Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for identifying individual conductors in a multi-conductor cable, which will also identify a short or open circuit condition. One end of the multi-conductor cable is connected to a battery powered transmitter unit which sequentially generates a unique pulse on each conductor. That is, the transmitter generates a pulse on a first conductor having a unique pulse width and after a small delay follows the pulse on the first conductor with a pulse on a second conductor having a unique pulse width, preferably twice the pulse width. The transmitter sequentially steps through each conductor in a cable to generate the unique pulses. The battery powered receiver unit is connected to the other end of the multi-conductor cable with a test probe and a reference probe connected to any two conductors. The receiver determines the pulse width of the pulse on the test probe and because the pulse width is unique to a particular conductor, identifies the conductor and visually displays the conductor identification to the operator. The reference probe acts as a ground during the time period that a pulse is present at the test probe. Advantageously, the apparatus can also determine if two or more of the conductors are shorted or if an open circuit exists.

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First Claim