Abstract: A method of prioritizing anomalies in a linear conductor buried under a ground surface includes the steps of obtaining prioritization values for a plurality of anomalies along a linear conductor, and ranking the prioritization values according to magnitude. For each anomaly, a prioritization value is obtained by: locating an anomaly; for each anomaly, determining a current, a depth of cover, and a voltage gradient using spaced voltage probes; using the depth of cover and the voltage gradient, calculating an effective probe spacing of the first and second voltage probes relative to the anomaly on the conductor; and determining the prioritization value of the anomaly based on a linear relationship between the voltage gradient and the product of the current and the effective probe spacing.

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 sinusoidal modulated signal and noise are applied to a system consisting of two oscillators of the so-called General Type, which can be, but are not limited to, the Van der Pol type, Rotator type, Tracking Force type, Linear type, or any other type of oscillator. The two oscillators in the system can also be of different types. The General Type oscillators are tuned for specific frequencies of the incoming sinusoidal modulated signal. The process of adjusting of oscillators to an incoming signal is known as Dynamic Synchronization. During the transitional period, because the noise is random, the noise pushes the frequencies of the General Type oscillators in opposite directions over time and thus self-eliminates its impact on such oscillators. The resulting signal is much less noisy, i.e., clarified, so that the sinusoidal modulated signal can be further evaluated by, for example, extracting and further analyzing its spectral peaks.

Abstract: A system for recovering a signal of interest from a complex signal is provided. The system includes a plurality of different oscillators. Each of the plurality of oscillators is configured to facilitate improving a signal-to-noise ratio of an input complex signal by adjusting an oscillation frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators based on an input frequency of interest of the input complex signal.

Abstract: Upon detecting a disconnection, a current detection circuit supplies a detection current to connection lines between each cell and the corresponding voltage monitoring circuit. The detection current is larger than a consumption current flowing via each voltage monitoring circuit in a normal state. When the disconnection occurs, a diode changes a route in which the detection current flows so as to reverse an electric potential relation between a positive-side power line and a negative-side power line of the corresponding cell and a reverse detection circuit detects the reverse of the electric potential relation to output a disconnection detection signal.

Abstract: A method for identifying an approximate fault location in a power transmission line comprises detecting first and second dominant frequencies in first and second recovering voltages resulting from the fault without using the velocity of either of the recovering voltages.

Abstract: A pertubative approach based on the Born approximation resolves weakly nonlinear circuit models without requiring explicit high-order device derivatives. Convergence properties and the relation to Volterra series are discussed. According to the disclosed methods, second and third order intermodulation products (IM2, IM3) and intercept points (IP2, IP3) can be calculated by second and third order Born approximations under weakly nonlinear conditions. A diagrammatic representation of nonlinear interactions is presented. Using this diagrammatic technique, both Volterra series and Born approximations can be constructed in a systematic way. The method is generalized to calculate other high-order nonlinear effects such as IMn (nth order intermodulation product) and IPn (nth order intermodulation intercept point). In general, the equations are developed in harmonic form and can be implemented in both time and frequency domains for analog and RF circuits.

Abstract: A distance to PIM measurement circuit is made using a device such as an AWS transceiver that has separate transmit and receive bands. With a typical AWS transceiver placed in close proximity to a PCS transceiver, the AWS device will include a band reject filter to eliminate interference from the PCS signals. The PIM measurement circuit includes two frequency sources F1 and F2 that are provided through a combiner for characterization of the PIM circuit. To enable distance determination, an FM measurement is created by using a offset sweep generator attached to one of the two frequency sources. To avoid frequencies blocked by the band reject filter, a desired harmonic of a test PIM harmonic signal is selected outside the band of the band reject filter.

Abstract: A detection circuit includes: a control signal updating circuit configured to update a digital control signal for controlling drive of a sensor based on a clock having a predetermined frequency; a digital to analog converter configured to convert the digital control signal output from the control signal updating circuit to an analog control signal for driving the sensor; a comparator configured to compare a voltage level of a detection signal from the sensor which changes depending on the analog control signal with a reference voltage having a predetermined voltage level to output a comparison result signal; and a counter configured to count to measure a time period depending on the detection signal based on the comparison result signal output from the comparator and a clock having a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A PIM measurement circuit enables making forward and reverse PIM measurements on any 1 port (reflection) or 2 port (transmission) device with the ability to determine in distance where individual PIM impairments are located as well as their magnitude. The PIM measurement circuit includes two frequency sources that are provided through a combiner for a CW characterization of the PIM circuit. To enable distance determination, an FM measurement is created by using a saw tooth offset sweep generator attached to one of the two frequency sources. With downconversion and processing of signals from the PIM impairments, the FM signal provides a frequency variation that is converted using a Fourier transform or spectrum analysis for separation of frequencies, enabling determination of the distance of the PIM sources as well as their magnitudes.

