Use of Time Domain Reflectometry for Wire Fault Detection in the ESGN

IAI will evaluate the use of time domain reflectometry (TDR) for the detection and precise location of difficult-to-isolate faults on the stable platform of the Electrostatically Supported Gyro Navigator (ESGN). This evaluation will be performed with a high-performance TDR instrument developed at Intelligent Automation called WireCheckTM. WireCheck has the ability to detect wire faults with sub-inch accuracy with single-sided access to the wire. This can direct the ESGN technicians to the precise component that has failed without the risk of unnecessary access to the stable platform. Using high scan speeds, Wirecheck can detect difficult to troubleshoot intermittent faults on slip rings, as well as traditional wiring faults. This project will investigate various access testing mode, including fault detection from the electronics console without power shutdown.