Abstract: The time required for a success or failure determination step and the precision of the success or failure determination step are optimized by determining region-based connector or wiring information and by adjusting increase and decrease of the number of such patterns. Region-based connector or wiring information is created for at least every described region in numbers equal to the number of combinations of a first wire harness, a second wire harness, and a third wire harness. The first wire harness is one of first wire harnesses arrangeable in Main 1, the second wire harness is one of second wire harnesses arrangeable in Main 2, and the third wire harness is one of third wire harnesses arrangeable in Sub, and presence or absence of error in connection of electric wires is inspected in the created region-based connector or wiring information.

Abstract: A splice monitoring apparatus and method of use is capable of determining splice characteristics by means of dynamic reactance through waveform shifts and harmonic distortions in comparison to a base frequency.

Abstract: A method and system for interoperability testing is provided. Various network communications messages are sent to a device under test (DUT) and a number of similar devices from different sources including different manufacturers. Responses to the test signals from the device under test and the similar devices are compared to expected responses in accordance with the standard, and adjustments are made in the device under test if deviations in responses are detected. The device under test may be a intelligent electronic device or IEC 61850 protocol client device.

Abstract: A continuity testing device is provided which can reliably detect incomplete-fitting of the retainer of the connector. The continuity testing device includes a connector guide block into which the connector is inserted in a transverse direction and which is fixed above an opening formed on a cover plate of a case of the continuity testing device, a detection plate provided to the connector guide block and arranged above the connector so as to contact with the incompletely-fitted retainer of the connector when moved downward, a detection pin arranged at the detection plate, a continuity testing part arranged to move in the vertical direction toward the connector, a drive mechanism that operates the detection plate to move in the vertical direction in conjunction with the continuity testing part, and a switch that is activated by the detection pin when the detection pin is completely moved down to the switch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trailer light checking system for a vehicle for checking an electrical connection between the vehicle and a trailer comprising a plurality of exterior vehicle lights, the exterior vehicle lights including a left turn indicator light, a right turn indicator light and a brake indicator light, and further comprises a terminal connection configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights to a respective trailer light. The trailer light checking system also comprises a vehicle controller having a trailer connection checking mode configured to check the terminal connection by simulating manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights according to a timed sequence, such that a respective trailer light will actuate in combination with the simulated manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights if the terminal connection and the respective trailer light are functioning correctly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems for checking an electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. In one embodiment, a trailer light checking system for a vehicle comprises a plurality of exterior vehicle lights and a terminal connection configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights to a respective trailer light. The trailer light checking system also comprises a lighting control system having a trailer connection checking mode configured to check the terminal connection by simulating manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights, such that a respective trailer light will actuate in combination with the simulated manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights if the terminal connection and the respective trailer light are functioning correctly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic component and a protection circuit configured to protect the component from overvoltages. A control circuit is configured to inhibit a part of the protection circuit in the presence of a test voltage across terminals of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking a separation point (14) between a photovoltaic inverter (1) and a power supply network (7) having multiple phases (L1, L2, L3) and a neutral conductor (N), wherein multiple switching contacts of the separation point (14) are controlled by the photovoltaic inverter (1), and to a photovoltaic inverter (1). To allow a simple and quick check of the functionality of the separation point (14), the switching contacts of the separation point (14) are each formed by single-pole relays (15-22) and switched in steps according to a switching pattern. For checking switching contacts, a voltage (26, 27, 28) is measured at at least one phase (L1, L2, L3) with respect to the neutral conductor (N), upstream of the separation point (14), and compared to voltage values assigned in accordance with the switching pattern, thereby to deduce the functionality of the switching contacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiring connection check method in a wiring structure in which terminal devices are connected with a cable via relay devices and the cable is connected to the terminal devices and the relay devices via connectors. Connection information indicating a connecting relation between the connectors and the cable and a connecting relation between the connectors and any of the terminal devices and the relay devices is stored in a connection table database. In the connection check method of the present invention, a target connector to be checked is designated from among the connectors, and a connection route from the target connector to a connection end thereof is identified by sequentially tracing the connection information.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting mating and un-mating of a first connector with a second connector include providing a pulsed voltage signal at a contact of the second connector and measuring a rate of rise of voltage at the contact. If the measured voltage at the contact exceeds a threshold voltage during the time the pulsed voltage signal is applied, then it is concluded that the first connector is not present and not mated with the second connector. If the measured voltage is lower than or equal to the threshold voltage during the time of application of the voltage pulse, it is concluded that the first connector is present and mated with the second connector.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connecting a mobile peripheral component interconnect express module (MXM) interface to a test apparatus includes a circuit board, a golden finger connector, and a group of signal test contacts. The test contacts are connected to the golden finger connector and configured for connection to the testing apparatus. When the circuit board is inserted into a MXM interface, the test contacts connect to the MXM interface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting an arc in a DC circuit. The method includes measuring and analyzing an AC component (IAC) of a current (I) flowing in the circuit and determining at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC). The level of a DC component (IDC) of the current (I) is varied and a degree of correlation between the level of the DC component (IDC) of the current (I) flowing in the DC circuit and the at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC) is determined. An arc is detected and selectively signaled based on the degree of the determined correlation. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to an inverter comprising such an apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for checking a ground via of control chips of a printed circuit board (PCB) provides a graphical user interface (GUI) displaying a layout of the PCB. The control chip has a plurality of ground pins. The computer searches for signal path routing of each ground pin and ground vias along each signal path routing of each ground pin. If there are any ground vias having the same absolute coordinates, the computer determines that the ground vias are shared by more than one ground pin.

