System for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact between an electrical connection pin of an electrical component comprising a plurality of connection pins and a circuit assembly, said system comprising:
- (a) a signal supply, comprising an output and a common signal return, supplying an electrical signal via said output to a first pin of said electrical component;
(b) an electrical connection between a second pin of said electrical component and said common signal return of said signal supply;
(c) a conductive electrode comprising a surface placed in a fixed position in proximity to said first and second pins; and
(d) measuring means, operatively coupled to said conductive electrode, for determining a parameter indicative of the integrity of the electrical connection between said first pin and said circuit assembly.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a system that determines whether pins of electrical components such as connectors, switches, and sockets are present and properly soldered to a printed circuit board. The system uses an oscillator which supplies a signal, typically ten kilohertz (10 kHz) at 0.2 volts, to the pin under test. A conductive electrode is placed on top of the component. The electrode is connected to a current measuring device. Another pin of the component is connected to a common signal return.
60 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A system for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact between an electrical connection pin of an electrical component comprising a plurality of connection pins and a circuit assembly, said system comprising:
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(a) a signal supply, comprising an output and a common signal return, supplying an electrical signal via said output to a first pin of said electrical component; (b) an electrical connection between a second pin of said electrical component and said common signal return of said signal supply; (c) a conductive electrode comprising a surface placed in a fixed position in proximity to said first and second pins; and (d) measuring means, operatively coupled to said conductive electrode, for determining a parameter indicative of the integrity of the electrical connection between said first pin and said circuit assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact between a first electrical connection pin of an electrical component comprising a plurality of connection pins and a circuit assembly, said system comprising:
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(a) a signal supply, comprising an output and a common signal return, for supplying an electrical signal via said output; (b) an electrical connection between a second pin of said electrical component and said common signal return of said signal supply; (c) a conductive electrode, coupled to said output of said signal supply, comprising a surface placed in a fixed position in proximity to said pins; and (d) measuring means, operatively coupled to said first pin, for determining a parameter indicative of the integrity of the electrical connection between said second pin and said circuit assembly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact between an electrical connection pin of an electrical component comprising a plurality of connection pins and a circuit assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a conductive electrode in a fixed position in proximity to a surface of said pins; (b) supplying an electrical signal from a signal generator to one of either said conductive electrode or a first pin; (c) electrically connecting a second pin to a common signal return of said signal generator; and (d) measuring a parameter indicative of the integrity of the connection of said first pin to said circuit assembly; wherein said electrical component comprises one member of the group;
connector, push button switch, DIP switch, socket, and integrated circuit. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for measuring the integrity of an electrical contact between a first electrical connection pin of an electrical component and a circuit assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) supplying, with a signal supply, an electrical signal to said circuit assembly; (b) positioning a conductive electrode in a fixed position in proximity to a surface of said first pin; (c) measuring a parameter indicative of the integrity of the electrical contact between said first pin and said circuit assembly; and (d) attenuating spurious electrical signals which may inject capacitively into the conductive electrode through pins of said electrical component other than said first pin. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification