Abstract: A material medium, such as an optical fiber or electrical cable, is commonly used to carry services, such as telecommunications or energy service. The current invention identifies the following problems which may be encountered when monitoring a material medium. They are: (1) requiring a time and labor intensive investigation to find a fault, (2) needing a significant change in a current material medium infrastructure to support a monitoring effort, or (3) reducing available bandwidth in a material medium due to a monitoring device intruding into the material medium to send data. These problems are solved, in accordance with a feature of the current invention, by monitoring a material medium with at least one diagnostic sensor, and using an electromagnetic (EM) signal, such as radio frequency (RF), signal to wirelessly transmit the sensor data. The diagnostic sensor may measure the operational health of the material medium, or may measure local environmental conditions around the material medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a faulted circuit indicator apparatus with transmission line state display, as well as methods for using the apparatus. The faulted circuit indicator has a sensor that can be electrically coupled to an electrical conductor for collecting data relating to a state of the electrical conductor. The faulted circuit indicator also has a controller that is logically coupled to the sensor for receiving data and determining whether a fault condition has occurred on the electrical conductor. The faulted circuit indicator also has one or more indicators that are logically coupled to the controller for indicating whether a fault condition has occurred as well as the state of the electrical conductor. The state of the conductor may be the voltage, the temperature, or the vibration present on the conductor.

Abstract: An instrument (1) and a method for measuring pulses of partial electrical discharges in an electrical system comprise data processing means (5) operatively associated both with an input stage (2), able to receive an analogue signal (3) representing said pulses and to provide a digital representation of the entire wave form of the pulses, to receive said digital representation, extract the value of predetermined parameters relating to the wave form of the pulses and transfer to and output stage (4) a processed digital signal comprising said values, the processing means (5) being able to operate substantially in real time, i.e. with no need for a memory for the intermediate storage of the data.

Abstract: A device and method for dynamically determining an impedance of a network is disclosed. The device includes at least a processing system for measuring a network voltage and network current when said network is determined to be in a first state, measuring a network voltage when said network is determined to be in a second state, estimating said impedance value dependent upon said measured voltages and current, adapting said estimated impedance based on at least one prior impedance value and storing at least said adapted impedance.

Abstract: Deterioration of a cable, that connects a battery to an industrial vehicle, is detected by an electronic controller. An electrical parameter, such as voltage, is measured proximate to a connection of the cable to the battery, thereby producing a first measurement. The same electrical parameter also is measured proximate to a connection of the cable to the industrial vehicle, thereby producing a second measurement. The first and second measurements are received at the electronic controller which uses those measurements to produce an indication of deterioration of the cable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to fault testing for interconnections. An embodiment of a fault analysis apparatus includes a test pattern source to provide a test pattern for an interconnection between a transmitter and a receiver, the interconnection having a transmitter end and a receiver end, the interconnection including a first wire and a second wire, the transmitter transmitting the test pattern on the first wire to the receiver. The apparatus further includes a first switch to open and close a first connection for the first wire, and a second switch to open and close a second connection for the second wire. The first switch and the second switch are to be set according to a configuration to set at least a portion of a test path for the detection of one or more faults in the interconnection.

Abstract: An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system comprises a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous on non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage in an electrical wire, including delivering at least one test electrical signal to an outer electrically conductive material in a continuous or non-continuous layer covering an electrically insulative material layer that covers an electrically conductive wire core. Detecting the test electrical signals in the outer conductive material layer to obtain data that is processed to identify damage in the outer electrically conductive material layer.

Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing a coded time domain transmission distance meter, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A first transmitter module connected to a cable at a first point or power outlet, generates and sends a testing coded pulse onto the power cable. A second receiver module connected to the cable at a second point, receives the testing coded pulse, and returns a receiver response coded pulse to the transmitter module. The first transmitter module determines the round-trip elapsed time, subtracts a receiver latency time, and calculates a distance to the second receiver module. Encoded in the testing coded pulse are data representing the last calculated distance. Both the first transmitter module and the second receiver module include a display for displaying the calculated distance.

