short circuits, first and second resistors, with the second resistor provided with a current tap, and a transistor, which is connected to a clock-pulse generator that bridges the first resistor in a clocked manner, are connected in series to the signal emission line. A comparator for comparing the values obtained via the resistors in the successive switching positions of the transistor and for emitting a short-circuit error message to the evaluation module, if the measured values differ in the successive clock pulses, is connected downstream of the resistors.

Abstract: A method for detecting a discharge condition fault in an electrical system of a vehicle or a piece of machinery includes supplying electrical energy to the electrical system from an auxiliary battery or batteries of a multiple battery system when a main battery of the multiple battery system does not have sufficient power to start the vehicle or piece of machinery. The supply of electrical energy from the auxiliary battery or batteries is sufficient to at least enable the vehicle or piece of machinery to start. After the vehicle or piece of machinery has been started using the auxiliary battery or batteries, electrical energy is supplied to the electrical system from the main battery. A general operating fault is determined to exist in the electrical system in the event that the vehicle or piece of machinery stops running after being supplied electrical energy from the main battery.

Abstract: A process module tuning method characterizes a process module by gathering data using a process condition measuring device to measure process outputs while inputs are excited. The data is used to identify a dynamic process model. The dynamic process model is then be used to determine process input settings that will produce desired outputs. For multi-zone process modules, the interactions between zones may be modeled.

Abstract: A power cycle test method for testing an electronic equipment (30) includes: configuring a total test count and a current test count; updating the current test count by incrementing the current test count by a value; utilizing a corresponding AC control signal, a corresponding DC control signal, and a reboot control signal to control the electronic equipment in sequence; checking whether the electronic equipment is in a workable condition when the electronic equipment is respectively controlled under said control signals; repeating said updating step, said utilizing step and said checking step until the current test count is equal to the total test count; and generating a result message if the current test count is equal to the total test count. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stray voltage detection and isolation system. The stray voltage detection portion of the system includes a water delivery system electrically isolated from an electrical transmission system of an electric utility. Meters measure an electrical characteristic between a first test-point that is electrically connected to the water delivery system and a plurality of second test-points. The second test-points are at earth grounds at locations electrically connected to the first test-point. The location of a source of stray voltage can be determined by evaluating differences in the measured electrical characteristics. The stray voltage isolation portion of the system electrically isolates a water delivery system. A controller maintains an air gap between a water source and a first storage tank or between the first storage tank and a second storage tank. The second storage tank provides the electrically isolated water.

Abstract: A method of detecting faults in an injector arrangement in an engine. The injector arrangement comprises at least one fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator, and the method comprises: charging the piezoelectric actuator during a charge phase (tC); attempting to recharge the piezoelectric actuator during a test phase (tT) which commences after a time interval (?t) following the end of the charge phase (tC); sensing a current (IS) that flows through the piezoelectric actuator during the test phase (tT); and generating a short circuit fault signal if the sensed current (IS) reaches a first predetermined threshold current (ISC) which is indicative of a short circuit in the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: An encoder failure detector system and method for detecting failure of an encoder during time periods when a zero rotational speed is expected. For example, in one embodiment a test signal is applied during a period when a zero rotational speed is expected and a failure is indicated if no movement of a rotor is detected in response to the test signal.

Abstract: An appliance fault monitor for protecting electrical appliances against fault currents flowing. The alternating current to an appliance load controlled by a phase angle conduction controlled switching device is monitored. The intended non-conduction angle is determined and any current flowing in that angle is indicative of a fault. Repeated indications cause a circuit breaker to disconnect the load.

Abstract: A nominal setpoint value of the admissible power consumption of a household appliance is respectively set for each electrical component. The actual value of the current consumption of the household appliance is measured according to the electrical components used and is compared with the corresponding setpoint value. A safety measure is triggered if the nominal value is exceeded. The novel household appliance is provided with a control device that includes a device for respectively regulating a nominal value of the admissible current consumption for the electrical components of the household appliance, a device for measuring the actual value of the current consumption of the household appliance according to the electrical components used, and a comparator for comparing the actual value with the corresponding nominal value. The unit triggers a safety measure if the setpoint value is exceeded.

