Patent ID: 6201383
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for determining the presence of short circuit conditions among a plurality of networks within a circuit under test, wherein said method comprises steps of:a) bringing a first number of test probes into contact with said circuit under test, with said first number being greater than two, with each test probe within said first number thereof being in electrical contact with a network within said plurality thereof;b) establishing electrical connections, in accordance with a predetermined connection pattern, between a drive line of a testing circuit and a first plurality of test probes, and between a sense line of said testing circuit and a second plurality of test probes, wherein said first and second pluralities of test probes are distinct from one another, wherein said first number of test probes is entirely comprised of said first and second pluralities thereof, with said testing circuit including a voltage source having a first side connected to said drive line and a second side connected to a current detector, with said current detector, additionally connected to said sense line, being responsive to current flowing therethrough, and wherein each test probe within said first number of test probes is electrically connected to a transfer contact transferred between a drive contact, electrically connected to said drive line and a sense contact, electrically connected to said sense line;c) determining whether current is flowing through said sense line; andd) repeating said steps b) and c), with said connection pattern being varied in a predetermined manner until, within each pair of test probes within said first number thereof, a first test probe is electrically connected to said drive line while a second test probe is electrically connected to said sense line.