Abstract: A cable testing method includes a tester that includes at least one connector electrically coupled, such as by conductive traces, to a computer. Both ends of the cable are connected to the at least one connector. The computer then sends a signal to one of the conductive traces of the conductor, at one of the ends of the cable, while at the same time monitoring for a signal at the other contacts of the conductor that are in contact with conductive traces of the cable. The process of sending power while monitoring may then be repeated for other of the conductive traces of the cable, for example until substantially all of the conductive traces of the cable are tested. The process of testing multiple of the conductive traces sequentially may be performed automatically by the computer, allowing performance of the cable to be tested quickly, completely, and accurately.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a fault in an electronic conductor are provided. Electronic parameter measurements are combined with reflectometry profiles to determine when faults are present on the electronic conductor.

Abstract: A first physical layer (PHY) device includes an auto-negotiation module, a first cable-length measuring module, and a first control module. The auto-negotiation module exchanges data rates of the first PHY device and a second PHY device. The first PHY device is connected to the second PHY device by a cable. The first cable-length measuring module performs a first measurement of a length of the cable. The first control module selectively receives a second measurement of the length of the cable from the second PHY device, and selects a data rate of the first PHY device from the data rates of the first PHY device and the second PHY device based on (i) the first measurement of the length of the cable performed by the first cable-length measuring module of the first PHY device, or (ii) the second measurement of the length of the cable received from the second PHY device.

Abstract: A method is present for remotely controlling, monitoring, and analyzing loop resistance in a vehicle. A loop resistance test unit is positioned in the vehicle. A set of commands is sent from a monitoring unit to the loop resistance test unit over a wireless communications interface. Measurements are generated with the loop resistance test unit in response to the set of commands. The measurements are received from the loop resistance test unit at the monitoring unit in response to the set of commands send over the wireless communications interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fault identification in a transmission line are provided. The method may include measuring at an end of the transmission line when the transmission line has a fault to obtain a measured signal g(t), comparing the measured signal g(t) with a predefined standard signal f(t), the predefined standard signal f(t) having beat frequency characteristic; and identifying that the fault is a transient fault if the measured signal g(t) matches the predefined standard signal f(t) according to a result of the comparison, or the fault is a permanent fault if the measured signal g(t) does not match the predefined standard signal f(t) according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A test arrangement is provided for AC testing of electrical high voltage components including at least one inverter, at least one test transformer and at least one high voltage inductor arranged as test components in a common cuboid container. The at least one high voltage inductor runs along an imaginary axis and may be at least partly removed from the container through at least one opening in a limit face of the container by means of a movement device. The at least one high voltage inductor includes has integrated surge protection.

Abstract: A device for measuring the loss factor and/or measuring the phase angle between a voltage and a current and/or recording a voltage decay and/or current decay and/or recording partial discharge processes and/or measuring the propagation time on test objects that are to be tested, includes a housing in which at least one measuring circuit is arranged for measuring and/or recording purposes. A terminal adapter (12) is provided on the housing (9) to connect the test object that is to be tested directly to the housing (9).

Abstract: A communication apparatus including: a frame; a transmission line connectable to a public line network; a print circuit board including a frame ground terminal portion and configured such that a dielectric strength between the transmission line and the frame ground terminal portion takes a specific value in a state in which elements are connected to between the transmission line and the frame ground terminal portion via conductor patterns. The frame ground terminal portion includes: a first land formed on a first conductor pattern formed on a face of the print circuit board, a surge protection element being connected to the first conductor pattern; and a second land formed on a second conductor pattern formed on the face, elements different from the surge protection element being connected to the second conductor pattern. The first and second lands contacts the frame by fixing of the print circuit board to the frame.

Abstract: A safe powerline communications instrumentation front end device including a voltage input for receiving a line voltage from a powerline, a voltage reducer for reducing the voltage of the line voltage, a filtering system for extracting a Power Line Communications (PLC) signal from the line voltage, and an analog output for outputting the PLC signal as an analog signal for communications test equipment.

Abstract: An overhead power transmission line system includes detector circuitry to detect a flashover event on a power line conductor in response to test over voltage excitations applied to the power line conductor applied. Processing circuitry establishes an operational voltage level for the power line conductor taking into account the lowest applied test over voltage excitation that causes a flashover event.

Abstract: An in-situ method for monitoring the health of a composite component utilizes a condition sensor made of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The sensor is bonded or otherwise formed on the matrix surface of the composite material. Age-related shrinkage of the sensor matrix results in a decrease in the resistivity of the condition sensor. Correlation of measured sensor resistivity with data from aged specimens allows indirect determination of mechanical damage and remaining age of the composite component.