Abstract: An improved control device and method is usable with flexible heating wire having a conductive core with a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) layer and a helically wound heater conductor within an insulative outer sheath. The conductive core is coupled to a control circuit, a phase shift relative to the AC power supply being indicative of the temperature of the wire. The nonlinear nature of the NTC layer enhances the detection of local hot spots anywhere along the length of the wire. Precise temperature measurement is achieved by measuring the time differences between two zero crossings and the power to the heater compensates for abnormal use such as bunching of the heater wire. The control of the heater wire is particularly suitable for use with appliances such as heating pads and electric blankets.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring rod moving coils in nuclear power system. The system ensures that these coils are each functioning properly, and thus prevent movement of the other coils when a dysfunctional coil is detected. The method for accomplishing this monitoring is to provide constant power to all of the coils and to measure the negatively induced EMF from this induction. This level of EMF is then compared to a standard EMF. When the EMF level is below a threshold limit, which may be either preset or calculated from a variety of other variables, a signal is sent to an alarm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting faults in RVDTs and LVDTs are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a sum of secondary voltages V1 and V2 from a transducer is obtained by adding the secondary voltages together, i.e.; V1+V2. This sum of secondary voltages theoretically should be constant for all LVDT/RVDT positions, since the total length of the secondary transformer is constant. An electrical fault in the primary or secondary windings generates a corresponding change in the sum of secondary voltages. By comparing this shifted value to a reference value which is representative of a no-fault condition, an error value is created which indicates the magnitude of the shift in the sum of the secondary values. Depending upon the magnitude of the error value, certain actions are taken.

Abstract: An automatic testing system. A sampling and converting device obtains a plurality of electronic parameters from a tested device and transforms them into a plurality of digital signals. A microprocessor receives the digital signals and performs various short-circuit tests, over-current tests and over-voltage tests in a specific sequence.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer-readable code are provided for detecting a location of an incipient ground fault in an electrical propulsion system of a relatively large land-based vehicle, such as a locomotive. A method embodying aspects of the present invention allows to simultaneously apply a forcing function to one or more electrical devices connected to a direct current (dc) bus. The forcing function is configured to magnify (without voltage stress to such devices) an incipient ground fault that may be directly associated with a given electrical device. This enables to quickly identify the incipient ground fault and to uniquely identify the electrical device likely to be experiencing the incipient ground fault.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an electrical machining tool, in particular for temperature monitoring with an accumulator-driven machine, includes a switch element (12) for separating an electrical consumer (14) from a current supply device (10). For detection of a first operating parameter (TMOTOR) of the consumer (14) and/or the current supply device (10), a first sensor (16) is provided, whereby the first sensor (16) is connected with a display unit and/or with the control input of the switch element, in order to control the switching process as a function of the first operating parameter (TMOTOR). Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical machining tool as well as a current supply device with the inventive monitoring device and a corresponding method of operation.

Abstract: An electrical utility service tester that is used for troubleshooting 120/208 or 120/240, three phase or single phase alternating current electrical utility services where 120 volt hot leg leads of the electrical utility services are connected 120 volts to ground only. The tester is self-contained in a weatherproof case, which enables the tester to withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions without damage or loss of function. The tester also includes circuitry for preventing damage to the electrical circuitry of the tester by preventing the test circuitry for the left and right hot legs of a circuit under test from being simultaneously operative and the test load circuitry for intermittent and continuous test load application from being simultaneously operative.

