A method includes processes of (a processing part 8) calculating an estimated heat generation temperature by using drive conditions (22, a storage part 6) at least including drive timing information (18) and drive current value information (20), and temperature change characteristic information (24) of a capacitor, calculating state change information (28) of the capacitor after elapse of a reference time by using the estimated heat generation temperature, and calculating a lifespan estimation value (lifespan estimation result 30) of the capacitor by using the state change information. This enables capacitor lifespan estimation corresponding to fluctuations of a drive current value flowing through the capacitor, the applicability of the capacitor is confirmed, and the safety of equipment using the capacitor is improved.

In order to quickly and accurately diagnose the failure of a coupling capacitor of an earth leakage detection device, voltage output unit (11a, OP1) generates a periodically changing periodic voltage and applies the periodic voltage to the other end of coupling capacitor (Cc) via first resistor (R1). Second resistor (R2) and third resistor (R3) are connected in series between a connection point between coupling capacitor (Cc) and first resistor (R1), and a predetermined fixed potential. Voltage measurement unit (11b) measures a voltage at a voltage dividing point between second resistor (R2) and third resistor (R3). Diagnosis unit (11d) determines whether or not coupling capacitor (Cc) is normal based on a voltage measured when switch (MRp, MRm, MRpp) is turned on in a state where voltage output unit (11a, OP1) outputs a fixed voltage.

A method and an apparatus are presented which enable the identification of a capacitor fault in a given string of a capacitor bank, based on the computation of the string impedance by measuring the string AC current and voltages, where each string includes a plurality of capacitor elements connected in series. The method consists of measuring the string capacitive impedance and comparing this value with a previously measured capacitive impedance of the same string. If a difference between these two values is obtained, which exceeds a given threshold for a certain duration, a fault is recorded.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to operating uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The embodiments may include a plurality of capacitor banks, a UPS control circuit, and a central control circuit. The UPS control circuit is configured to cause an output of a clean electrical power, sample the clean electrical power, calculate control algorithm outputs based on the sampled clean electrical power, and output control algorithm results to the central control circuit. The central control circuit configured to detect a degradation of the plurality of capacitor banks, and transmit a service alert in response to the detection of the degradation of the plurality of capacitor banks.

Examples disclosed herein are relevant to testing capacitors to identify potentially faulty DC blocking capacitors in implantable stimulators. In an example, the test includes selecting an active electrode, a return electrode, and a reference electrode. Short duration monophasic stimulation is used to charge up the DC blocking capacitors of the active and return electrodes. The electrodes are subsequently disconnected from all other nodes except a discharge circuit (e.g., a star circuit) and the tissue. The reference electrode is used to measure the voltage of the DC blocking capacitor of the active electrode during the charging phase and the discharging phase (via the discharge circuit). The characteristics of one or more of the capacitors charging or discharging can be sensed and then analyzed to determine whether the one or more capacitors are functioning properly. Faulty capacitors can be identified by comparing actual and expected characteristics.

The present invention is directed to a multilayer ceramic capacitor that includes a plurality of active electrodes and at least one shield electrode that are each arranged within a monolithic body and parallel with a longitudinal direction. The capacitor may exhibit a first insertion loss value at a test frequency, which may be greater than about 2 GHz, in a first orientation relative to the mounting surface. The capacitor may exhibit a second insertion loss value at about the test frequency in a second orientation relative to the mounting surface and the capacitor is rotated 90 degrees or more about the longitudinal direction with respect to the first orientation. The longitudinal direction of the capacitor may be parallel with the mounting surface in each of the first and second orientations. The second insertion loss value may differ from the first insertion loss value by at least about 0.3 dB.

An apparatus includes a resistor having a resistor terminal. The apparatus includes a capacitor coupled to the resistor terminal. The apparatus includes a transistor having a current terminal and a gate. The gate is coupled to the resistor terminal and coupled to the capacitor. The apparatus includes a comparator having a comparator input and a comparator output. The comparator input is coupled to the current terminal. The apparatus includes a latch having a latch input coupled to the comparator output.

The present invention is directed to a multilayer ceramic capacitor that includes a plurality of active electrodes and at least one shield electrode that are each arranged within a monolithic body and parallel with a longitudinal direction. The capacitor may exhibit a first insertion loss value at a test frequency, which may be greater than about 2 GHz, in a first orientation relative to the mounting surface. The capacitor may exhibit a second insertion loss value at about the test frequency in a second orientation relative to the mounting surface and the capacitor is rotated 90 degrees or more about the longitudinal direction with respect to the first orientation. The longitudinal direction of the capacitor may be parallel with the mounting surface in each of the first and second orientations. The second insertion loss value may differ from the first insertion loss value by at least about 0.3 dB.

A method and an apparatus for monitoring a low-pass filter, preferably a capacitor in a low-pass filter, a battery management system and a battery are provided. The apparatus includes a switch connected in series with a resistor, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the resistor. When the switch carries out a switching operation, the voltage changes within a very short time from a first to a second voltage value. A voltage detection device measures the voltage during switching and at at least one further point in time, 0.5 to 5 milliseconds later. Determining the speed at which the voltage changes from the first voltage value to the second voltage value makes it possible to determine whether the capacitor is functional and/or makes it possible to determine the resistance. Determining the internal resistance of a battery cell also makes it possible to determine the state of charge of a battery.

In some examples, a method includes controlling a first set of switches to deliver a first voltage signal through a first set of capacitors to a common node. The method also includes controlling a second set of switches to deliver a second voltage signal through a second set of capacitors to the common node, wherein the first set of capacitors is electrically connected to the second set of capacitors by the common node. The method further includes measuring a time duration to discharge the common node. The second voltage signal includes an opposing polarity to the first voltage signal.