System and method for detecting sensor leakage
First Claim
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1. A sensor test system, comprising:
- a case configured to house a circuit;
a power source for producing a voltage;
a cable electrically connecting a first sensor to the circuit;
the first sensor comprising multiple connector pins and a grounded connector shell;
wherein the circuit comprises;
a high-impedance resistor connected between the power source and a common connection of the multiple connector pins such that the connector pins remain at a electrical potential;
a first voltage test point and a second voltage test point across the high-impedance resistor;
a common return line from the grounded connector shell to the power source, such that each of the multiple connector pins remain at the same electrical potential having a single voltage source and a single return path, the voltage produced from the power source renders a contaminant between the connector pins and the connector shell conductive, in that the contaminant provides conductive path between the connector pins and the grounded connector shell, while the contaminant also provides a contaminant resistance;
wherein interpretation of a measured voltage between the first voltage test point and the second voltage test point provides an indication of the contaminant due to the contaminant resistance affecting the measured voltage.
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Abstract
A test system for testing a sensor system includes a high-impedance resistor for forming a voltage divider with any corrosion or foreign substance that might be present between a signal conductor and a ground conductor. While a voltage is applied across the voltage divider, the voltage can be measured across the high-impedance resistor for determining whether an undesirable amount of conductance exists between the signal wire and ground. The test system also includes switching means for switching between any number of signal wires of a system undergoing testing.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A sensor test system, comprising:
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a case configured to house a circuit; a power source for producing a voltage; a cable electrically connecting a first sensor to the circuit;
the first sensor comprising multiple connector pins and a grounded connector shell;wherein the circuit comprises; a high-impedance resistor connected between the power source and a common connection of the multiple connector pins such that the connector pins remain at a electrical potential; a first voltage test point and a second voltage test point across the high-impedance resistor; a common return line from the grounded connector shell to the power source, such that each of the multiple connector pins remain at the same electrical potential having a single voltage source and a single return path, the voltage produced from the power source renders a contaminant between the connector pins and the connector shell conductive, in that the contaminant provides conductive path between the connector pins and the grounded connector shell, while the contaminant also provides a contaminant resistance; wherein interpretation of a measured voltage between the first voltage test point and the second voltage test point provides an indication of the contaminant due to the contaminant resistance affecting the measured voltage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for detecting a leakage in a sensor with a tester, comprising:
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using a circuitry in the tester to electrically couple a plurality of connector pins, the connector pins being located in a connector shell; applying a source voltage to the circuitry, the circuitry including a high-impedance resistor located between the plurality of connector pins and the source voltage, a common connection of the multiple connector pins such that the connector pins remain at a same electrical potential having a single voltage source and a single return path, the circuitry being configured such that a contamination between the connector pins and the connector shell becomes conductive upon applying the source voltage; taking a voltage reading across the high-impedance resistor; and interpreting the voltage reading so as to determine an amount of the leakage resulting from the contamination. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification