Abstract: A method of predicting a lifetime of a gas filling of an electrical switchgear is disclosed, wherein pressure values p1, p2 in a system of the electrical switchgear containing the gas filling at a predefined temperature Tp at different points in time t1, t2 are measured. Based on the pressure difference ?p between the pressure values p1, p2 the lifetime of the gas filling is calculated. Alternatively, the pressure values p1, p2 can be taken at temperatures T1, T2 within a predefined temperature range at different points in time t1, t2.

Abstract: It is described a tamper detection device for detecting tampering with respect to a packaging, the device comprising: i) a first electrode comprising a first patterned structure, and ii) a second electrode comprising a second patterned structure. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged so that the first patterned structure and the second patterned structure are at least partially opposite to each other. In a first arrangement state of the first patterned structure and the second patterned structure with respect to each other, a first capacitance is measurable, in a second arrangement state of the first patterned structure and the second patterned structure with respect to each other, a second capacitance is measurable, wherein the first capacitance is different from the second capacitance, and wherein the first arrangement state is different from the second arrangement state.

Abstract: A fault detection apparatus includes a temperature detection unit, a current detection unit, a controller, and a breaking unit. The temperature detection unit is configured to detect temperatures of the plurality of filter capacitors and output the temperatures to the controller. The current detection unit is coupled to the plurality of filter capacitors and is configured to detect currents of the plurality of filter capacitors and output the currents to the controller. The controller is separately connected to the temperature detection unit, the current detection unit, and the breaking unit, and is configured to: when the received temperature exceeds a first threshold and the received current exceeds a second threshold, control the breaking unit to be disconnected. The breaking unit is connected between the output end of the grid-tied inverter and the plurality of filter capacitors and is configured to be disconnected or connected under control of the controller.

Abstract: Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of operating the same. A semiconductor includes a test circuit which comprises: a test transistor to be tested for time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) characteristics using a stress voltage; an input switch disposed between a voltage application node to which the stress voltage is applied and an input node which transmits the stress voltage to the test transistor; and a protection switch disposed between the input node and a ground node.

Abstract: A method and a system for fault verification of an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a device to-be-verified. The method includes the following. A first power-supply voltage is applied to the electronic device until the device to-be-verified satisfies a material-failure condition. A second power-supply voltage is applied to the electronic device to determine whether the electronic device has safety risk. The first power-supply voltage is higher than the second power-supply voltage, and the safety risk is caused by material failure in the device to-be-verified. The method and the system for fault verification of an electronic device can verify safety risk caused by material failure in internal components of the electronic device.

Abstract: A capacitor bank which has a plurality of capacitor units, in which each capacitor has a plurality of electrical capacitor elements, and the capacitor units are divided into a plurality of groups of capacitor units. The arrangement has a plurality of group monitoring units, with one of the group monitoring units associated with each group of capacitor units. At least one of the group monitoring units is configured so that it monitors the respective group of capacitor units for a failure of a capacitor element in one of the capacitor units of the group and, when such a failure of a capacitor element is detected, transmits data which describe this failure of the capacitor element to a monitoring receiver.

Abstract: An electronic determination device for determining at least one characteristic parameter of a connection set connected between a converter and an electric machine; the converter comprising at least two output terminals and, for each output terminal, a switching branch including at least one converter switch; the connection set comprising a filter connected to the output terminals and a cable connected between the filter and the electric machine; the filter including, for each output terminal, a respective electromagnetic coil connected to said output terminal and a respective capacitor connected to said coil; the determination device comprising: for each output terminal, a device switch configured to be connected to the respective capacitor; a generation module configured to generate a voltage pulse through the connection set, by controlling the converter switches and each device switch; an acquisition module configured to acquire measurements of respective current(s) and voltage(s) through the filter, fur

Abstract: A method of screening a lot of capacitors is provided. The method includes measuring a first leakage current of each individual capacitor in a first set of capacitors and calculating a first mean leakage current; removing each of the individual capacitors having a measured first leakage current equal to or above a first predetermined value, forming a second set of capacitors; subjecting the second set of capacitors to a burn in treatment; measuring a second leakage current for each of the individual capacitors in the second set and calculating a second mean leakage current; comparing the second leakage current for each of the individual capacitors to the first leakage current for each of the individual capacitors; and removing each of the individual capacitors having a second leakage current equal to or above a second predetermined value and/or having a second leakage current that does not change by a specified amount compared to the first leakage current for each of the individual capacitors.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting non-uniform aging and degradation of power assembly units are disclosed. The system may include a first power assembly unit and a second power assembly unit adjacent to the first power assembly unit. Each of the first and second power assembly units has a coupling capacitor and a number of electrical components. The system may further include a current sensor in between the coupling capacitors of the first and second power assembly units to detect a current spike in the coupling capacitors and the electrical components.

