Fault Isolation in Conventional Linear Systems: A Progress Report

A computer program is described which implements a previously suggested procedure for isolating faults in conventional linear systems. The technique is based on the analysis of network function responses at critically chosen test frequencies applied to the normal input-output terminals of the circuit under test. The feasibility of the diagnosis technique is discussed in terms of the experience with the computer program and some empirical studies which have been conducted. Example circuits are included which have been processed by the computer program. Problem areas related to both the basic theory of the technique and the computational limitations of implementation are defined. Solutions are proposed for some of these problems; others are merely defined for study by the circuit theorists.