Abstract: A physical layer module (PHY) of a network device includes a control module and a cable-test module. The control module selectively generates a cable-test enable signal to test a cable including four pairs of twisted wire. The cable-test module tests the cable based on the cable-test enable signal. The cable-test module transmits test signals on the four pairs at a first time and receives return signals. The cable-test module determines that the cable is not faulty when the return signals received on first and second pairs of the four pairs have an amplitude less than a first predetermined amplitude, and when the return signals received on third and fourth pairs of the four pairs have an amplitude greater than a second predetermined amplitude and are received substantially contemporaneously.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for detecting faults in electrical wiring, and manufacturing method thereof is provided. The diagnostic system includes a diagnostic sensor coupled to a data acquisition system. The diagnostic sensor includes a sensor housing with a flexible coil sensor disposed inside. The sensor housing includes a base portion, lid portion, and a joining portion, wherein one end of the lid portion is detachably coupled to a first end of the base portion and another end of the lid portion is coupled to a second end of the base portion via the joining portion. The diagnostic sensor further includes a connector coupled to the flexible coil sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tester, its use and a method for testing signal lines of a flight control system for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) motor of an aircraft. The tester comprises at least one test-relay (52, 54) to be connected with a relay socket of the flight control system, when the signal lines of the flight control system are to be tested, and at least one indicator (60, 70, 80, 90) being electrically connected with the at least one test-relay (52, 54) for indicating whether a voltage being applied to the test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of connecting at least one test-relay (52, 54) of a tester (1), in place of the original relay, with the relay socket of the flight control system, applying a voltage to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) and determining whether a voltage being applied to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments related to line testing are described and depicted.

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: The present invention discloses a failure detection method and a failure detection apparatus for detecting a defect in an electrical conductor. The failure detection method includes: providing at least two output terminals on the electrical conductor under test, the at least two output terminals having identical electric potentials; inputting a constant detection current sequentially to detection points arranged on the electrical conductor under test along a predetermined path; detecting an output current at one or more output terminals of the at least two output terminals; building a correspondence relationship between the detected one or more output currents at the one or more output terminals and positions of the detection points, based on information of the positions of the detection points and information of the detected one or more output currents at the one or more output terminals; and determining from the correspondence relationship whether the detection points have a defect.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a fault in a signal transmission path. In one embodiment, the system can include a variable amplitude signal attenuator which is operable to modify an input signal by variably attenuating a signal voltage swing of the input signal. Desirably, the input signal is attenuated only when transitioning from a high signal voltage level towards a low signal voltage level d variably, such that a larger high-to-low signal voltage swing is attenuated more than a smaller high-to-low signal voltage swing. Desirably, a comparator, which may apply hysteresis to the output signals, may detect a crossing of a reference voltage level by the modified input signal. In this way, when the comparator does not detect an expected crossing of the reference voltage level by the modified input signal, a determination can be made that a fault exists in the signal transmission path.

Abstract: Efficient gradient cable monitoring is enabled by a device and a method to determine a failure in at least one gradient coil of a magnetic resonance tomography system with gradient cables supplying current thereto, wherein the difference of at least one electrical current flowing through a gradient cable to a gradient coil and at least one electrical current flowing through a gradient cable away from a gradient coil is determined. A failure of a gradient cable is assumed if the absolute value of the difference exceeds a limit value.

