Reflectometry installation for fault detection on an electrical network connector

Abstract

Reflectometry installation for detecting faults on a connector of an electrical network The invention relates to a reflectometry installation (10) for detecting faults on a connector of an electrical network, comprising a plurality of connection elements (32). The installation comprises: - a reflectometer (14) capable of sending a probe signal to one of said elements; - a switch (16), comprising an input (24), capable of being connected to the reflectometer and a plurality of outputs (26, 27, 28); and - a connecting device (18), capable of electrically connecting each of the connection elements (32) of the connector to a separate output (26, 27, 28) of the switch. The switch (16) is configured to connect the input (24), successively to each of the outputs (26, 27, 28), while simultaneously connecting the other outputs to ground. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Reflectometry installation for detecting faults on a connector of an electrical network

[0001] The present invention relates to a reflectometry installation for detecting faults on a connector of an electrical network, said connector comprising a plurality of first connection elements, the reflectometry installation comprising a reflectometer capable of sending a probe signal to one of said first connection elements.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a reflectometry installation suitable for detecting defects on a hardened multi-point connector of an electrical network.

[0003] Such installations are found, for example, in submarine, rocket or space vehicle systems and make it possible to detect electrical faults within complex systems and / or systems designed for harsh environments. An installation of the aforementioned type is described in particular in document FR3066825 in the name of the Applicant.

[0004] However, such an installation involves testing each connection point of a connector using a reflectometry device configured for said connection point. Multiple assembly and disassembly operations are therefore necessary to test all the connection points of a connector. These operations are time-consuming and their repetition can lead to degradation of the connector.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to propose a reflectometry installation making it possible to test each connection point of a connector using the same apparatus, thus simplifying the assembly and disassembly operations with said connector.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a reflectometry installation of the aforementioned type, further comprising: a switch, said switch comprising: an input, capable of being connected to the reflectometer; and a plurality of outputs; and a connecting device, capable of being assembled with the connector on the one hand and the switch on the other hand, so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements of the connector to a separate output of the switch. The switch is configured to connect the input, successively to each of the outputs, while simultaneously connecting the other outputs to ground.

[0007] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the reflectometry installation comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0008] - the switch comprises an integer number n, greater than or equal to 4, of outputs, the switch further comprising: a primary unit; and an integer m, greater than or equal to 2, of secondary units; the primary unit comprising: a primary input, connected to the input of the switch; and a number m of primary outputs; each secondary unit comprising: a secondary input, connected to a primary output distinct from the primary unit; and a plurality of secondary outputs, a total number of secondary outputs being equal to n, each secondary output being connected to one of the outputs of the switch;

[0009] - each secondary unit comprises the same number i of secondary outputs, i being an integer greater than or equal to 2 and such that m*i = n;

[0010] - the connecting device comprises a plurality of second connecting elements and a plurality of third connection elements, each second connection element being electrically connected to a separate third connection element; the connecting device being adapted to be assembled to the connector such that each first connection element of said connector is in electrical contact with one of the second connection elements, the connecting device being adapted to be assembled to the switch such that each third connection element is in electrical contact with a separate output of said switch;

[0011] - the reflectometry installation further comprises an electronic module of control, connected to the switch and capable of controlling a connection of the input of the switch, successively to each of the outputs of said switch, by simultaneously connecting the other outputs of said switch to ground.

[0012] The invention further relates to a method for implementing a reflectometry installation as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0013] - assembly of the connecting device with on the one hand the connector and on the other hand the switch, so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements of the connector to a separate output of the switch;

[0014] - connection of the reflectometer with the input of the switch;

[0015] then

[0016] - connection of the input of the switch with a first output of said switch, the other outputs of said switch being simultaneously connected to ground;

[0017] - sending by the reflectometer of a first probe signal to the input of the switch;

[0018] - reception of a possible first reflected signal, emitted by the connector towards the reflectometer.

[0019] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0020] - the method then comprises the following steps: connecting the input of the switch with a second output of said switch, the other outputs of said switch being simultaneously connected to ground; sending by the reflectometer of a second probe signal to the input of the switch; reception of a possible second reflected signal, emitted by the connector to the reflectometer;

[0021] - the first probe signal is a microwave signal.

[0022] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a reflectometry installation according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a switch; and

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a switch for the installation of [Fig.l], according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a reflectometry installation 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The installation 10 is in particular intended to detect faults on a connector 12 of an electrical network.

[0026] The installation 10 comprises a reflectometer 14, a switch 16 and a connecting device 18. In the embodiment shown, the installation 10 further comprises an electronic control module 20.

[0027] The reflectometer 14 comprises a connection port 22. The reflectometer 14 is capable of sending a probe signal, via said connection port 22, and of receiving a possible reflected signal. Preferably, the reflectometer 14 is capable of sending a high frequency signal, more preferably a microwave signal.

[0028] The switch 16 comprises: an input 24; a plurality of outputs 26, 27, 28; and a connection 30 to earth or ground.

[0029] Input 24 is suitable for being connected to connection port 22 of reflectometer 14.

