Circuit Detects Pyrolysis of Polyimide Insulation on Wires

An electronic circuit has been designed as a prototype of a device that determines whether critical electrical systems have been compromised because of pyrolysis of polyimide-insulated wires. This circuit can be modified to prevent further pyrolysis and to check for indications of pyrolysis for a wide variety of load resistances and power supplies. Circuits like this one could be beneficial in spacecraft, in military and commercial aircraft, and in the nuclear power industry where polyimide-insulated wires are used.