Ultra-compact Low-power Cable Reflectometer

To address the Army need for a modular low voltage reflectometer circuit board capable of determining cable faults and reporting results back to a processor, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop the new Ultra-compact Low-power Cable Reflectometer (LOCATE) system based on a new design that utilizes previously developed mature components and COTS components. Specifically, innovations in high-efficiency, and high-speed signal processing will enable the system to be embedded at the circuit board level in new electronics equipped with data, power, and antenna cables that are either human, aircraft, or vehicle-mounted. Operating upon startup of built-in test (BIT) and for all subsequent applications of power to system, the embedded chip module can perform assessment of existing cables, compare them to assessment of initial verified operational cables, and identify potential problems. As a result, the system offers a new capability for simplified troubleshooting of electrical systems as a fundamental component of sustainment supporting soldier lethality among other Army modernization priorities. In Phase I, Intellisense will demonstrate the feasibility of the LOCATE system by developing a functional prototype capable of identifying fault types of different cables connected to the circuit board to include short circuits, open circuits, and intermittent faults due to loose or damaged pins in connectors according to a test plan and with delivery of final documentation of laboratory fault-detection results. A plan for integration of the device into the power and data hub will also be delivered. In Phase II, Intellisense will partner with the power and data hub vendor to integrate the LOCATE system into their hardware where it can automatically detect cable faults as part of the power up sequence for BIT, and enable a user calibration function to automatically detect changes in the working set of cables.