Patent ID: 8358095
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for testing an electric motor comprising first and second components and coupled to a switching circuit, the method comprising: operating the switching circuit in a first mode, the first mode causing current to flow through at least one of the first and second components such that the second component rotates relative to the first component with near zero torque; repeatedly adjusting a magnitude of the current between a first amperage and a second amperage during the operating of the switching circuit in the first mode; monitoring the current flow through the at least one of the first and second components; and operating the switching circuit in a second mode, the second mode causing the current to flow through the at least one of the first and second components such that the second component does not rotate relative to the first component and to have a third amperage, wherein the electric motor is an automotive electric motor and the switching circuit within an inverter not on-board an automobile; monitoring the decay of the current after the at least partially deactivating of the switching circuit; and generating an indication of a potential failure of the electric motor based on the decay of the current after the at least partially deactivating of the switching circuit.