Means and method for sequentially testing electrical components
US5444390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/1309
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for testing respective electrical components in situ within a circuit having a plurality of the electrical components. A power bus is connected between a power source and switching devices operable for conducting test current to respective ones of the electrical components. A comparator circuit includes inputs connected to the power bus and to a reference potential. A processor is programmed to actuate respective switching devices for causing a test current to be conducted from the power bus through a respective component, while sensing any output signal from the comparator circuit corresponding to an increased potential on the power bus indicative of a reduced current flow caused by an open or failed component. An isolating resistor is connected between the power bus and the power supply, and a bypass switch is connected in parallel with the isolating resistor for bypassing the isolating resistor and conducting operating power directly to the power bus, for operating the circuit when testing is not in progress.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.