Abstract: In a described example, an apparatus includes a transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate, the transistor including: a transistor gate and an extended drain between the transistor gate and a transistor drain contact; a transistor source contact coupled to a source contact probe pad; a first dielectric layer covering the semiconductor substrate and the transistor gate; a source field plate on the first dielectric layer and coupled to a source field plate probe pad spaced from and electrically isolated from the source contact probe pad; and the source field plate capacitively coupled through the first dielectric layer to a first portion of the extended drain.

Abstract: A voltage detection apparatus for an assembled battery includes: a capacitor; input-side switches provided between the capacitor and detection targets each including at least one battery cell; a voltage detection unit configured to detect the voltage of the capacitor; output-side switches provided between the capacitor and the voltage detection unit; a capacitor charging unit configured to charge the capacitor using a specific detection target; a first-voltage acquiring unit configured to acquire a first voltage which is the voltage of the capacitor after the passage of a first period from the charging of the capacitor; a second-voltage acquiring unit configured to acquire a second voltage which is the voltage of the capacitor after the passage of a second period from the acquisition of the first voltage; and a fault determining unit configured to determine, based on the acquired first and second voltages, whether a leak fault has occurred in the capacitor.

Abstract: A time dependent dielectric breakdown test structure includes a plurality of test units connected in parallel between a constant voltage and a ground. Each of the plurality of test units includes a dielectric test sample connected to the constant voltage; and a current restraint unit connected between the dielectric test sample and the ground, for restraining a breakdown current from flowing on the dielectric test sample after the constant voltage has broken the dielectric test sample.

Abstract: A switching operation sensing apparatus includes an input operation unit, an oscillation circuit, a frequency digital converter, and a touch detection circuit. The input operation unit includes a first switching member integrally formed with a housing. The oscillation circuit is configured to generate an oscillation signal having a resonant frequency, varying based on a capacitive change or an inductive change, depending on a touch input member in contact with the first switching member during an input operation. The frequency digital converter is configured to convert the oscillation signal into a count value. The touch detection circuit is configured to detect capacitive sensing and inductive sensing based on a slope change of the count value received from the frequency digital converter, and output corresponding touch detection signals of different levels based on the detection.

Abstract: There is provided a photoacoustic measurement apparatus capable of appropriately detecting a single failure state even in the single failure state so that it is possible to prevent an operation in the single failure state from continuing. There are included: a laser light source having a flash lamp and a laser medium; an excitation light source power supply having a capacitor for supplying a charge voltage to the flash lamp, a charging circuit for charging the capacitor, a first voltage dividing circuit and a second voltage dividing circuit for dividing a voltage charged in the capacitor, and a failure detection circuit that detects a failure by comparing voltages obtained by voltage division of the first voltage dividing circuit and the second voltage dividing circuit; and an ultrasound probe that detects photoacoustic waves generated inside a subject by emission of light emitted from the laser light source to the subject.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes power conversion circuitry including a plurality of submodules connected in series to each other. The power conversion device further includes: a signal reception unit configured to receive a signal representing a voltage of a capacitor in each of the submodules; a time calculation unit configured to calculate at least one of a charging time of the capacitor and a discharging time of the capacitor based on the signal; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the capacitor has degraded or not based on at least one of a first result of comparison of the charging time with a reference charging time serving as a reference for determining degradation of the capacitor, and a second result of comparison of the discharging time with a reference discharging time serving as a reference for determining degradation of the capacitor.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the lifetime of a capacitor element, specifically a capacitor element comprising a solid electrolyte that undergoes oxidation, is provided. The system and method utilize a capacitor element comprising an anode body, a dielectric, and a solid electrolyte, and may also comprise other stages of the production of a capacitor. The system and method provide an estimation of the life of the capacitor while considering the oxidation of the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing switching element selectively connecting Y-capacitors to ground is provided. The state of a switching device in a power conversion circuit is adjusted such that voltages of different levels are applied to the Y-capacitors, respectively. Therefore, a Y-capacitor disconnect switch which connects a plurality of Y-capacitors connected in common to a DC link to chassis ground is diagnosed.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitor discharge device that quickly and safely discharges a capacitor charged with energy inside a sub-module of an MMC converter, the device including: a capacitor storing a DC voltage inside a sub-module of an MMC converter; a power supply unit supplying operating power required in the submodule by using the voltage stored in the capacitor; a first resistor connected in parallel to the capacitor; a second resistor having a lower resistance value and a larger heat capacity than the first resistor so as to rapidly discharge the capacitor storing the voltage; a first switching contact connecting and disconnecting the capacitor and the second resistor; a switching unit operating switching of the first switching contact by the operating power; a second switching contact connecting and disconnecting the power supply unit and the switching unit; and a control unit operating switching of the second switching contact.

