Ground Fault Detection Circuit for ATE Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground fault detection systems in automatic test equipment (ATE) systems are inefficient in identifying ground faults caused by wiring and defective conductive elements, leading to manual testing and prolonged identification times.
Innovation Solution
A ground fault detection circuit with a band-pass filter and comparator circuit that generates a test current signal, amplifies it, and compares it to a threshold to provide a fault alert, allowing for automated detection of ground faults by coupling the test current signal to both a local ground and earth ground, thereby identifying resistive and capacitive coupling issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing methods are used to identify ground faults, then the testing process can be performed with simple equipment, but the identification time is prolonged and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically generating test current signals, detecting ground faults through the band-pass filter and comparator circuit, and identifying fault locations without requiring manual intervention. The ATE system tests its own wiring and conductive elements using the ground fault detection circuit integrated into its architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing methods with an automated electrical detection system. Instead of physical inspection and manual testing, the system uses electrical current signals filtered through a band-pass filter and processed by comparator circuits to automatically detect and identify ground faults, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electrical measurement and analysis.
2Productivity
If automated ground fault detection is implemented, then testing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The ground fault detection circuit is designed to be universally applicable within the ATE system architecture. The band-pass filter and comparator circuit can detect ground faults across multiple test channels and configurations, serving multiple functions including wiring fault detection, conductive element testing, and systematic fault identification throughout the entire ATE system rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects ground faults by monitoring changes in electrical parameters, specifically current flow characteristics through the band-pass filter at specific frequencies. The comparator circuit detects parameter changes by comparing measured values against threshold levels, enabling automated fault detection through parameter analysis rather than requiring complex structural modifications to the detection hardware.
3Measurement precision
If ground faults are not accurately identified, then the testing system can operate without complex diagnostic capabilities, but the source of faults cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The band-pass filter serves as an intermediary element that selectively passes test current signals at specific frequencies while blocking noise and interference. This intermediary filtering mechanism enables accurate detection of ground faults by isolating the relevant signal components from background electrical noise, thereby improving measurement precision and facilitating accurate fault source identification through cleaned signal analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and automated identification of ground faults in ATE systems, reducing manual testing time and accurately determining the source of faults, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The band-pass filter can be configured to pass and amplify a test current signal established at the first node
Implementation Method 2
The band-pass filter can be configured to pass and amplify a test current signal
Implementation Method 3
The comparator circuit can be configured to compare the amplified test current signal to a threshold and output a fault alert signal
Implementation Method 4
In response to one of a coupling of a conductor of the at least one wire carrying the test current signal to the local ground
Implementation Method 5
a coupling of a conductive element of the electrical device carrying the test current signal to the local ground
Data Source
AI summary
A ground fault detection circuit can include a band-pass filter that can have a first node and a second node that can be coupled to an earth ground. The first node can be coupled to a local ground of an automatic test equipment (ATE) system for an electrical device that can be coupled via at least one wire to the ATE. The band-pass filter can be configured to pass and amplify a test current signal established at the first node in response to a coupling of one of a conductor of the at least one wire carrying the test current signal to the local ground, and a conductive element of the electrical device carrying the test current signal to the local ground. A fault alert signal can be provided to provide an indication of ground fault based on a comparison of the amplified test current signal.