Patent ID: 6441592
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method of measuring a capacitance of a backup power source using a capacitance measuring system, comprising the steps of:setting a regulated output voltage generated by said backup power source to a nominal regulated output voltage; adjusting the backup power source to regulate at a predetermined regulated output voltage; connecting a first predetermined load to said backup power source to dissipate energy from said backup power source; starting a counter to generate a first count value corresponding to the amount of time that it takes for said backup power source to start regulating at said predetermined regulated output voltage; stopping said counter once said regulated output voltage reaches said predetermined regulated output voltage and storing said first count value; setting the regulated output voltage generated by said backup power source to said nominal regulated output voltage; adjusting the backup power source to regulate the voltage provided by the backup power source to said predetermined regulated output voltage; connecting a second predetermined load to said backup power source to dissipate energy from said backup power source; starting said counter to generate a second count value corresponding to the amount of time that it takes for said backup power source to start regulating the regulated output voltage generated by the backup power source at the predetermined regulated output voltage; stopping said counter once said regulated output voltage reaches said predetermined regulated output voltage and storing said second count value; and calculating the capacitance of said backup power source based on said first and second count values.