Continuous broken sense lead detection system

A method for detecting a discontinuity in a first sense lead or second sense lead for use with a Kelvin-connected device under test (“DUT”), the method comprising:

• injecting a periodic stimulus signal into both a first transformer primary winding and a second transformer primary winding, wherein the periodic stimulus signal has a stimulus cycle, wherein the first transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the DUT and the second transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the DUT;
• receiving a first reflected voltage signal from the first transformer primary winding and a second reflected voltage signal from the second transformer primary winding;
• comparing the first reflected voltage signal against a predetermined threshold signal;
• comparing the second reflected voltage signal against the predetermined threshold signal;
• determining a discontinuity in the first sense lead in response to comparing the first reflected signal against the predetermined threshold voltage signal;
• and
• determining a discontinuity in the second sense lead in response to comparing the first reflected signal against the predetermined threshold voltage signal.

A continuous broken sense lead detection system (“CBSLDS”) for use with a Kelvin-connected device under test (“DUT”), a power source, and detection system stimulus configured to provide a periodic stimulus signal, where the CBSLDS is configured to detect a discontinuity in a first sense lead, second sense lead, or both, that are in signal communication with the DUT, the CBSLDS comprising:

• a first transformer having a first transformer primary winding and first transformer secondary winding, wherein the first transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the DUT and the first transformer primary winding is in signal communication with the detection system stimulus;
• means for DC-blocking the first transformer secondary winding, wherein the means for DC-blocking the first transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the first transformer secondary winding and the DUT;
• a first detection module, wherein the first detection module is in signal communication with the first transformer primary winding and the detection system stimulus, and wherein the first detection module includes means for filtering a first reflected voltage signal from the first transformer primary winding, means for comparing the first reflected voltage signal against a predetermined threshold voltage signal, and means for determining a discontinuity in the first sense lead in response to comparing the first reflected voltage signal against the predetermined threshold voltage signal;
• a second transformer having a second transformer primary winding and second transformer secondary winding, wherein the second transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the DUT and second transformer primary winding is in signal communication with the detection system stimulus;
• means for DC-blocking the second transformer secondary winding, wherein the means for DC-blocking the second transformer secondary winding is in signal communication with the second transformer secondary winding and the DUT;
• and
• a second detection module, wherein the second detection module is in signal communication with the second transformer and the detection system stimulus, and wherein the second detection module includes means for filtering a second reflected voltage signal from the second transformer primary winding, means for comparing the second reflected voltage signal against the predetermined threshold voltage signal, and means for determining a discontinuity in the second sense lead in response to comparing the second reflected voltage signal against the predetermined threshold voltage signal.