Abstract: A method of detecting and locating a micro-interface abnormality within an electrical system having a plurality of conductors and a plurality of electrical connections includes identifying a subset of the plurality of electrical connections by detecting an acoustic signal within the electrical system and analyzing the detected acoustic signal and determining that the detected acoustic signal is indicative of an electrical fault, measuring a contact resistance of each of the subset of the plurality of electrical connections, and identifying at least one of the subset of the plurality of electrical connection points as having a micro-interface abnormality based on the measured contact resistances.

Abstract: A plurality of assembly sheets are placed on an upper surface of a substrate adsorption platform, and a pressing plate is placed on the plurality of assembly sheets placed on the substrate adsorption platform such that the plurality of assembly sheets are pressed by the pressing plate. In this state, a DC power supply device is turned on and causes the upper surface of the substrate adsorption platform to be charged, thereby causing the plurality of assembly sheets to be adsorbed on the upper surface by an electrostatic force. Then, the pressing plate placed on the plurality of assembly sheets is removed while the upper surface of the substrate adsorption platform is charged, and automatic appearance inspection is performed on the plurality of assembly sheets adsorbed on the upper surface of the substrate adsorption platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system configured to monitor devices that are physically connected over a data network, said system comprising at least one scanner configured to monitor said data network and to determine devices that are physically connected over said data network, said at least one scanner being connected to at least one panel over said data network, wherein at least one terminal of each panel is connected to an electronic circuitry, which comprises one or more electronic components, for enabling said at least one scanner to determine changes in one of voltage or current level over at least one of said one or more electronic components, said changes occurring due to connecting or disconnecting devices over said data network, thereby enabling said at least one scanner to monitor devices that are physically connected over said data network.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for detecting a reversed insertion of the SIM card into a SIM card socket unit in the terminal. The device includes a SIM card socket unit including a detection terminal that is disposed at a position to be contacted with a GND terminal of the SIM card, and when the SIM card is inserted, and outputs a voltage received from a contacted terminal of the SIM card. The SIM card socket unit having received the voltage from the detection terminal is transmitted to a controller as a SIM card insertion direction detection signal. When the SIM card insertion direction detection signal received from the SIM card socket unit is a reversed insertion detection signal, the controller is configured to inform the user that the SIM card is inserted in a reversed direction.

