What is Intermittent Testing?

Futura Apsol Intermittent fault testing

What is intermittent fault?

  • ‘Intermittent’ is occurrence of momentary disconnection in a cable.
  • Generally i t is observed in IDC cables like FRC.
  • For example, FRC cable; normally shows continuity. But, because of movement, disconnection occurs for a very short period of time (microseconds or milliseconds)
  • In other words, cable is generally ‘short’ , but ‘opens’ sometimes for a short time.
  • It is a pain area, as it is most likely that the product works OK before dispatch and develops fault after installation because of ‘intermittent’
Why regular testers cannot locate intermittent faults?

  • Regular continuity testers, scan inputs i.e. points or circuits, at a regular time interval.
  • For example a 64 points tester will check points 1 to 64, after every 1 millisecond.
  • Hence each ‘point’ will be scanned after 64 milliseconds.
  • Tester will find open only if ‘disconnection’ is at the moment of scanning.
  • ‘Intermittent’ is an asynchronous event. Meaning it can occur anytime.
  • Hence, if disconnection in a cable, occurs, when tester is checking other points, tester cannot locate disconnection.
What is the technic used by Futura?

  • Regular continuity testers, scan inputs i.e. points or circuits, at a regular time interval.
  • For example a 64 points tester will check points 1 to 64, after every 1 millisecond.
  • Hence each ‘point’ will be scanned after 64 milliseconds.
  • Tester will find open only if ‘disconnection’ is at the moment of scanning.
  • ‘Intermittent’ is an asynchronous event. Meaning it can occur anytime.
  • Hence, if disconnection in a cable, occurs, when tester is checking other points, tester cannot locate disconnection.

  • Futura has developed an intermittent finding technic for the first time in India.
  • An additional ‘hardware circuit’ in each point or circuit, ‘memorises’ the asynchronous occurrence of disconnection.
  • Hence when tester scans a point, it is checking if disconnection occurred earlier.
  • Intermittent to occur; cable has to be ‘moved’ or ‘pulled’ or ‘rotated’
Futura Apsol Pvt Ltd What is the test process?

  • Test system consists of a tester and a test board or rig to mount the Cable / Harness Under Test.
  • Testing is done in two steps. First is to check correct ‘continuity’. If OK then to check ‘intermittent’.
  • Tester keeps checking for intermittent continuously and displays result as Pass.
  • Cable under test is moved to generate intermittent fault.
  • If a momentary disconnection occurs, tester displays intermittent fault with the circuit number.
  • Intermittent test can be started again by pressing a key and test process repeated.
  • Testing can be stopped by pressing a key.
  • Even after moving Cable under test, intermittent does not occur, test can be stopped by pressing a key.
Futura has launched a One-to-one tester with intermittent checking.

  • Futura has launched a One-to-one tester with intermittent checking.
  • It is an enhanced version of CT121.
  • Models are INT_CT_121_32 and INT_CT_121_64 for upto 32 circuits and upto 64 circuits.(32 way cable and 64 way cable).
  • This tester will not check cables with mid-joints.
  • Relay output on Passing a cable
  • Futura can provide test boards for FRC cables.
  • Contact sales@futuras.com for further information.
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