Abstract: An indoor unit includes an indoor side transmitting and receiving section, a relay which is put in a closed state in a standby state, and an indoor control section which controls the relay on the basis of an output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section. An outdoor unit includes an outdoor side transmitting and receiving section, and a power circuit. Then, the indoor control section of the indoor unit does not bring the relay into the closed state upon determining that the connection wiring lines which connect the indoor unit with the outdoor unit are miswired on the basis of a reception output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section when operation starts from a standby state in which the supply of power of the outdoor unit is stopped.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of detecting faults on an electrical power line (7) and a sensor (5) for use in such a method. Preferably, the sensor is a line-mounted sensor (5). The method comprises the initial step of determining an initial impedance profile for the power line (7), and thereafter the method comprises the subsequent steps of the line-mounted sensor (5) transmitting a conducted communication signal (41) along the power line, receiving a reflected signal (43) particular to the transmitted communication signal and correlating the transmitted signal and the reflected signal. By correlating the signals, it is possible to determine the actual impedance of the power line. The actual impedance of the power line may then be compared with the initial impedance profile and it is possible to ascertain whether a fault exists on the power line. Preferably, the method uses an adaptive filter to determine the location of the fault.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting a discontinuity or irregularity in a supply line of an electrical power distribution network including a neutral return line and an earth return line. The method includes measuring a property associated with the supply line wherein the property is different when the network includes the neutral return line compared to when the network does not include the neutral return line. The method also includes comparing a result of the measuring with a reference to provide an indication of the discontinuity or irregularity. The property may include a complex impedance associated with the neutral return line or earth return line and/or ambient electrical noise present on the supply line. An apparatus for detecting a discontinuity or irregularity in a supply line of an electrical power distribution network is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical continuity tester for testing the continuity of a cable between one end to another end, includes a main housing having first and second ends; a first test port disposed at the first end, the first test port for being connected to one end of a cable being tested; a circuit disposed within the main body operably connected to the first test port, the circuit including a first indicator for indicating the continuity of a cable being tested; a coupler removably secured to the main housing; and a terminator removably secured to the coupler, the terminator for connecting to another end of a cable being tested, the terminator including a second indicator for indicating the continuity of the cable being tested when the first test port is connected to the one end of the cable.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting defects in a wire or wire harness includes a pair of sensors wrapped around the wire or harness, a data acquisition device for monitoring pulses in the signal produced by the sensors around the wires, and a diagnostics engine. The diagnostics engine includes an analysis module to determine features of the signals captured by the data acquisition device and a decision module for determining whether the pulse represents a defect in the wire, and the location of the defect. The system operates passively and can be used to monitor the wires while they are in use for carrying signals or current and does not require disconnecting the wires to be monitored.

Abstract: A physical layer (PHY) device of a network device includes a first module, a first cable-length measuring (CLM) module, and a first control module. The first module determines whether a remote PHY that communicates with the PHY device over a cable is capable of measuring a length of the cable. The first CLM module measures a first length of the cable. The first control module causes the first length to be transmitted to the remote PHY, receives a second length of the cable measured by the remote PHY, and adjusts an operating parameter of the PHY based on at least one of the first and second lengths.

Abstract: A method of testing a cabling system is disclosed. The method may include discharging an input filter capacitor associated with an accessory component, charging an accessory bus capacitor to a desired voltage level, and connecting the accessory bus capacitor to the input filter capacitor. The method may also include continuously monitoring a voltage waveform associated with the accessory bus capacitor. The method may further include determining a difference between the voltage waveform and a nominal voltage profile, and detecting a fault if the difference is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A cable detection apparatus includes; a plurality of conductors which transmit signal information, a detection control circuit operably connected to a first conductor of the plurality of conductors, wherein the detection control circuit outputs an output signal as a first detection signal when a predetermined signal level is detected from the first conductor and outputs a second detection signal when the predetermined signal level is not detected from the first conductor, and a multiplexer operably connected to the detection control circuit which receives one of the first and second detection signals and selects between a digital signal input and an analog signal input based on the output signal of the detection control circuit and outputs the selected signal input to a conductor of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A method for detecting predetermined fault conditions associated with the supply of AC electrical power to a consumer, the supply having an active conductor and a neutral conductor with the neutral conductor being connected to earth. The method comprises providing a first current detector associated with the active conductor, providing a second current detector associated with the neutral conductor; providing a voltage detector to detect voltage between the active conductor and the neutral conductor, and checking a current ratio of neutral current to active current whereby the current ratio is indicative of a predetermined fault condition. Also disclosed is a method of checking the condition of supply line active and neutral conductors in a consumer's supplied premises including determining the impedance of the active conductor and the impedance of the neutral conductor to indicate the condition of each of the active and neutral conductors.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of a cable including at least one electrical conductor, uses a generated test signal and applies it to at least one conductor by a non-contact coupling transmitter. The resulting signal is propagated along the at least one conductor and a non-contact electrical coupling receiver picks up a reflected signal, and compares the reflected signal to expected state signal values for the cable to determine its current state.