Abstract: Battery cells may be monitored and a historical profile of the battery generated. The historical profile may be used to analyze a state-of-health of the battery cell. For example, the historical profile may be used to determine when a battery cell has developed an internal short that creates a safety hazard. The historical profile may include a count of the number of times the battery cell was out of balance and a count of the number of Coulombs the battery cell was out of balance. The number of Coulombs may be counted for a window of time. When the number of Coulombs exceeds a Coulomb threshold, a state-of-health flag may be set for the battery cell. The Coulomb threshold may be adjusted based, in part, on the counted number of times the battery cell is out of balance.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis method of diagnosing a fault related to a PV PCS 150, configured to perform an interconnected operation in which a PV 100 is interconnected to a grid 10: supplies power from independent operation output of the PV PCS 150 to a storage PCS 250 by an independent operation that does not interconnect the PV 100 to the grid 10 after the grid interconnection apparatus stops the interconnected operation by detecting abnormality; measures an output power state of the PV 100 and/or the PV PCS 150 when power is supplied to the storage PCS 250; and determines that the fault occurs and performs an error process for notification to a user when the measured output power state does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A display device and a method of testing the display device. The display device includes a substrate including both a display region on which pixel cells are located and a peripheral region; test pads, main pins connected to the pixel cells, and dummy pins that are respectively connected to the test pads, the test pads, the main pins, and the dummy pins being on the peripheral region of the substrate, and visual test lines on the peripheral region of the substrate. The visual test lines include a first portion connected to the main pins and a second portion connected to the test pads, and the first and second portions are disconnected from each other.

Abstract: An electronic device has a chassis, and a printed wiring board (PWB) having a hole. A fastener is installed in the hole thereby securing the PWB to the chassis. A pair of conductive traces is formed in the PWB. A cap, being an amount of conductive glue, covers a part of the fastener and fills an electrically insulating gap between the two traces, to thereby form a conductive path that connects the two traces. A sensing circuit is coupled to the traces, to detect a change in impedance of the path and signal a tamper event alert. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a sensor, a cover, and a wiring unit. The cover holds the sensor and includes a connector configured to make a connection with an external device. The wiring unit is held by the cover, is arranged from the connector to the sensor, and includes a connecting member extending from the connector to a central region of the cover in its width direction, which is perpendicular to the central line, and a wiring member extending from the central region of the cover in its width direction to a vicinity of the sensor. The cover and connecting member are integrally formed from a mold material. The connecting member includes a first connecting terminal exposed from a surface of the mold material at the central region of the cover in its width direction. The wiring member includes a second connecting terminal conductively joined to the first connecting terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first terminal; and a second terminal; wherein: the first terminal is configured to electrically couple with a respective first terminal of a second apparatus when the apparatus and said second apparatus are in either of a first mated condition and a second mated condition; and the second terminal is configured: to electrically couple with a respective second terminal of said second apparatus when the apparatus and said second apparatus are in the first mated condition, and to electrically decouple from said respective second terminal of said second apparatus when the apparatus and said second apparatus are in a second mated condition.

Abstract: Provided is a disconnection detecting apparatus for detecting whether there is a disconnection between a current signal output device and an external device receives the current signal of a PLC analog current output module. The disconnection detecting apparatus according to an embodiment includes a monitoring unit generating different voltages according to whether a current signal input from the current signal output device is applied to the external device, a reference voltage generating unit generating a reference voltage, a comparing unit outputting a voltage according to a result obtained by comparing the voltage generated from the monitoring unit with the reference voltage, and a switching unit outputting a disconnection detecting signal on the basis of the voltage output from the comparing unit.

Abstract: A terminal end for a flat test probe having tapered cam surfaces providing a lead-in angle on the tail of the terminal end which extend to a sharp rear angle to engage detents or projections within a receptacle. The tapered cam surfaces and shape rear angles allow the probe to be inserted into the receptacle with minimal force to retain the flat test probe within the receptacle.

Abstract: A test system can include a probe suitable to be coupled between a test measurement device and a device under test (DUT). The probe can include a signal input to receive an active signal from the DUT and a signal output to provide the active signal to the test measurement device. The probe can also include an input ground to connect to the DUT ground and an output ground to connect to the test measurement device ground. A probe ground connection checking device can automatically determine whether the probe ground connections to the DUT ground and test measurement device ground are solid.