Abstract: A power conversion device including an intermediate capacitor that carries out a charging and discharging operation and a voltage sensor that detects a voltage of the intermediate capacitor, and including a current sensor that detects a current flowing in a reactor, and an abnormality determining unit that determines that there is an abnormality of the voltage sensor using a current value calculated based on a detected value from the current sensor, wherein a gain error, an offset error, and a sticking error of the voltage sensor can be detected.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes a storage unit that stores an initial value of a static capacitance correlation value of a static capacitance of a smoothing capacitor in an initial state, when the smoothing capacitor is connected to an inverter. A measurement unit of the motor drive device includes a timing generation circuit and a calculation unit. The measurement unit measures the static capacitance correlation value of the smoothing capacitor as a measured value at a time after the initial state. A determination unit of the motor drive device determines whether there is deterioration in the smoothing capacitor based on a relationship between the measured value and the initial value. A restrictor of the motor drive device restricts a maximum rotation number of a motor when capacitor deterioration is determined, thereby reducing a ripple current, limiting heat generation in the capacitor, and extending the product life of the capacitor, without increasing the number of parts in the motor drive device.

Abstract: A method for online limit early-warning to a shunt capacitor bank, and the method comprises: performing harmonic monitoring to the shunt capacitor bank; obtaining a measured voltage and a measured current, based on raw data obtained by the harmonic monitoring; obtaining a first parameter representing a ratio of the measured voltage to a rated voltage and a second parameter representing a ratio of the measured current to a rated current, based on the measured voltage and the measured current; obtaining a relation between an impedance correlation quantity of the shunt capacitor bank and a background harmonic voltage ratio, based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and an obtained series reactance ratio of a detected capacitor circuit; and performing online limit early-warning to the shunt capacitor bank, based on the relation. The present invention also discloses a device for online limit early-warning to a shunt capacitor bank.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for characterizing a device under test. An electrical waveform is received from the device under test and sampled to generate an array of data values. User input selects a particular position of the electrical waveform on a display, and identifies a corresponding starting time. A decay of a value at the starting time is identified and the array is analyzed to identify multiple data values that correspond to the decayed value. An ending time is then determined using the multiple data values, and a decay time between the starting time and ending time is determined and presented on a display device.