Abstract: A test set that includes a circuit breaker, at least two test points, a single pole switch, a double pole switch, and a set of test lights. The at least two test points are for reading amperage when testing a bleed air shutoff valve in aircraft. The at least two test points electronically communicate with the circuit breaker. The single pole switch electronically communicates with the circuit breaker and the at least two test points. The double pole switch is able to open and close and shut off the bleed air shutoff valve electronically. The double pole switch electronically communicates with the single pole switch and the at least two test points. One of the lights is able to inform whether power is being applied to the test set, another light is able to inform whether the double pole switch is open.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting the presence of an electric machine attached to a solid state drive using high speed, low energy pulses. The system and method include generating a pulse signal to a selected driven phase winding; and detecting the pulse signal for the purpose of one of a signal presence and absence thereof at a non-driven phase winding as a result of the pulse signal, wherein presence of the signal at the non-driven phase winding is indicative of the motor connected to the electronic control circuit.

Abstract: Discloses is a method and a corresponding apparatus for monitoring operation of electrical household appliances (such as a freezer). The method includes checking the temperature inside the freezer on a periodical basis and comparing with a de-frosting temperature. A critical condition is detected and recorded when the temperature inside the freezer stays over the de-frosting temperature for a period longer than a threshold value. In this way, when a user returns home after several days of absence, he or she is informed whether the food has been de-frozen and then frozen again because of a outage in the power supply network.

Abstract: A method of detecting faults in a traction motor installation having a plurality of AC traction motors powered from a common power source, each of the traction motors being connected by associated motor cables to a cable junction and the common power source being connected to the cable junction by main cables, includes disconnecting the power source from the main cables and performing initial short circuit to ground, short circuit between phases and leakage to ground tests on the traction motors through the main cables. When a fault is detected by the initial tests, at least one detailed test is performed by applying a predetermined voltage to the main cables and sensing current flow in the motor cables connected to each of the motors. The detailed test is one of a detail short circuit to ground test, a detail short circuit phase to phase test, and a detail leakage to ground test.

Abstract: A leakage detection apparatus is provided, capable of performing high-speed leakage detection during startup of a motor-vehicle such as an HEV.

Abstract: A bridge circuit disposed between a device under test (DUT) and conventional automatic test equipment (ATE) extends the performance of the ATE. The bridge circuit allows the ATE to test ICs capable of operating at frequencies above the ATE's normal performance limits. In some embodiments, the bridge circuit also extends ATE functionality, providing frame alignment and automatic test-vector generation, for example, and can increase the number of available test channels.

Abstract: A safety-oriented control system with a plurality of decentralized stations is disclosed. The safety-oriented control system is provided with inputs and outputs and at least one centralized station exchanging information with each other via a bus line, wherein at least one of the decentralized stations has independent devices for fault-tolerating and/or fault-controlling self-monitoring to ensure normal operation for linkage and evaluation of signals located at the inputs and outputs of this station or further stations, and devices for processing of the signals and for generation of independent control commands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating three-phase voltage spike waveforms used in testing three-phase electrical devices. The apparatus includes a circuit having a plurality of phase voltage lines and a ground line. Phase voltage outputs and a ground output are provided for connection to a device under test. A selection circuit selects one of the phase voltage lines and provides a synchronization voltage signal based on the other lines. A voltage spike generator is joined to the selection circuit for generating a voltage spike waveform synchronized with the voltage signal. Additional circuitry is joined to the voltage spike generator, the phase voltage lines and the outputs which applies the voltage spike waveform across the selected phase voltage line and the ground line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating single phase voltage spikes used in testing single phase electrical equipment. Capacitance is selected from a capacitor network in order to adjust the single phase voltage spike so as to produce a predetermined voltage spike waveform having particular waveform characteristics that are required to perform survivability and compatibility tests.

Abstract: An electrical short-circuit detection device includes a first signal processing module for receiving a signal representative of an electrical current and supplying a first signal representative of the value of the electrical current and a second signal representative of the differential of the electrical current, and a second processing module for receiving the signals and comprising a short-circuit detection module for supplying a detection signal according to a curve overshoot. The second processing module monitors a limit curve overshoot and a ratio between variations of the signals. A short-circuit detection signal is supplied when the ratio exceeds a preset threshold. A circuit breaker incorporates such a device. The process comprises monitoring limit curve overshoot and the ratio between variations of the signals.