Abstract: An interface device provides one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between a lead connector end of an implantable medical lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fault detection utilizing a diagnostic procedure by a diagnostic device to detect a short circuit between at least two of a plurality of load electrical connections, the diagnostic procedure comprising applying a test electrical signal to each of the load electrical connections in turn and whilst applying the test electrical signal to a first one of the load electrical connections, detecting whether an electrical output is present, in response, on any other of the load electrical connections, wherein the detecting by the diagnostic device includes applying the test electrical signal to the first one of the load electrical connections in an operational mode of the apparatus when an electrically controlled switch connected to the first one of the load electrical connections is in an off state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that monitors and controls the operation of an electricity meter and prevents a failure of and/or damage to the electricity meter. A potential failure condition of an electrical connection between an electricity meter and a meter socket in an electrical line that provides power from a power supply to an electrical load through the electricity meter, is detected. A correction time may be determined based on a temperature in the vicinity of the electrical connection and a current through the electrical connection. The correction time indicates an amount of time that is available before a predicted failure of the electrical connection will occur. The method determines whether the electricity meter is in an imminent failure condition based on the correction time or the information used to detect the potential failure condition of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for collecting data for nondestructive evaluation of the quality of a crimped wire connector are provided. The process involves providing a crimping tool having an anvil and opposing jaw for crimping a terminal onto a stranded wire, moving the jaw relative to the anvil to close the distance between the jaw and the anvil and thereby compress the terminal against the wire, while transmitting ultrasonic waves that are propagated through the terminal-wire combination and received at a receiving ultrasonic transducer as the jaw is moved relative to the anvil, and detecting and recording the position of the jaw relative to the anvil as a function of time and detecting and recording the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave that is received at the receiving ultrasonic transducer as a function of time as the jaw is moved relative to the anvil.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly is disclosed. The electrical connection assembly comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board has a plurality of first signal electrodes and at least one first test electrode, wherein the first signal electrodes and the first test electrode are arranged in a spaced manner on the same side of the first circuit board. The second circuit board has a plurality of second signal electrodes and at least one second test electrode, wherein the second signal electrodes and the second test electrode are arranged in a spaced manner on the same side of the second circuit board, wherein the first signal electrodes are electrically connected to the second signal electrodes and the first test electrode is electrically connected to the second test electrode to form a testing loop.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the voltage transmitted through a pair of electrical connector devices is provided. The pair of electrical connector devices include a source connector coupled to a power supply and a load connector coupled to a load, the source connector being coupled to the load connector. The method includes determining the voltage utilized by the load, determining the voltage generated by the power supply, and determining an electrical resistance of the pair of electrical connectors using the determined voltage utilized by the load and the voltage generated by the power supply. A connector monitoring circuit and a portable X-ray detector including the connector monitoring circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an active matrix substrate having improved display quality without forming an inspection line in a terminal arrangement region for inspecting short circuit between connection lines. Scanning lines (40) include first scanning lines having input ends for a scanning signal on one end side, and second scanning lines having input ends for a scanning signal the other end side. In a display region (4), the first scanning lines and the second scanning lines are formed alternately one by one. An active matrix substrate (2) includes a first inspection line (70) and a second inspection line (72) that cross each of a plurality of first connection lines (61), and a third inspection line (75) and a fourth inspection line (77) that cross each of a plurality of second connection lines (64). The first to the fourth inspection lines (70, 72, 75, 77) are formed in a frame-shaped wiring region (6), excluding the terminal arrangement region (5) and the display region (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting the abnormal soldering of an electrostatic discharge protection chip, comprising a connector, which is used for pluggable connection with a signal input terminal connector of an application specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) of a liquid crystal display; a detecting circuit, which is set on the connector, used to detect if the electrostatic discharge protection chip is properly soldered on the ASIC and prompt when the abnormal soldering of the electrostatic discharge protection chip is detected. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for detecting the abnormal soldering of an electrostatic discharge protection chip. According to the present invention, the abnormal soldering of an electrostatic discharge protection chip can be detected quickly with high accuracy, which can save the cost of manpower and resources, as well as to reduce the loss resulted from the defective rate of the finished product assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement for detecting connection loss at a circuit part which has a capacitive behaviour and is electrically connected to a useful signal source. The disclosure provides an evaluation circuit which is electrically connected to an input node of the circuit part having a capacitive behaviour and detects the pulsed useful signal (UNUTZ), output by the useful signal source, at the input node of the circuit part having a capacitive behaviour and evaluates the signal characteristics in order to detect connection loss.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a monitoring and analysis device and a method for monitoring and analysis that utilizes the unintended electromagnetic emissions of electrically powered systems. The present invention monitors electrical devices by taking detailed measurements of the electromagnetic fields emitted by any component or system utilizing electricity. The measurements will be analyzed to both record a baseline score for future measurements and to be used in detailed analysis to determine the status of the analyzed system or component.