Abstract: A method of lifing a mechanical component is provided. The method includes: (a) providing a model of the component in which the component is divided into a plurality of regions, and (b) performing consecutively, for each of a consecutive series of actual or virtual missions, the sub-steps of: (b-i) determining the number of operational cycles in the most recent actual or virtual mission for each region, (b-ii) determining a respective unmodified additional cumulative risk associated with each region, (b-iii) determining a respective modified additional cumulative risk associated with each region, (b-iv) determining an updated total modified cumulative risk associated with each region, and (b-v) summing the updated total modified cumulative risks of the regions to determine a modified risk of failure of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintenance of a frequency converter for driving an electric motor of a transportation device, said frequency converter being supplied with AC mains power via a contactor, and including a rectifier circuit for providing a DC supply voltage, a capacitive intermediate circuit for leveling DC supply voltage, and an inverter circuit for providing power to the electric motor. In the method, after the transportation device has been vacant for a predetermined time period, said contactor is opened to disable power flow from mains supply to the frequency converter, and a test load is connected to the intermediate circuit, parallel to a capacity of the intermediate circuit. The DC supply voltage Udc(t) is detected, and the detected DC supply voltage Udc(t) is utilized for establishing a maintenance information indicating that a maintenance should be done on the frequency converter.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the insulating performance of a separator using an insulating performance evaluation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: preparing a measurement subject wherein a metal contact layer is interposed between two sheets of separator so as to form a plurality of local contacts with the surface of the separator; sandwiching the measurement subject between an upper jig and a lower jig; applying a voltage the magnitude of which varies with time between the upper jig and the lower jig using a voltage application unit; receiving a current measurement value flowing between the upper jig and the lower jig as an input from a current measurement unit; and determining the voltage value at which the current measurement value is equal to or greater than a preset critical value as a dielectric breakdown voltage, by a control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch sensor and method for detecting a touch in a capacitive touchscreen application, wherein the touch sensor is capable of distinguishing between a finger hovering above the touch sensor and a touch from a stylus having a small contact surface area without having to adjust the sensitivity of the touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a first sensing electrode, a transmit electrode, and a second sensing electrode, wherein the second sensing electrode is positioned substantially around the perimeter of the inner circuitry (i.e., transmit electrode and first sensing electrode). A touch is detected by sensing changes in a first capacitance between the transmit electrode and first sensing electrode and a second capacitance between the transmit electrode and second sensing electrode. The changes in the first and second capacitances are compared to determine whether the changes in the capacitances are due to a finger hover or a touch.

Abstract: Disclosed are tantalum capacitors having enhanced volumetric efficiency, effective series resistance, effective series inductance, and high frequency performance when compared to existing tantalum capacitors. Also disclosed is a screening process for tantalum capacitors to enhance reliability.

Abstract: A deterioration state detection apparatus for detecting a deterioration state of capacity enabling charge or discharge of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a capacitance of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery: and a determination unit that determines the deterioration state of capacity enabling charge or discharge of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, from change of the acquired capacitance.

Abstract: A method can be used for testing a charge-retention circuit for measurement of a time interval having a storage capacitor coupled between a first biasing terminal and a floating node, and a discharge element coupled between the floating node and a reference terminal. The discharge element is configured to implement discharge of a charge stored in the storage capacitor by leakage through a corresponding dielectric. The method includes biasing the floating node at a reading voltage, detecting a biasing value of the reading voltage, implementing an operation of integration of the discharge current in the discharge element with the reading voltage kept constant at the biasing value, and determining an effective resistance value of the discharge element as a function of the operation of integration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a voltage reference circuit and a method of providing a voltage reference. The voltage reference circuit uses a switched capacitor arrangement to move charge between capacitors during different phases of operation of the circuit to which the voltage reference is being provided. The circuit being provided with a voltage reference may be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A reservoir capacitor is used to supply the reference voltage. During a phase in which no voltage reference is required, charge is shared between the capacitors of the switched capacitor arrangement, in order to boost the charge on the reservoir capacitor. After charge sharing, the reservoir capacitor is topped up with an output from a reference buffer. The reservoir capacitor may then be used again in the next conversion phase.

Abstract: A power supply monitoring apparatus includes: a plurality of power supplies that are connected in series; and a capacitor that is connected to each of positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of power supplies via a plurality of switch elements. The power supply monitoring apparatus determines states of the plurality of switch elements, using a voltage value of the capacitor that is acquired when a first switch element of the plurality of switch elements is turned on, the first switch element being connected to one of a total negative-electrode side and a total positive-electrode side of the plurality of power supplies.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a measuring device of automation technology, wherein the measuring device has a capacitive sensor the sensor has at least one capacitor, and the at least one capacitor is applied for determining or monitoring a process variable. A loss resistance of the at least one capacitor is measured by determining the charge state of the at least one capacitor at a first point in time and at a subsequent, second point in time, and, based on a change of the charge state between the first point in time and the second point in time, information is won concerning disturbance of the ability of the measuring device to function.

Abstract: A voltage of a first capacitor is compared with a threshold voltage and a signal corresponding to the comparison result is generated at each of a first timing during a period after the transfer of a positive charge has ended and before the transfer of a negative charge starts and a second timing during a period after the transfer of the negative charge has ended and before the transfer of the positive charge starts. In each of the case where a positive charge is transferred and the case where a negative charge is transferred, operations (digitization of an integrated value and a feedback operation) of a delta sigma modulator are performed.

