Patent ID: 6560556
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A circuit defect detection and location apparatus, comprising:a resistance measuring device for measuring the resistance of a circuit; a first heat source, wherein the first heat source is placed proximate to a surface of the circuit but does not contact the surface and wherein the first heat source moves about in a plane parallel to and above the surface of the circuit; a recorder functionally connected to the resistance measuring device and the first heat source, wherein the recorder determines and records the horizontal location of the first heat source and records the resistance of the circuit as a function of the location of the first heat source; said first heat source for identifying a generalized defective area of said circuit, said generalized defective area including a plurality of components; a second heat source for physically contacting only the leads of said plurality of components in response to said identification of a generalized defective area of said circuit utilizing said first heat source; and said second heat source for identifying defective ones of said plurality of components.