Abstract: A partial discharge coupler for detecting partial discharges in a conductor includes a frequency dependent network, a differential amplifier and a frequency selective coupling component. The frequency dependent network includes a first filter component, a fuse component and a load component, typically coupled together in series with reference to a first ground. The first filter component filters the high voltage, low frequency alternating current signal carried by the conductor from the load component and passes high frequency partial discharge pulse signals to the load component. The frequency selective coupling component couples in series between the differential amplifier and the load component. The output of the differential amplifier is configured to provide an output that is isolated from the ground connection for communicating detected partial discharge signals to partial discharge test equipment.

Abstract: A variation of a threshold of diode-connected transistors is compensated for to maintain a constant rectification efficiency of a rectifier circuit, thereby enabling stable detection of a start signal. A constant voltage is applied to DC bias terminal 103 of cascaded half-wave voltage doubler rectifier circuits (including MOS transistors M1 to M4 and capacitors C1 to C4) forming a rectifier circuit, and a voltage equal to the sum of the constant voltage applied to DC bias terminal 103 and a variation ?Vt of a threshold voltage of the MOS transistors is applied to DC bias terminal 104 of cascaded half-wave voltage doubler rectifier circuits (including MOS transistors M5 to M8 and capacitors C5 to C8) forming a bias circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter transmitter includes a flowtube and measurement circuitry which provides an output related to flow through the flowtube. Output circuitry, such as analog and pulse output circuitry, provides transmitter output(s) related to flow through the flowtube. Output verification circuitry of the transmitter is coupled to the output circuitry and provides verification of proper operation of the output circuitry by analyzing the output signals.

Abstract: A vibration-type cantilever holder holds a cantilever opposed to a sample. The holder supports a main body part of the cantilever at only its base end so that a probe at the free end of the cantilever can contact the sample. The holder has a cantilever-attaching stand on which the main body part is placed and fastened such that the cantilever is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the sample. A first vibration source is fastened to the cantilever-attaching stand and vibrates with a phase and an amplitude depending on a predetermined waveform signal, and the first vibration source is fastened at a first location to a holder main body. A second vibration source is fastened at a second location, which is spaced from the first location, to the holder main body and generates vibrations to offset vibrations traveling from the first vibration source to the cantilever-attaching stand and holder main body.

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: According to the features discussed herein, through a single generalized arc-fault detection algorithm, various types of series and/or parallel arc faults can be detected without any nuisance trip for either AC or DC Electric Power Systems. Running Discrete Fourier Series (RDFS) formulation for nuisance-free operation and cost-effective implementation is developed. Unlike other methods which require numerous source and load-side current and voltage measurements, only source side current is required. An arc detector may include a first detector to monitor variations of a magnitude of a fundamental component of a current, and a second detector to monitor an overload condition based in an i2t calculation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the detection of malfunctions, in particular the detection of breakage of a wire in a wire sawing device. The process consists in applying an alternating signal to the layer of wires (4) of the sawing device and measuring the variations of voltage or current at the terminals of the layer of wires. In a modification, there are measured variations of voltage induced by the layer of wires forming a primary circuit in an antenna (9) forming the secondary circuit of a resonant system. The invention also has for its object the device for practicing the process of the invention.

Abstract: In order to make accurate predictions on whether or not a power grid is stable, it is desirable to know the frequency and phase of at least each “control area” in the power grid. Each control area will ideally have power generation matched with its load. Rather than measure thousands of data points at low resolution in order to calculate potential grid instabilities, one may make few highly accurate measurements at low voltage to predict frequency and phase of high voltage transmission lines. Predicted data at the transmission points can then be used to calculate the relative stability of the power grid. The method includes the use of non-linear Luenberger observers and Kalman filters. The method can also be used to compute “Virtual measurements” for any component in the connected grid based on lower cost or easier to obtain measurement at other points on network. This method applies to any connected network of components.

Abstract: An active load arrangement is used to provide proper output load to an object TO under test. The arrangement Z comprises a voltage_controlled transistor MOSFET having a source S, a gate G and a drain D. The drain D is associated with the gate G and connected to an arrangement input I2 associated with an output O1 of the object under test. The source S is connected to an arrangement output O2 associated with an input I1 of the object under test. A feedback arrangement is connected to the source S and the gate G. The feedback arrangement changes phase and amplitude of the gate-to-source voltage by varying frequency in order to obtain low impedance at low frequencies and high impedance at high frequencies.

