Method and device for determining the status of passivation layers of an encapsulation

A determining device configured and provided for determining a status of an encapsulation and/or of a passivation layer of the encapsulation, wherein the encapsulation forms a multi-layer system from multiple passivation layers arranged to lie alternatingly on top of one another, the multiple passivation layers comprising a top passivation layer and a bottom passivation layer, the top passivation layer forming a top layer of the multi-layer system and the bottom passivation layer forming a bottom layer of the multi-layer system, and electrically contacted intermediate layers arranged to lie between the passivation layers, the multi-layer system is arranged to protect an implant surrounded by the encapsulation, wherein the determining device comprises:

• a measuring device configured and provided for carrying out electrical measurement between a reference potential and at least the electrically contacted intermediate layer of the encapsulation and for detecting at least one current flowing between the reference potential and the at least one electrically contacted intermediate layer;
• and
• a comparing device configured and provided for comparing the at least one detected current with at least one pre-determined threshold value, wherein, if the at least one detected current falls below or exceeds the at least one pre-determined threshold value, this indicates a functional state of a passivation layer adjacent to the at least one electrically contacted intermediate layer;
• wherein the at least one pre-determined threshold value is zero and a comparison of detected measuring currents over plural layer sequences indicates a status of the entire multi-layer system forming the encapsulation, wherein if the multi-layer system includes at least one top, one central and one bottom passivation layer and if in an initial system inspection measurement after the end of production of the entire multi-layer system a measurable current is detected between a first intermediate layer interposed between the top and the central passivation layers and a second intermediate layer interposed between the central and the lower passivation layers via the central passivation layer, a basic impairment of at least the central passivation layer and/or of the entire multi-layer system which causes reject is concluded.