Abstract: An imbedded control system is disclosed for use with an engine having a combustion chamber and an associated piston. The control system may have at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a combustion process occurring inside the combustion chamber, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to determine an amount of heat and a pressure generated inside the combustion chamber based on the signal and a combustion model, to determine a heat flux through the piston based on the amount of heat and a heat flux model, and to determine a temperature at a rim of the piston based on the heat flux and a thermal model. The controller may be further configured to track a time at the temperature and the pressure, and to determine a damage count of the piston based on the time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an operational condition of a capacitor package are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system may include a capacitor package including a dielectric material operatively connected between a first terminal and a second terminal. The system may include a Zener diode being operatively connected with its cathode at a third terminal and its anode at the second terminal. The system may also include a test pin being conductively connected to the third terminal. The system may also include a testing module configured to receive an electrical output from the test pin. The testing module may also be configured to determine an operational condition of the capacitor package based on the electrical output. The testing module may further be configured to present the operational condition of the capacitor package.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a voltage of a direct current (DC) link capacitor of an inverter is provided. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a switching unit connected to a node (a reference point) between the first and second resistors, which are connected in series to each other, and a node (a neutral point) between the first and second capacitors, which are connected in series to each other, and configured to short and open between the reference point and the neutral point, and a control unit configured to control the switching unit to short between the reference point and the neutral point when a voltage of the reference point (a reference point voltage) and a voltage of the neutral point (a neutral point voltage) are different from each other.

Abstract: A device for charging a battery, or a battery of an electric traction automotive vehicle, based on a three-phase or single-phase power supply network, including a filtering stage including a capacitive assembly and configured to be connected to the power supply network. The device includes a mechanism to monitor capacitive assembly and to detect a deviation in value of the capacitance of at least one capacitor of the capacitive assembly on the basis of voltages and currents measured across the input terminals of the filtering stage.

Abstract: A method for on-line monitoring an electrolytic capacitor condition comprising: measuring a voltage ripple across the electrolytic capacitor and the current ripple flowing through the electrolytic capacitor; measuring the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor; emulating the monitored electrolytic capacitor using a capacitor model comprising a capacitor and a solid state adjustable resistor, applying one of the measured ripple to the capacitor model, adjusting the solid state adjustable resistor to minimize the error between an estimated ripple provided by the capacitor model and the other measured ripple not applied to the capacitor model, and estimating an equivalent series resistance of the monitored electrolytic capacitor using value of the solid state adjustable resistor.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring a variation of a capacitance, the device includes: a capacitance having a voltage across its terminals; a charging element and a discharging element; a comparison element; control elements activating the charging element or the discharging element as a function of the value of the voltage across the terminals of the capacitance and of which an output voltage has a high value during the charging and a low value during the discharging; a counter measuring a time representative of a predetermined number of charging and discharging cycles of the capacitance; and an additional capacitance electrically connected to the output voltage and to the capacitance, able to be charged and discharged simultaneously with the charging and discharging of the capacitance.

Abstract: A leakage current detection method and apparatus are provided. The method is applied to leakage current detection for a board-mounted component on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) board, and includes: providing a fixed voltage for a leakage current input end of a board-mounted component under detection, and connecting a leakage current output end to an inverting input end of an operational amplifier of a resistance testing module, where the resistance testing module includes the operational amplifier and a reference resistor that is connected between the inverting input end of the operational amplifier and the voltage output of the operational amplifier; detecting an output voltage of the resistance testing module; and calculating, based on Ohm's law and according to the output voltage and the reference resistor, a leakage current flowing through the board-mounted component under detection.

