Method and apparatus for monitoring integrity of wires or electrical cables

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of wires or electrical cables, or the like, including but not limited to detecting faults or defects in the same.

#2. Related Background Art

#FIG. 1 shows curves of DF versus frequency for polar and non-polar materials.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system of one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 3 shows 2 TDR signatures (curves of voltage versus distance along a wire under test), one collected while the wire is not excited by an AC voltage and one collected while the wire is so excited.

#The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used to test wiring, for example, for periodic routine maintenance, post-installation verification, or troubleshooting, in order to prevent or resolve performance problems caused by defects, damage or deterioration due to aging or environmental factors. The present invention may also be used to determine the location, type and magnitude of a defect or fault in an installed wire or in a device connected to a wire.

#The terms “fault” and “defect” are both used to refer to that which is a deviation from a virgin wire. But a “defect” is distinguished from a “fault” in that the presence of a defect does not affect the operation of the wire or the circuit containing the wire, whereas the presence of a “fault” adversely affects the operation of the wire or circuit containing the wire. An example of a fault would be an open or short circuit, and an example of a defect could be a wire having nicked or chafed insulation.

#While conventional TDR technology is capable of detecting only faults in a wire, the present invention may detect faults or defects. Further, while conventional TDR technology is generally capable of detecting only the first fault along the wire in the direction away from the injection point of the TDR pulse, the present invention may detect multiple defects or faults along the length of a single wire.