Abstract: In a power source device having a cell unit, a leak detecting circuit in which a line P and a line N extending from the cell are connected to each other by two P-side voltage dividing resistors and two N-side voltage dividing resistors, and the midpoint between the P-side resistors and N-side resistors is grounded. The line P and the line N are also connected to each other by first to third auxiliary voltage dividing resistors. The midpoint between the first and second auxiliary resistors and the midpoint between the P-side first and second resistors are connected to each other by a P-side voltage comparison circuit. The midpoint between the second and third auxiliary resistors and the midpoint between the N-side first and second resistors are connected to each other by an N-side voltage comparison circuit.

Abstract: A method of detecting faults in a traction motor installation having a plurality of AC traction motors powered from a common power source, each of the traction motors being connected by associated motor cables to a cable junction and the common power source being connected to the cable junction by main cables, includes disconnecting the power source from the main cables and performing initial short circuit to ground, short circuit between phases and leakage to ground tests on the traction motors through the main cables. When a fault is detected by the initial tests, at least one detailed test is performed by applying a predetermined voltage to the main cables and sensing current flow in the motor cables connected to each of the motors. The detailed test is one of a detail short circuit to ground test, a detail short circuit phase to phase test, and a detail leakage to ground test.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method used to perform automatic high potential (hi-pot), megohmeter and continuity, circuit test which includes a power source connected to a central processing unit (cpu) having a floppy drive, a hard drive, an analog to digital (A/D) printed circuit board (pcb), and a predetermined number of digital I/O pcb's, a hi-pot device, and a power supply. A data entry device is connected to the cpu for providing input thereto. A display device is provided for displaying data. A hi-pot device is connected to the A/D pcb and to a digital I/O pcb for providing an input voltage of a predetermined magnitude. A multiplexer is connected to the power supply and to a digital I/O pcb and the hi-pot device for communicating the input voltage to a predetermined number of external circuits to provide testing of the external circuits.

Abstract: A power source test instrument for a circuit includes a voltage test circuit and a current test circuit. Two operational amplifiers form the voltage test circuit and the current test circuit. The power source test instrument is convenient and saves time when conducing various kinds of tests including: charging, discharging, dummy battery loading, and current testing. Additionally the power source test instrument ensures a full test without damaging or requiring disassembly of the product under test.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect terminal open circuits and short circuits to ground in inductive head write drivers are presented. A exemplary method is provided for detecting a short-circuit condition at at least one of a pair of write head terminals of a write driver, the write driver producing a write current that, when passed through a inductive head assembly coupled to the pair of write head terminals, polarizes the inductive head according to a direction of the write current. The method includes the step of generating a first current that is proportional to at least a portion of the write current that flows in a first direction into a first write head terminal of the write driver. A second current is generated that is proportional to at least a portion of the write current that flows in a second direction, opposite the first direction, into a second write head terminal of the write driver.

Abstract: An automobile multi-purpose DC source protection monitor includes of a fuse protection module; multiple units of fuse being arranged on each fuse-carrier, then respectively connected to electric appliance; individual sensor being provided to form individual detection loop; a signal retrieval module connected to each sensor through transmission wire to convert analog signals detected by each fuse into digital signals; and a display module to clearly indicate the location of a failing fuse, immediate display of voltage, amperage and power in numeric values by means of the signal retrieval module and the digital signals of the detection loop from each fuse on the fuse-carrier.

Abstract: Verification system logic operates PWM motor drivers for DC motors of a tape drive, and verifies the on time duty cycle period and offset of the PWM motor drivers; verifies DAC current reference and amplifier sense signals against thresholds; and verifies Hall sensor state sequence of the DC motors during rotation. If the verifications are successful, the logic rotates the DC motors, and, for each motor, verifies the time of acceleration at a desired torque; verifies a computed velocity based on a measured velocity to a reference velocity; and verifies an actual rotation rate to a computed velocity.