Abstract: A bridge circuit and a short-circuit protection method thereof. The bridge circuit includes an input power unit, a converter unit, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a detection unit and a bridge inverter unit. The input power unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The converter unit is coupled to the input power unit. The first capacitor includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The second capacitor includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The bridge inverter unit includes a plurality of switches and is coupled to the converter unit, the first capacitor, the second capacitor, the detection unit and the second electrode. The detection unit issues a short-circuit signal to a control unit when the detection unit detects a current variation on the second capacitor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting filter capacitor degradation in a power converter in which filter circuit branch currents and voltages are concurrently measured, nominal current values are automatically computed according to the measured voltages, the operating frequency and nominal capacitance values, and current change values are calculated based on the difference between the measured currents and the calculated nominal currents, and the change values are evaluated to selectively identify filter capacitor degradation conditions in the filter circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting degrading filter capacitors in motor drives or other power converters, in which an expected DC equivalent voltage and a measured DC equivalent voltage are computed according to sampled filter circuit currents and voltages, and compared to selectively identify filter capacitor degradation conditions in a power converter filter circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for converting between an analog input voltage and a corresponding digital representation of the analog input voltage. First, second and third capacitors are used, the first and second capacitors being matched, the third capacitor serving as an accumulator. A first switch is coupled to one end of the first capacitor, and a second switch is coupled between the one end of the first capacitor and one end of the second capacitor. A third switch coupled between the one end of the second capacitor and one end of the third capacitor, with a discharge circuit being coupled between the one end of the third capacitor and an opposite end of the second capacitor. When the third switch is closed the discharge circuit fully discharges the second capacitor onto the third capacitor.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a quality of a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter includes obtaining a PDC cutter that includes a leached layer and an unleached layer. The unleached layer is positioned adjacent to the leached layer, and the leached layer has at least a portion of a catalyst material removed from therein. The method further includes measuring capacitance values of the PDC cutter at multiple frequencies of an electrical signal provided to the PDC cutter by a capacitance measuring device to measure the capacitance values of the PDC cutter. The method also includes characterizing a quality of the PDC cutter based on a lowest capacitance value from among the capacitance values. Each capacitance value of the capacitance values is measured at a respective frequency of the multiple frequencies of the electrical signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of delta-connected filter capacitors in an active front end (AFE) power converter, in which delta circuit capacitor leg currents are calculated based on measured branch circuit currents, and filter capacitor impedance values are computed based on the calculated leg currents as well as measured line-to-line voltages and corresponding phase angles for comparison with one or more thresholds to selectively detect degradation of the filter capacitors. Further apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of Y-connected filter capacitors by computation of fundamental frequency RMS impedance values as ratios of RMS capacitor voltages and RMS circuit branch currents, and comparison of the calculated RMS impedance values with one or more thresholds.

Abstract: In order to detect deterioration of a DC link capacitor between a DC source and an inverter load in an electric propulsion vehicle, capacitance of the link capacitor must be accurately measured during in-service use. A charge is established on the link capacitor. The capacitor is isolated from the source and the inverter load. A constant current circuit is activated to discharge the capacitor. A first voltage is measured across the capacitor at a first time during the discharging. A second voltage is measured across the capacitor at a second time during the discharging. A discharge current flowing from the capacitor is measured during the discharging. The capacitance is calculated in response to the discharge current multiplied by a ratio of a difference between the second and first times to a difference between the first and second voltages. The calculated capacitance is monitored for a decline indicative of a failure.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods, computer systems and computer program products for performing a dielectric reliability assessment for an advanced semiconductor. Embodiments include receiving data associated with a test of a macro of the advanced semiconductor to a point of dielectric breakdown. Embodiments also include scaling the data for the macro down to a reference area and extracting a parameter for a Weibull distribution from the scaled down data for the reference area. Embodiments further include deriving a cluster factor (?) from the scaled down data for the reference area and projecting a failure rate for a larger area of the advanced semiconductor based on the extracted parameter, the cluster factor and the recorded data associated with the dielectric breakdown of the macro.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting capacitor degradation in an input filter of an active front end power conversion system in which voltage and current sensing is performed to determine sequence component impedance asymmetry to detect filter capacitor degradation according to the value of an off-axis admittance matrix component for Delta or Y-connected filter capacitor banks without sensitivity to voltage unbalance, and with the capability to identify particular degraded capacitor locations based on individual impedance values.

Abstract: In a calibration process, a capacitor unit is removed from end terminals, or namely, respective capacitors are not connected to terminals. A prescribed voltage (a known voltage) is applied between these end terminals. Among bypass switches of a bypass circuit, the bypass switches connected to one terminal or two or more consecutive terminal pairs from the positive end terminal side are ON. Terminal voltages other than the negative end terminal are obtained and stored as calibration information.