Continuity Test

The  Continuity test is used to determine the interconnectivity of the UUT and its associated ITA.  The Continuity Testing function uses either an internal or peripheral DMM via the Ext connection for the VIFD™, or an external DMM for the IDFIS™, to take ohmic readings.  Each reading is carried out by connecting each of the test points designated in the Test Point's Test Profile; there is a baseline continuity test called Default Test Profile (CON-Default) which connects the test point under test and compares it to its designated nodal ground, otherwise known as 'test ground'.

 

The P2P Testing application has multiple functions that provide:

 

Ø     Continuity Testing

Ø     Shorts Testing

Ø     Trace Testing

 

The IFD™ TE's internal circuitry is optimised for Intermittency Testing and as a result, it has varying internal resistances through its switchboard (ranging from 0.1W to 15W depending on Series/Model).  Also continuity testing of resistance >55kW is a restriction on some models; this upper resistance limit changes based on model and system configuration.   This means that the lowest reading for any point-to-point measurement will always be greater than the actual resistance in the UUT, plus the addition of the resistance for the ITA; to overcome this, NODES™ holds a calibration file that is used to offset the internal resistance of the IFD™ TE; this feature can be turned on/off under Test Options.

For higher values greater than the IFD™ TE, approximately 55kW for preModel6, then User will see, in the Measured column, 55kW and in the Diagnostics column, for example, POC >55k CHECK_TO S16.  This denotes a Potential Open Circuit and the reading is greater than 55kW; therefore another test method may be needed to check between the associated test point and its designated nodal ground.  The value shown will vary and will reflect the upper limit based on model and system configuration.

 

Make Continuity Gold - after each test that uses the Test Profiles CON-Default , the User can then use the test results to Make Continuity Gold from the Results form for the UUT.