Abstract: A back end of the line (BEOL) fuse structure having a stack of vias. The stacking of vias leads to high aspect ratios making liner and seed coverage inside the vias poorer. The weakness of the liner and seed layers leads to a higher probability of electromigration (EM) failure. The fuse structure addresses failures due to poor liner and seed coverage. Design features permit determining where failures occur, determining the extent of the damaged region after fuse programming and preventing further propagation of the damaged dielectric region.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for monitoring a state of a switch element connecting a DC power supply to a load. A system includes a transformer having first and second windings, where a first end of the second winding electrically coupled to a first switch node of the switch element. The system also includes a transmit circuit configured for providing a waveform at the first winding and a sensor element having galvanically isolated input and output nodes for inducing a monitor signal at the output nodes in response to a signal at the input nodes. The system further includes a receive circuit coupled to the output nodes and configured for generating one or more output signals in response to the monitor signal. The system also includes capacitor elements for providing DC isolation for the second winding with respect to the first switch node and the sensor element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to electrical margining of multi-parameter high-speed interconnect links with multi-sample probing are described. In one embodiment, logic is provided to generate one or more parameter values, corresponding to an electrical operating margin of an interconnect. The one or more parameter values are generated based on a plurality of eye observation sets to be detected in response to operation of the interconnect in accordance with a plurality of parameter sets (e.g., by using quantitative optimization techniques). In turn, the interconnect is to be operated at the one or more parameter values if it is determined that the one or more parameter values cause the interconnect to operate at an optimum level relative to an operation of the interconnect in accordance with one or more less optimum parameter levels. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes a test enable pad configured to receive a test enable signal, a plurality of test input pads including a reset pad, a signal combination unit configured to combine signals input to the plurality of test input pads when the test enable signal is activated, and to generate a plurality of test output signals, a plurality of test output pads configured to output the plurality of test output signals, and a reset control unit configured to generate a system reset signal using a signal input to the reset pad when the test enable signal is deactivated, and to generate the system reset signal using the test enable signal when the test enable signal is activated.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes a plurality of test input pads configured to receive a plurality of test input signals, a plurality of single-ended type buffers configured to receive signals input to the plurality of test input pads in a connectivity test mode, a plurality of differential-type buffers configured to receive signals input to the plurality of test input pads in a normal mode, a signal combination unit configured to combine the plurality of test input signals input through the plurality of single-ended type buffers, and to generate a plurality of test output signals, and a plurality of test output pads configured to output the plurality of test output signals in the connectivity test mode.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection integrated device is described, comprising: a plurality of electrical terminals connectable to an integrated electronic circuit on a chip common to said interconnection device; at least an inside electrical device provided with a respective input connected to a first terminal of said plurality and a respective output; a fault detecting logic module having a first input connected to said output of the inner electrical device and provided with a detecting terminal for supplying a fault detecting signal.