Abstract: A voltage measurement circuit includes a plurality of voltage input terminals that are supplied with voltage outputted by secondary batteries via voltage measurement lines, a plurality of voltage sensors connected between each of the plurality of voltage input terminals; and a plurality of constant current sources that are connected between the plurality of the voltage input terminals and supply the plurality of voltage input terminals being connected with specified voltage when the voltage measurement line is disconnected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus detect series and/or parallel arc faults in AC and DC systems. The method according to one embodiment inputs an AC current signal; extracts a fundamental component of the AC current signal and monitoring an amplitude variation profile for the fundamental component, thereby generating a first arc fault detection measure; detects non-stationary changes in the AC current signal applying at least one measure of order higher than one, thereby generating a second arc fault detection measure; and determines whether an arc fault exists based on the first arc fault detection measure and the second arc fault detection measure.

Abstract: A power generator unit condition monitoring system can receive a frequency profile generated by a frequency generating component and can transmit the received frequency to a frequency profile analyzer. The frequency profile analyzer analyzes the transmitted frequency profile and compares the profile against a database. The database can stores normal and abnormal frequency profiles.

Abstract: A sensor for picking up partial discharges in an electrical equipment tank filled with a dielectric fluid includes an antenna responsive to the electromagnetic waves generated by such partial discharges. In the sensor, the antenna is formed by two electrodes that are separated from each other by a dielectric resonator. With this arrangement, the sensor has improved sensitivity in the UHF range, while being of dimensions that are considerably smaller than dimensions of a conventional antenna for use in the UHF range.

Abstract: In order to simulate the input or output load of an analog circuit, the output of the analog circuit is connected to the input of a driver stage. A measuring element is placed between the input of the driver stage and the reference potential, in order to record the output voltage of the analog circuit. A digital simulator controls a controllable transfer impedance, arranged between the output of the driver stage and the reference potential, in order to simulate various output loads. An alternative is to connect the output of the driver stage to the input of the analog circuit. The input of the driver stage has a shunt connection of a controllable current or voltage source, a first resistance and a first capacitance. The digital simulator controls the controllable current or voltage source, in order to simulate various output loads. The driver stage is switched off when appropriate.

Abstract: A method and an integrated circuit for detecting capacitance variation includes the steps of: generating a detection frequency for capacitance variation and a detection frequency which lags the detection frequency by k times, wherein the detection frequencies are based on a time divisional format; operating the detection frequencies to produce a difference frequency; operating variation rate of the difference frequency; and comparing the variation rate of the difference frequency with a predetermined detection level, and outputting a signal indicative of capacitance variation if the variation rate of the difference frequency is greater than the detection level.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and locating wire damage on a wire. Broadband impedance phase and magnitude information for the wire is obtained. Potential wire damage on the wire is identified by analyzing the wire's low-frequency impedance phase information. The location of the wire damage is found by analyzing the wire's low-frequency impedance magnitude information.

Abstract: A frequency converter is tested. Labels for a plurality of mixing products are displayed. In response to a user selecting a first mixing product from the plurality of mixing products, appropriate frequencies for the first mixing product are calculated. Also, a measurement configuration for the first mixing product is determined.

Abstract: A method for quantifying effects of resonance in an integrated circuit's power distribution network is provided. The power distribution network includes a first power supply line and a second power supply line to provide power to the integrated circuit. Test ranges are selected for two test parameters, reference voltage potential of a receiver and data transmission frequency of the integrated circuit. At each combination of the two test parameters, bit patterns are transmitted by the integrated circuit to the receiver. A comparison is made between the transmitted bits and the received bits to determine whether the transmitted bits were correctly received. The comparison may be used to determine and report a range of values for the reference voltage potential and data transmission frequency that allow the transmitted bits to be correctly received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the characteristics of radio frequency energy in an industrial radio frequency processing system at a plurality of frequencies is disclosed. The method and apparatus measures the characteristics of radio energy using one detector.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics associated with a communication channel includes a transmitter for transmitting a first signal via the communication channel. The system includes a receiver for receiving a second signal via the communication channel in response to the first signal. The second signal is associated with the first signal. The system includes a correlator for performing frequency domain correlation between a frequency domain representation of the second signal and frequency domain representations of a plurality of time-delayed versions of the first signal to generate frequency domain correlation information. The system includes an analyzer for identifying correlation peaks in a magnitude of the frequency domain correlation information to determine locations of discontinuities of the communication channel. The identified correlation peaks are associated with the locations of the discontinuities of the communication channel.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method of measuring pulling of the frequency of an oscillator. The apparatus includes a bias tee, a power supply, a spectrum analyzer, a second power supply, a symmetrical resistive power splitter, a power meter and a synthesized signal generator. The method includes sweeping the synthesized signal generator frequency from the nominal frequency down to a first frequency. The first frequency is recorded when the oscillator goes out of frequency lock as a first pulling frequency. The synthesized signal generator frequency is then sweet from the nominal frequency up to a second frequency and the second pulling frequency is recorded when the oscillator goes out of frequency lock. The difference between the first and second pulling frequencies is the peak to peak pulling value.