[0030] In the remainder of the description, it is considered that the switch 16 comprises a number n of outputs, n being a positive integer, preferably greater than or equal to 4. More preferably, the number n of outputs of the switch 16 is between 12 and 64.

[0031] In the case of an installation 10 arranged in terrestrial equipment, the link 30 connects the switch 16 to earth. In the case of an installation 10 arranged in non-terrestrial equipment, for example aquatic or aerial equipment, the link 30 connects the switch 16 to ground, for example to the ground of the reflectometer 14, or to a shield or to a structure of said non-terrestrial equipment.

[0032] As will be described more precisely below, the switch 16 is configured to connect the input 24, successively to each of the outputs 26, 27, 28, while simultaneously connecting the other outputs to the connection 30 to earth or ground.

[0033] The connecting device 18 is capable of being assembled with, on the one hand, the connector 12 and, on the other hand, the switch 16, so as to electrically connect said connector and said switch.

[0034] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the connector 12 comprises a plurality of first connection elements 32, which are substantially identical. The first connection elements 32 are, for example, materialized by metal rods.

[0035] In the remainder of the description, it is considered that the connector 12 comprises a number k of first connection elements 32.

[0036] The connecting device 18 is configured so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements 32 of the connector 12 to a separate output 26, 27, 28 of the switch 16.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the connecting device 18 comprises a plurality of second connection elements 34 and a plurality of third connection elements 36. Each second connection element 34 is electrically connected to a separate third connection element 36.

[0038] The connecting device 18 and the connector 12 are configured to assemble reversibly, so as to bring each of the first connection elements 32 of the connector 12 into electrical contact with a corresponding second connection element 34 of the device 18.

[0039] Similarly, the connecting device 18 and the switch 16 are configured to assemble reversibly, so as to put each of the third connection elements 36 into electrical contact with an output 26, 27, 28 distinct from the switch 16.

[0040] Preferably, the connecting device 18 is specifically adapted to the connector 12. In particular, the number of second connection elements 34 and the number of third connection elements 36 are both equal to k.

[0041] Preferably, the connecting device 18 is configured to ensure impedance continuity between each third connection element 36 and each corresponding second connection element 34.

[0042] The electronic control module 20 is connected to the switch 16 and capable of controlling a connection of the input 24 of the switch 16, successively to each of the outputs 26, 27, 28 of said switch, by simultaneously connecting the other outputs of said switch to the connection 30 to earth or ground.

[0043] Preferably, the electronic module 20 is also connected to the reflectometer 14. In particular, the electronic module 20 is capable of controlling the sending of a probe signal via the connection port 22, and of analyzing a possible reflected signal.

[0044] The electronic module 20 is for example a computer.

[0045] [Fig.2] shows a detailed view of the switch 16 according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0046] According to said particular embodiment, the switch 16 comprises a primary unit 40 and an integer number m, greater than or equal to 2, of secondary units 42.

[0047] The primary unit 40, or primary switch, comprises a primary input 44 and a number m of primary outputs 46. The primary input 44 is connected to the input 24 of the switch 16.

[0048] Each secondary unit 42, or secondary switch, comprises a secondary input 48 and a plurality of secondary outputs 50.

[0049] The secondary input 48 of each secondary unit 42 is connected to a primary output 46 distinct from the primary unit 40. Each of the outputs 26, 27, 28 of the switch 16 is connected to a distinct secondary output 50. Preferably, a total number of secondary outputs 50 is equal to n and each secondary output 50 is connected to a distinct output 26, 27, 28 of the switch 16.

[0050] The switch 16 is configured to connect the primary input 44 of the primary unit 40, successively to each of the primary outputs 46 of said primary unit, while simultaneously connecting the other primary outputs 46 to the connection 30 to earth or ground.

[0051] Similarly, the switch 16 is configured to connect the secondary input 48 of a secondary unit 42, successively to each of the secondary outputs 50 of said secondary unit 42, by simultaneously connecting the other secondary outputs 50 to the connection 30 to earth or ground.

[0052] Preferably, each secondary unit 42 comprises the same number i of secondary outputs 50, i being an integer greater than or equal to 2 and such that m*i = n.

[0053] For example, n = 40, m = 5 and i = 8.

[0054] Preferably, the primary unit 40 and the secondary units 42 are arranged and configured so as to ensure an equivalent propagation path between the input 24 and each of the outputs 26, 27, 28 of the switch 16.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the switch further comprises a plurality of tertiary switches, connected to the secondary outputs, in order to add a distribution stage to the switch.

[0056] A method of implementing the reflectometry installation 10 described above will now be described.

[0057] Such a method aims for example to detect faults on the connector 12 and / or on an electrical system connected to said connector 12. Such an electrical system is for example incorporated into complex equipment and / or designed for particular conditions of use, such as for example submarine, rocket or space vehicle equipment.

[0058] In a first step of the method, the connecting device 18 is assembled with, on the one hand, the connector 12 and, on the other hand, the switch 16, so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements 32 of the connector to a separate output 26, 27, 28 of the switch. In parallel, the input 24 of the switch is connected to the reflectometer 14.

