Wireless multiconductor cable test system and method

• US 6,803,770 B2
• Filed: 10/08/2002
• Issued: 10/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Huot, Raymond U., Pereira, Fernando J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nolan, Jr., Charles H.
• Application Number:
  US10/267,885
• Publication Number:
  US 20040066202A1
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 324/514, 324/539
• US Class Current: 324/539
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/58 Testing of lines, cables or conductors testing of electric windings G01R31/72
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/60 Identification of wires in a multicore cable

Abstract

A tester for testing multiconductor cable having a first tester is connectable to a first end of the multiconductor cable. The first tester produces one or more test signals individually on each conductor of the cable. A second tester is connectable to the second end of the cable at a remote location. The second tester monitors each of the plurality of separate conductors to detect the test signals produced by the first tester. Preferably, a first wireless transceiver is provided for the first tester that wirelessly transmits control signals to automatically coordinate testing procedure control. A second wireless transceiver joined to the second tester wirelessly transmits test result data.

Claims

1. A tester for testing multiconductor cable, said multiconductor cable being comprised of a plurality of separate conductors, a first end and a second end, said tester comprising:

a first cable tester unit connectable to the first end of said multiconductor cable, said first cable tester unit being operable for producing one or more test signals individually on each of said plurality of separate conductors;

a second cable tester unit connectable to the second end of said multiconductor cable, said second cable tester unit being operable for individually monitoring each of said plurality of separate conductors to detect said one or more test signals produced by said first cable tester unit and for producing test result data related to a condition of said multiconductor cable; and

a second wireless transceiver joined to said second cable tester unit, said second wireless transceiver being operable for wirelessly transmitting said test result data for said plurality of separate conductors.

2. The tester of claim 1 further comprising a first wireless transceiver joined to said first cable tester unit, said second wireless transceiver being operable for receiving signals from said first wireless transceiver, said second wireless transceiver being operable for wirelessly transmitting said test result data for said plurality of separate conductors to said first wireless transceiver.

3. The tester of claim 1 further comprising a display for displaying information related to said condition of said multiconductor cable.

4. The tester of claim 1 further comprising an AC power supply joined to power said second cable tester unit independently of said multiconductor cable.

5. The tester of claim 1 further comprising a selectively useable hardwired serial connection between said first cable tester unit and said second cable tester unit to provide an alternatively useable data link between said first cable tester unit and said second cable tester unit.

6. The tester of claim 1 further comprising a controller for said first cable testing unit operable for storing pin out information related to said multiconductor cable.

7. The tester of claim 1 further comprising separate data connections in each of said first cable testing unit and said second cable testing unit for each of said plurality of separate conductors in said multiconductor cable.

8. The tester of claim 1 further comprising:

a first mating plug joined to connect said first cable testing unit to said first end of said multiconductor cable and a second mating plug connection joined to connect said second cable testing unit to said second end of said multiconductor cable; and

said multiconductor cable having a first plug at the first end and a second plug at the second end.

9. A method for testing multiconductor cable wherein said multiconductor cable comprises of a plurality of separate conductors, said multiconductor cable having first end and a second end, said method comprising:

producing at least one test signal on each of said plurality of separate conductors of said multiconductor cable at the first end;

individually monitoring each of said plurality of separate conductors at the second end to detect said at least one test signal;

producing cable test result data from said monitored test;

wirelessly transmitting said cable test result data for said plurality of separate conductors; and

wirelessly receiving said cable test result data for said plurality of separate conductors.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising wirelessly transmitting synchronization data related to said one or more test signals from a location adjacent said first end of said multiconductor cable.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

analyzing said cable test result data; and

displaying information related to a condition of said multiconductor cable.