USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Gary L Combs

John G Miskimins

John H Holman

Ronald J Battles

Dennis F Frey

A multiconductor continuity and intermittent fault analysis system that subjects the cable to controlled environmental stress stimuli, such as vibration at a plurality of frequencies simultaneously, during testing. Multiconductor cables used for the transmission of digital data and control signals include multiple individual conductors terminating at both ends in pins or sockets that are grouped together in a connector. Physical defects in these cables can be permanent, or they can be intermittent faults, such as temporary breaks or shorts caused by vibrational stress on the cables. By vibrating the cable under test and measuring continuity rapidly enough to detect short-term anomalies, even intermittent faults are located. A distributed processing embodiment disclosed uses a user interface unit such as a personal computer or personal digital assistant, a multiprocessor controlled control unit, and the dynamic stimulation unit. The control unit includes a plurality of processors operating independently to test a plurality of cable pins simultaneously.

Multiconductor continuity and intermittent fault analyzer with distributed processing and dynamic stimulation

A multiconductor continuity and intermittent fault analysis system that sects the cable to controlled environmental stress stimuli, such a vibration at controlled frequencies, during testing. Multiconductor cables used for the transmission of digital data and control signals include multiple individual conductors terminating at both ends in pins or sockets that are grouped together in a connector. Physical defects in these cables can be permanent, or they can be intermittent faults, such as temporary breaks or shorts caused by vibrational stress on the cables. By vibrating the cable under test and measuring continuity rapidly enough to detect short-term anomalies, even intermittent faults are located.

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Seabeck, WA, United States of America

Gary L Combs