[0059] In a second step of the method, the input 24 of the switch 16 is connected to a first output 26 of said switch, each of the other outputs 27, 28 of said switch 16 being simultaneously connected to the earth or ground connection 30. Such a connection of the input 24 and the first output 26 of the switch is preferably controlled by the electronic module 20.

[0060] In a third step of the method, the reflectometer 14 sends a probe signal to the input 24 of the switch 16. Said probe signal propagates to the first output 26, then successively to the third connection element 36, connected to said first output 26, of the connecting device 18.

[0061] Said probe signal then propagates to the second corresponding connection element 34 of the connecting device 18.

[0062] The installation 10 described above is capable of ensuring impedance continuity between the reflectometer 14 and each of the second connection elements 34 of the connecting device 18, with sufficient quality for a microwave signal. The probe signal therefore propagates to the first connection element 32 of the connector 12, connected to the second element 34 mentioned above.

[0063] In the event of a fault at the level of said first connection element 32 or the downstream electrical line, the impedance discontinuity associated with said fault leads to the return of a reflected signal to the reflectometer 14. The fault is thus detected by the electronic module 20.

[0064] The second and third steps described above are repeated with a second output 27 of the switch, said second output 27 being connected to the input of said switch, the other outputs 26, 28 being simultaneously connected to ground. A possible fault can thus be detected at the first connection element 32 of the connector 12, connected to said second output 27.

[0065] The second and third steps described above are then repeated with the other outputs 28 of the switch 16 connected to a first connection element 32 of the connector 12. Each of said first connection elements 32 is thus tested successively.

[0066] The presence of possible defects at the connector 12 is thus tested in a non-invasive manner, without multiplying assembly / disassembly operations at the said connector. The quality of the connection of the reflectometer to the connector 12 allows the reproducibility of the measurements.

Claims

Claims

1. Reflectometry installation (10) for detecting faults on a connector (12) of an electrical network, said connector comprising a plurality of first connection elements (32); the reflectometry installation comprising a reflectometer (14) capable of sending a probe signal to one of said first connection elements (32); the installation further comprising: - a switch (16), said switch comprising: an input (24), capable of being connected to the reflectometer; and a plurality of outputs (26, 27, 28); and - a connecting device (18), capable of being assembled with on the one hand the connector (12) and on the other hand the switch (16), so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements (32) of the connector to a separate output (26, 27, 28) of the switch;the switch (16) being configured to connect the input (24), successively to each of the outputs (26, 27, 28), while simultaneously connecting the other outputs to ground; the installation being characterized in that the switch comprises an integer number n, greater than or equal to 4, of outputs (26, 27, 28), the switch further comprising: a primary unit (40); and an integer number m, greater than or equal to 2, of secondary units (42); the primary unit (40) comprising: a primary input (44), connected to the input (24) of the switch; and a number m of primary outputs (46); each secondary unit (42) comprising: a secondary input (48), connected to a primary output (46) distinct from the primary unit; and a plurality of secondary outputs (50), a total number of secondary outputs being equal to n, each secondary output being connected to one of the outputs (26, 27, 28) of the switch.

2. Reflectometry installation according to claim 1, in which each secondary unit (42) comprises the same number i of secondary outputs (50), i being an integer greater than or equal to 2 and such that m*i — n

3. — 11. Reflectometry installation according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the connecting device (18) comprises a plurality of second connection elements (34) and a plurality of third connection elements (36), each second connection element (34) being electrically connected to a third separate connection element (36), the connection device (18) being able to be assembled to the connector (12) so that each first connection element (32) of said connector is in electrical contact with one of the second connection elements (34), the connection device being able to be assembled to the switch (16) so that each third connection element (36) is in electrical contact with a separate output (26, 27, 28) of said switch.

4. Reflectometry installation according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electronic control module (20), connected to the switch (16) and capable of controlling a connection of the input (24) of the switch, successively to each of the outputs (26, 27, 28) of said switch, by simultaneously connecting the other outputs of said switch to ground.

5. Method for implementing a reflectometry installation (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - assembling the connecting device (18) with on the one hand the connector (12) and on the other hand the switch (16), so as to electrically connect each of the first connection elements (32) of the connector to a separate output (26, 27, 28) of the switch; - connecting the reflectometer (14) with the input (24) of the switch; then - connecting the input (24) of the switch with a first output (26) of said switch, the other outputs (27, 28) of said switch being simultaneously connected to ground; - sending by the reflectometer (14) of a first probe signal to the input (24) of the switch; - receiving a possible first reflected signal, emitted by the connector (12) to the reflectometer.

6. Method according to claim 5, then comprising the following steps: - connecting the input (24) of the switch with a second output (27) of said switch, the other outputs (26, 28) of said switch being simultaneously connected to ground;

7. - sending by the reflectometer (14) of a second probe signal to the input (24) of the switch; - reception of a possible second reflected signal, emitted by the connector (12) towards the reflectometer. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first probe signal is a microwave signal.

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