Abstract: A method of searching for clustering faults is employed for semiconductor device manufacturing, The method enters data on faults present in a search target, calculates a frequency distribution of the faults in unit cells divided from the search target, approximates the frequency distribution by overlaying at least two discrete distribution functions, and searches for clustering faults according to weights of the discrete distribution functions on the frequency distribution.

Abstract: A method for deconvoluting a time dependent impedance spectrum and using the deconvoluted time dependent impedance spectrum as an indicator of the performance condition of a working fluid is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method to determine the viscosity ratio of a working fluid using the resistance ratio obtained from frequency dependent impedance data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting accidental arcs (arc tracking) on a cable (1), especially on a cable of an aircraft electrical system. According to said method, an alternating current signal (I(t)) that has been detected is sampled time-discretely and a trigonometric function (I(k)) imitating the alternating current characteristic is determined by interpolation of a number of sampling values (y(k)). The current alternating frequency (?) is then derived from this trigonometric function. The result of a comparison of the current alternating current frequency (?) and a set or reference frequency (??) is used to determine the presence of an accidental arc (ISA,IGA) and a warning signal (Sarc) is optionally generated. A device which functions according to this method is advantageously integrated into a circuit-breaker (7) for the aircraft electrical system, so that the latter is equipped to detect and deactivate accidental arcs that occur on the electrical system cable (1).

Abstract: A preferred method for identifying a type of abnormality in an insulation system of a power transformer comprises measuring dielectric losses in a section of the insulation system, calculating theoretical dielectric losses for the section based on the material properties, geometry, and temperature of the section, and generating a graphical representation of a percent difference between the measured and calculated dielectric losses. The preferred method also comprises comparing a shape of the graphical representation with a shape of one or more graphical representations of a percent difference between measured and theoretical dielectric losses in one or more other sections of insulation each known to have a specific type of abnormality.

Abstract: A frequency margin testing blade is adapted for use in a bladed server. The testing blade is further adapted to provide one or more output clock signals for use as clock inputs to one or more server blades internal to the bladed server in which the testing blade is installed and/or one or more server blades external to the bladed server in which the testing blade is installed.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) detects arc faults by identifying the various signature patterns of arc fault noise while rejecting arc mimicking noise from normal load phenomena.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of partial discharge events in an a.c. power system, in which high frequency electromagnetic pulses generated by partial discharge events are detected and analyzed in the frequency domain and the time domain to determine the type and location of the partial discharge event. The phase relationship between the partial discharge events and the on-line power signal is also examined to help indicate severity of the insulation anomaly giving rise to the partial discharge events.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a component include using at least two sensors arranged to sense an operating condition of the component. The system further includes a controller that controls the component in response to feedback signals output by one or more of the sensors. The controller also determines how the sensor feedback signals are to be used in controlling the component. To this end, the controller includes a model-based statistical filter for each one of the second sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of partial discharge events in an a.c. power system, in which high frequency electromagnetic pulses generated by partial discharge events are detected and analyzed in the frequency domain and the time domain to determine the type and location of the partial discharge event. The phase relationship between the partial discharge events and the on-line power signal is also examined to help indicate severity of the insulation anomaly giving rise to the partial discharge events.

Abstract: Provided is a Doppler based automated direction finding system that detects radio frequency (RF) leaks in a cable television plant. During a ride-out, the system detects leaks and stores leak data, such as amplitude, location, and bearing. The stored data is uploaded to a computer that performs a leak analysis. The leak analysis isolates the leaks using Doppler-based bearing information and separates cable leaks from other RF sources, such as power sources and noise. Erroneous information that results from RF reflections (multi path) may be eliminated while processing the data using triangulation. After the leak analysis, the computer generates work orders and maps, makes the data available to users, and may also compile information and file reports based on the data.

