Patent ID: 7539589
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method of testing analogue or radio frequency circuitry for the presence of faults, the method comprising the steps of: a) ramping up a power supply being supplied to a circuit or component under test to apply a plurality of different DC power supply voltages to the circuit or component under test, at least one of said power supply voltages being arranged to cause at least some of the elements of the circuit or component under test to operate in a predetermined region of operation; and b) measuring the quiescent current of said circuit or component after application of each of said power supply voltages to generate a current signature representative of the operation of said circuit or component; the method being characterized in that said power supply voltages at which said quiescent current measurements are taken comprise selected distinct voltages; and by the step of: c) comparing said generated current signature with a predetermined current signature representative of operation of a fault-free component or circuit so as to determine whether or not any faults are present in the component or circuit under test.