Defective components are not only unreliable, they are also non-linear. Therefore, effective quality control can be carried out by measuring the distortion of a pure sinewave current through the component. The Danbridge CLT System determines the distortion on the 3rd harmonic, and takes this as an indicator of the reliability and quality of the component. By measuring a component’s nonliniarity up to the median value of distortion in a batch of components it is possible to quickly determine pass or fail of the component.
The measuring method of the CLT System offers a number of advantages compared to other methods of reliability testing. One important feature is the measurement speed which facilitates 100 % production test.
Test of metal-film resistors, capacitors, screening of audio-grade components, and noise measurements of electrical contacts.
Further, the 3rd harmonic methode is approved by International Electronical Comission Europe,: publication IEC-440 technical file of electronic industries association of Japan: RCF-2003 Departments and agencies of the department of defence, USA: MIL-PRF-55182H