Abstract: A pulsing apparatus for an electrical system includes line and neutral terminals structured to input a nominal alternating current line voltage, a timing mechanism or circuit for generating a timing signal having a duty cycle from the line voltage; a transformer for transforming the line voltage to a stepped up voltage having the duty cycle; load and load neutral terminals; and an output circuit for outputting a current at about the stepped up voltage to the load and load neutral terminals. The stepped up voltage is greater than the line voltage and less than a rated voltage of the electrical system. The stepped up voltage is adapted to identify an arcing fault in the electrical system. The duty cycle limits an average value of the current to less than about 4 mA to about 6 mA.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for and a process for testing electric motors, in particular fan motors, for functionality, wherein electromagnetic alternating fields produced by an electric motor are received by an antenna, wherein the received signals are analyzed for signal components in the frequency range of the rotation value of electric motors or their harmonics via an analysis unit, and wherein upon determination of functionality the results are indicated by an indicator unit.

Abstract: A Sensor for detecting radio-frequency oscillations of a voltage, and an arrangement of a sensor for detecting radio-frequency oscillations of the voltage in a line. The sensor (10) has a capacitor (15) whose first connection can be connected to the line (11). According to the invention, the second connection of the capacitor is associated with a current transformer (18) and a bush (19) for outputting a measured signal. The invention furthermore provides for a sensor (10) to be arranged in an intermediate space (13) between the line (11) and a shield (12).

Abstract: An automated system for, and method of estimating ring oscillator reliability and testing AC response of a device under test (DUT). In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a DUT board that accepts, and allows electrical communication with, a plurality of DUTs, (2) a power source, couplable to the DUT board, that provides AC power of controllable characteristics to the plurality of DUTs and (3) an automated switching matrix, couplable between the DUT board and a circuit analyzer, that allows the circuit analyzer to analyze ring oscillators and predetermined portions of the plurality of DUTs at predetermined times as the power source provides the power thereto.

Abstract: The effects of electromigration have been shown to lead to damage of metal electrodes of electronic devices such as thin film resonator (TFR) devices in only a few hours, for a test input power that is within the operational range of these devices. It has been determined that this failure is sensitive to the frequency of the input power. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining high power reliability in electronic devices, so as to enable an accurate determination of the failure time of the electronic device, and hence projected lifetime. This determination is independent from the frequency of an input power applied to the electronic device as part of the method for testing the device. Based on the above results, a TFR device has been developed, which includes a protective or electromigration-reducing layer such as titanium being deposited atop an electrode of the device.

Abstract: Methods for determining a corrected intermodulation distortion (IMD) product measurement for a device under test (DUT) are provided. A ratioed receiver IMD product is measured, where the receiver IMD product results from non-linearities in a receiver. Next, a ratioed composite IMD product is measured, where the composite IMD product results from non-linearities in both the receiver and the DUT. The corrected DUT IMD product (DUTP) can then be determined by subtracting the ratioed receiver IMD product from the ratioed composite IMD product to remove the effects of IMD due to the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for using time domain analysis of NEXT, Return Loss and the like, in conjunction with the application of time or distance referenced limits to verify and determine compliance of the performance requirements of connections in a typical link. Time domain analysis of NEXT, Return Loss data and the like suitably provides the performance characteristics of a link as a function of time or distance. When coupled with time or distance performance curves for connections, it can be determined if the transmission fault is at a connection or in the cable. The time limit curves for connections can be generated based on the frequency domain performance requirements for connecting hardware of a specific level of performance. The connection time limit curves thus allows one to determine if the connection is within performance standards, allowing improved isolation of the fault condition.

Abstract: Monitoring a converter (1) includes detecting whether a value of an input variable (2) for the converter (1) assumes a first prescribed input reference value (41) and checking whether an output variable (3) from the converter (1) likewise assumes a corresponding, second prescribed output reference value (61). This means that the operation of the converter is tested only at occasional instants, specifically only using individual, prescribed values. The fact that only prescribed values (41, 61) are compared with instantaneous values of the input and output variables (2, 3) means that the invention can be implemented using very simple means. The method is particularly suitable for monitoring the operation of a converter (1) in a control or protective device for an electrical switchgear assembly. In this context, when a malfunction in the converter (1) is detected, all protective functions which are dependent on the converter (1) are preferably turned off.

Abstract: A modem with built-in transmission line diagnostic capability is presented. Said built-in line diagnostics are capable of determining said transmission line's length and detecting the presence of any bridge taps. Said built-in diagnostics have an advantage of not requiring any specialized or expensive hardware and can be added to an existing modem without significant redesign work.