Abstract: A grounding and testing device for power distribution systems includes an electrically insulated housing with a bore that extends from an aperture at a front of the housing towards a rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed at least partially within the bore, and the bore, aperture, and conductive contact are adapted to mate with a bushing. A current interrupter, such as a current limiting fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a grounding cable. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter. A lead is electrically connected to the contact to provide a connection point for a permanent ground connection.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor abnormality detecting device has first and second offset circuits for applying first and second offset voltages to a ground line and an output line of an oxygen sensor. The device compares the voltage of the output line with a high voltage-side shorting determination value, a low voltage-side shorting determination value and a break determination value to detect a high voltage-side shorting, a low voltage-side shorting and a line break.

Abstract: A disconnection detecting apparatus for detecting disconnection of lamps includes a resistor, a differential amplifier, a microcomputer, and a charge pump circuit. The resistor is connected to detect current flowing in the lamps. The voltage that appears at the ends of the resistor is applied to the input terminals of the differential amplifier circuit. The microcomputer detects disconnection of the lamps by comparing the output voltage with a reference. The charge pump circuit increases a battery voltage to a boosted voltage. This boosted voltage is supplied to an operational amplifier in the differential amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a discontinuity in electrical connections of a microchip that includes an input pin connected to a voltage supply line, multiple circuit sections, an output voltage line for connecting the circuit sections to an output pin, and a resistive output divider. According to the method, there is determined a number of electrical connections as a function of the short circuit current for the input and output pins. The voltage supply line is sectioned as a function of the number of electrical connections determined for the input pin, and the sections of the voltage supply line are connected independently to the circuit sections. The output voltage line is sectioned as a function of the number of electrical connections determined for the output pin. As a function of the number of electrical connections determined, the number and value of the resistances of the output divider is increased.

Abstract: A method for testing a heating system with at least one basic unit, which controls activating elements of individual heating circuits, with the basic unit being connected with setting units. To simplify the testing of such heating systems, the elements available in the heating system are arranged hierarchically in steps, with the steps being tested in a predetermined order, one after the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for load testing electrical systems of a motor vehicle. The operator control elements of the electrical systems are activated via an externally controlled robot during a test period of typically 7 to 14 days. The motor vehicle containing the electrical systems is located during the test in a simulation chamber in which the temperature and/or atmospheric humidity can be set by an air-conditioning system, and simulated solar radiation are set by one or more radiators. In addition, acceleration forces occurring during driving are simulated via a road simulator. The forces and moments occurring when the operator control elements are activated are preferably sensed and recorded for analysis and evaluation.

Abstract: A control board controls operation of a plurality of ventilation fans and generates a fault signal upon occurrence of a predetermined fault condition. The control board includes a control circuit in a circuit board, an interface connector connected to the control circuit and mounted to the circuit board, and control connectors connected to the circuit and mounted to the circuit board. The control connectors are configured to connect the control circuit to ventilation fans or other components to be controlled. The control connectors are connected to a fault detection device of the control circuit operable to generate a fault signal upon occurrence of a predetermined fault condition at the control connectors.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a method and system for multi-port synchronous high voltage testing, which mainly uses two or more sets of testing circuit with variable output condition and a high voltage generator with zero intermediate voltage for synchronous high voltage testing. Therefore it is not only possible to prevent operators from electric shock but also to provide correct multi-port testing voltages so as not to cause object under test damage. The testing circuit uses a plurality sets of individual high voltage generator and a current detector for providing functions for reading and determining individual voltage and current, so that it is possible to perform several high voltage tests during a single test period and complete tests on electric products. It is therefore possible to achieve both reduction of test-time and safety of operators.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting whether bonding wire supplied to an ultrasonic bonding tool of an ultrasonic bonding machine is present in a bore of the tool tip and providing an alarm signal if a wire segment normally within the bore is absent because of inadvertent breakage or misfeeding of the wire includes an electronic switching and detection module connected between a machine ground terminal connected to a wire supply reel and a bonding tool electrically isolated from the machine ground. In response to an enable signal input to the module prior to making the first of a pair of ultrasonic bonds to interconnect a pair of binding sites by a bonding wire, electronic switching means within the module electrically isolate the machine ground from the tool, and electric continuity detection means within the module determines whether the tool has been brought to voltage level near that of the machine ground by electrical conductive contact between the wire segment within the tool bore, and the bore wall.

