Patent ID: 6621270
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for automated testing of relays having a plurality of electrical terminals variously connected to at least one actuation coil and to at least one pair of electrical-circuit-completing contacts, said automated testing method comprising the steps of:a. determining the electrical resistance between each terminal of the relay and every other terminal of the relay; b. identifying the terminals that are connected to the actuation coil of the relay, based upon a determination that the electrical impedance between said two terminals is within an arbitrarily-determined range of electrical impedance values characterizing the expected electrical impedance of the relay coil; c. identifying, based electrical impedance determinations characterizing open contacts or closed contacts, the terminals that are connected to at least one pair of contacts; d. causing a coil-energizing electrical current to flow between two of the electrical terminals that have been identified as coil terminals; and e. noting any difference in the impedance between terminals of the one pair of contacts.