Abstract: Power generating component connectivity testing methods and apparatus are disclosed. At a power generating component, a connectivity testing condition is detected. A connectivity testing procedure is performed on detection of the connectivity testing condition, to test connectivity in a system that includes the power generating component and an unpowered electrical system. Connectivity is tested before the electrical system is connected to a power grid. An indication of connectivity can be provided by receiving connectivity information indicating connectivity between power generating components and the unpowered electrical system; and providing a representation of the connectivity between the power generating testing procedure components and the electrical system. This representation could include, for example, one or more of: a connectivity alert, a visual representation of the power generating components; and a visual representation of the electrical system.

Abstract: A compact and easy to use female connector testing tool includes an outer housing containing a movable plunger. A male connection end is attached to one end of the movable plunger. A predetermined resistive force is provided between the outer housing and the plunger to provide adequate resistance against movement between them. As the tool is pulled away from the female connector, in which the male connection end is inserted, the plunger moves with respect to the outer housing. An indicator indicates if the female connector has passed (and is good) or has failed. The indicator may be used to provide measurements of the pullout or push-in force required to remove or insert the male connector from the female connector. The indicator may include a pass/fail indicator, a graded scale, an electronic display or audible display. A mechanical pullout mechanism may be used to provide a fast test of the holding resistance of the female connector.

Abstract: A checking circuit for a serial port connector includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a third inverter, and a first light emitting diode (LED) and a second LED with different colors. An input of the first inverter is connected to a transmitted data pin of the serial port connector. An output of the first inverter is connected to an anode of the first LED. An input of the second inverter is connected to the transmitted data pin of the serial port connector. An output of the second inverter is connected to an input of the third inverter. An output of the third inverter is connected to an anode of the second LED. Cathodes of the first and second LEDs are grounded.

Abstract: A conduction check apparatus including an inspection part (4) having a main body (22) having a surface (23a), inspection pins (21) protruded from the surface (23a), a guide pin (8) provided on the surface (23a); and a protection board 6 sliding along the guide pin (8) from a first position to a second position and having a plurality of holes (28). At the first position, the protection board (6) covers a tip of each of the inspection pins (21) and, at the second position, each of the inspection pins (21) jut out from the respective one of the holes (28). The conduction check apparatus includes a connector setting part (3) relatively moving toward the inspection part (4). The protection board (6) moves between the first and the second position during the relative movement.

Abstract: A test board system and method for a power over Ethernet device are disclosed. The test board includes a direct current (DC) power terminal connected to a DC power supply, and includes a network connector, a detection circuit and a classification circuit. The detection and classification circuits are coupled to the network connector and both receive a DC voltage derived from the DC power supply. During different time stages, the detection circuit provides different impedances between the DC power terminal and the network connector. A voltage variation at a test terminal coupled with the network connector shows whether a powered device is connected to the network connector. During a classification stage, the classification circuit provides an impedance device between the DC power terminal and the network connector to build a current path, and classifies the powered device based on a current flowing through the current path.

Abstract: The present document describes an assembly for connecting a test unit to a wiring harness or equipment to be tested, and a method for testing using the assembly. The assembly may comprise a test box unit, a generic mate-in interface, and at least one specific mate-in interface. The generic mate-in interface is for connection to the test box unit on one end, and to the at least one specific mate-in interfaces at the other end. The mate-in interfaces are for testing different existing wiring harnesses or equipment. Each one of the generic and specific mate-in interfaces has a specific ID. Information relating to the IDs of the connectors and the contact configuration of each mate-in interface is stored in a database of the test unit for identifying the appropriate test contacts that should be used for testing.

Abstract: A tester for a testing a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) flex circuit prior to electrical installation of a Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA) includes a shorting block that makes electrical contact to the bondpads on the sample. The shorting block includes one or more electrical contacts that are electrically grounded and have a size and/or configuration to contact the bondpads as well as the surface of the sample around the bondpads to accommodate positioning tolerances of the sample under test, without need for optics, precise probes, or precision stages. The electrical contacts of the shorting block may be, e.g., a matrix of pogopins or a flexible electrically-conductive material. During testing, the bondpads are shorted together and to ground with the shorting block while it is determined whether Short failures are properly detected. While the shorting block is not engaged with the bondpads, it is determined whether open failures are properly detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.