Abstract: A sensor switch 111a connected to a constant voltage Vc via a breeder resistor 114a and dropper diodes 112a and 113a is connected to a microprocessor 120 that configures a wire abnormality detecting device 100, and the electric potential of the connection point between the dropper diodes 112a and 113a is inputted to the microprocessor 120 as a switch logic signal D1 via a signal wire 105 and a series resistor 131a. The signal voltage level of the switch logic signal D1 is inputted to the microprocessor 120 via an AD converter 123, and the microprocessor 120 cooperates with a program memory 121 to perform a determination of whether or not the signal voltage is in an abnormal intermediate voltage state. However, during a transitional period when the switch logic signal is changing between high and low, mistaken determination is prevented by avoiding abnormality determination.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated circuit or chip is supplied to its intended application and a measurement quantity representing the state of one or a plurality of electrical connections in the chip is determined within the application environment of the chip and, if the measurement quantity determined does not correspond to predefined criteria, a corresponding signal is output.

Abstract: A circuit tester in the form of a pliers includes first and second jaws with first and second probes respectively for engaging a wire to confirm circuit continuity and polarity. The probes are electrically connected in series with a bipolar or two color, light emitting diode and one of the probes may be pivoted out of the series circuit.

Abstract: A physical layer device includes a cable test module that transmits a test pulse on a cable, measures a reflection amplitude, calculates a cable length, and determines a cable status based on the measured amplitude and the calculated cable length. A frequency synthesizer selectively outputs a plurality of signals at a plurality of frequencies on one end of the cable. An insertion loss calculator receives the signals from an opposite end of the cable and estimates insertion loss based on the received signals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention determine the type of damage to a wire, the amount of damage, and the location of the damage based on the wire's broadband impedance measured from a single measurement point. The type of damage is determined by comparing the wire's calculated dielectric function, resistance and inductance to known values that correspond to types of wire damage. The amount of damage is determined by comparing the wire's low-frequency impedance phase to known low-frequency impedance phase information that corresponds to a known amount of wire damage. The location of damage is determined by comparing the wire's high-frequency impedance phase to known high-frequency impedance phase information that corresponds to a known location of wire damage.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for detecting faults in cables. The invention comprises receiving a first reflected signal; comparing the first reflected signal amplified with a first predetermined receiver gain setting with a first threshold; if the value of the amplified first reflected signal is greater than the value of the first threshold, then terminating detecting; if the value of the amplified first reflected signal is not greater than the value of the first threshold, then comparing a second reflected signal amplified with a second predetermined gain setting different from the first gain setting with a second threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults in cables. The invention comprises computing a plurality of thresholds representing a corresponding plurality of values of reflections in the cable; comparing a received reflection to a given threshold; if the received reflection value is greater than the given threshold value, then determining the location of the cable fault; and if the received reflection is not greater than the given threshold value, then taking no further action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults in cables. The method and apparatus comprise receiving a reflected signal; multiplying an estimation of the reflected signal from an echo canceller by a predetermined gain factor; subtracting the value obtained as a result of the multiplication from the received reflected signal; and generating an error signal to adapt the echo canceller tap weight to match the real received reflected signal.

Abstract: A physical layer device includes a cable tester that determines a cable status of a cable and that includes a test module. The test module transmits a test pulse on the cable, measures a reflection amplitude, calculates a cable length, and determines the cable status based on the measured amplitude and the calculated cable length. An insertion loss estimator communicates with the cable tester, and estimates insertion loss of the cable based at least in part on a feedback equalizer gain.

Abstract: A method and a circuit are provided for the continuous detection of a line break in a full bridge controlling an inductive load. When the full bridge is switched off or on, a pre-determinable switching device of the circuit is switched first, and then a potential applied to a connection between the switching device and the load is tapped. The tapped potential is then compared with the ground potential when the switching device is connected to the supply potential, or with the supply potential when the switching device is connected to the ground potential. A line break is then determined when the two compared potentials are not different in the free running state thereof.

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) for monitoring the electrical properties of a medium voltage overhead line (3) in a medium voltage network comprises three separate measurement sensors (2a, 2b, 2c), each being adapted for direct connection onto a medium voltage overhead line. Each of the measurement sensors has means to draw operating power from the medium voltage overhead line. The measurement sensors measured results may be combined for accurate measurement analysis.

Abstract: To provide a method of operating a shielded connection where signals are exchanged between two nodes (1) on a communications network over a connecting line (5a, 5b) and the connecting line (5a, 5b) has a shield (3), by which method can be established that the shield (3) is in a proper state, it is proposed that when a signal is transmitted from a first node (1) over the connecting line (5) to a neighboring node a current (Ishield) is drawn into the shield (3) and when operation is taking place in other ways the shield (3) is set to a bias voltage (UBias). A suitably arranged communications network is also specified.