Interrogation of electrical connector faults using miniaturized UWB sources

• Published in: Radio science 2017-01, Vol.52 (1), p.94-104
• Main Authors: Tokgöz, Çağatay, Dardona, Sameh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analyzers; Avionics; Coefficients; connector; Connectors; contact; Cost analysis; Data transfer (computers); Derivation; Diagnostic systems; Electric connectors; Electric contacts; Electric potential; Electrical connectors; Electrical engineering; Extraction; fault; Fault detection; Insertion; Interrogation; Networks; Ports; Real time; Reflection; Resonant frequencies; S parameters; scattering parameter; Spectra; transfer function; Transfer functions; Ultrawideband
• ISSN: 0048-6604; 1944-799X
• DOI: 10.1002/2016RS006153

A diagnostic method for the detection, identification, and characterization of precursors of faults due to partial insertion of pin‐socket contacts within electrical connectors commonly used in avionics systems is presented. It is demonstrated that a miniaturized ultrawideband (UWB) source and a minispectrum analyzer can be employed to measure resonant frequency shifts in connector S parameters as a small and low‐cost alternative to a large and expensive network analyzer. The transfer function of an electrical connector is represented as a ratio of the spectra measured using the spectrum analyzer with and without the connector. Alternatively, the transfer function is derived in terms of the connector S parameters and the reflection coefficients at both ports of the connector. The transfer function data obtained using this derivation agreed well with its representation as a measured spectral ratio. The derivation enabled the extraction of the connector S parameters from the measured transfer function data as a function of the insertion depth of a pin‐socket contact within the connector. In comparison with the S parameters measured directly using a network analyzer at multiple insertion depths, the S parameters extracted from the measured transfer function showed consistent and reliable representation of the electrical connector fault. The results demonstrate the potential of integrating a low‐cost miniaturized UWB device into a connector harness for real‐time detection of precursors to partially inserted connector faults. Key Points The transfer function of a two‐port network was derived and related to its S parameters as well as the reflection coefficients at its ports A miniaturized UWB source and a minispectrum analyzer can be used to detect precursors to partially inserted electrical connector faults Measured resonant frequency shifts in connector S parameters as the insertion depth changes can be extracted from its transfer function