Cable Testing

1
Cable Testing

1. Initial Visual Inspection.
2. Cable Resistance Checks.

1. Continuity Short Circuits.
2. Preparation for Clamps.
3. Cable Cleaning.
4. Fault Repairs.

2
Visual Inspection

• New cables received from Flexible Technologies
  Ltd. are subjected to a visual inspection prior
  to sending on to Hawk for assembly.
• Careful inspection of the connector pads for
  shorts or over etching.
• Check along the cable for splits or bubbles.
• The cables are then numbered and logged on the
  database.

3
Cable Resistance

• An automated test system devised by Rob and Dan
• Cable resistance is automatically measured by an
  Agilent 34970A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit.
• This communicates with a PC via GPIB bus.
• The PC runs an Excel type programme

4
Continuity Short Circuit Testing

• Cable connected between pcb CABTESTA and
  CABTESTB.
• Switches on CABTESTA select the test to be
  performed.
• Data pairs cables can be tested separately by
  choosing the relevant switch on the CABTESTA
  board.
• Similarly Power and ground can be tested
  separately.
• LED indicators confirm the continuity of each
  line.
• Shorts can be detected by the light level of the
  LED.
• Individual line can be isolated by the DIL
  switches on the CABTESTA board

5
Preparation for Clamps

• On the connector side of the cable, measure 180mm
  from connector end.
• Lightly abrade the varnish over the width of the
  cable for an area of
• /- 10mm from the 180mm mark.
• The cable is now ready for cleaning.

6
Cable Cleaning
Cable is cleaned in a Fume Cupboard. Carefully
wipe both side of the cable using Prozone on a
cleanroom cloth. Dampen a second cloth with
de-ionised water and remove traces of
Prozone. Dry the cable with nitrogen. Place the
cable in a clean, sealed bag for storage.
7
Fault Repair

• Cable 58LT track breaks around connector PL2
• Repaired with wire links.
• 58LT although working is not recommended for
  production use.