Abstract: Insulation monitoring of an electrical network such as a DC network which is electrically insulated with respect to the ground of a device, includes at least two insulation monitoring devices that monitor different network sections, which can be isolated by one or more switches. Non-contacting switches are used to alternatingly connect and isolate respective measuring resistors of the monitoring devices to, and from, ground, as a result of which the insulation monitoring devices can not negatively affect each other's measurements.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an electrical machining tool, in particular for temperature monitoring with an accumulator-driven machine, includes a switch element (12) for separating an electrical consumer (14) from a current supply device (10). For detection of a first operating parameter (TMOTOR) of the consumer (14) and/or the current supply device (10), a first sensor (16) is provided, whereby the first sensor (16) is connected with a display unit and/or with the control input of the switch element, in order to control the switching process as a function of the first operating parameter (TMOTOR). Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical machining tool as well as a current supply device with the inventive monitoring device and a corresponding method of operation.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool (10) for testing fuel injectors (50) and their driver circuits (IDM), including associated wiring harnesses, in a fuel injection system of an engine in a motor vehicle. The tool has a driver-connection port (16) for connection to the driver circuits and an injector-connection port (18) for connection to the fuel injectors via jumper wiring harnesses. The tool can perform 1) a fuel injector test, by connecting an ohmmeter to the tool to measure injector coil resistance, 2) a driver-injector test, by connecting an oscilloscope to the tool to observe traces of electric current waveforms applied to the fuel injector, 3) a driver circuit test, by connecting the respective driver circuit to a load that simulates the load imposed by the respective fuel injector, and 4) a cylinder contribution test, by selectively disconnecting certain fuel injector actuators from their driver circuits while leaving the remaining fuel injector actuators connected to their driver circuits.

Abstract: The electrical short-circuit detection device comprises first signal processing means receiving a signal representative of an electrical current and supplying a first signal representative of the value of said electrical current and a second signal representative of the differential of said electrical current, and second processing means receiving said signals and comprising short-circuit detection means supplying a detection signal according to a curve overshoot. The second processing means monitor a limit curve overshoot and a ratio between variations of said signals. A short-circuit detection signal is supplied if said ratio exceeds a preset threshold. The circuit breaker incorporates such a device. The process comprises monitoring steps of limit curve overshoot and of the ratio between variations of the signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting an open circuit fault condition in a differential signal, and generating a fault detection signal. An open circuit fault condition is detected by employing weak current sources to pull the differential signal paths outside the valid ac common-mode range and toward the supply rails. If both signal paths can be pulled within a predetermined proximity to the supply rails by their respective weak current sources, an open condition fault is defined to exist and a fault detection signal is generated. The fault detection signal can be used by another device to report the fault condition.

Abstract: A cooling device detection circuit and method for detecting a cooling device in a computer system. In one embodiment, a cooling device detection circuit includes a detection stage and a power management stage. The detection stage is configured to sense an indication that the cooling device is functioning and to assert a signal if the cooling device is detected. The power management stage is configured to turn off a component cooled by the cooling device if the cooling device is not detected.

Abstract: An operating circuit (1) for controlling the speed of a cooling fan motor (3) for computer cabinetry (7), and for determining an under-speed condition in the fan motor (3) comprises a control circuit (15) which controls a variable output signal generator circuit (18) for outputting a pulse width modulated signal corresponding to the desired fan speed for switching a switching circuit (8) in a power supply circuit of the fan motor (3) for pulse width modulating the power supply to the fan motor (3). A monitoring resistor (R1), a capacitor (C1) and a circuit (12) provides a tachometer signal to the operating circuit (1). A gate circuit (22) gates the second and fourth pulses of the tachometer signal to a counter (20) which counts clock pulses from a clock signal generating circuit (19) between the rising edges of the second and fourth pulses which are in turn stored in a register (23) for comparison with a reference count by a comparator (25).