(DE19634320-A1)       For testing and determining the state of charge of the first capacitor (C1), a second capacitor (C2), connected in parallel, is firstly charged from a voltage (Ubat) via a switch (S2). Discharge of the second capacitor via a resistor (R3) is monitored and the time taken to reach a threshold level is determined.     If the first capacitor is then charged via a switch (S1) from a source (Vs), and the process is repeated, the discharge time is extended since the first capacitor also contains charge. Comparison of the discharge times indicates the state of charge and/or condition of the capacitor.    USE -   For testing storage device used to indicate and store status of equipment e.g. IC engine control system, for functional capability. E.g. for storing status of microcomputer so that storage content is maintained in short-term voltage collapses but lost in longer term collapses, e.g. when IC engine is turned off.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables functional capability of storage element to be constantly guaranteed. Method requires minimum component outlay and simple and reliable performance.    (JP10116499-A)       The method for testing and determining the state of charge of the first capacitor (C1) involves firstly charging the second capacitor (C2) connected in parallel, from a voltage (Ubat) via a switch (S2). Discharge of the second capacitor via a resistor (R3) is monitored and the time taken to reach a threshold level is determined.     If the first capacitor is then charged via a switch (S1) from a source (Vs) an the process is repeated, the discharge time is extended since the first capacitor also contains charge. Comparison of the discharge times indicates the state of charge and/or condition of the capacitor.    USE -   For testing storage device such as may be used to indicate and store status of equipment e.g. IC engine control system, for functional capability. E.g. for storing status of microcomputer so that storage content is maintained in short-term voltage collapses but lost in longer term collapses, e.g. when IC engine is turned off.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables functional capability of storage element to be constantly guaranteed. Method requires minimum component outlay and simple and reliable performance.    (GB2316752-B)       The method for testing and determining the state of charge of the first capacitor (C1) involves firstly charging the second capacitor (C2) connected in parallel, from a voltage (Ubat) via a switch (S2). Discharge of the second capacitor via a resistor (R3) is monitored and the time taken to reach a threshold level is determined.     If the first capacitor is then charged via a switch (S1) from a source (Vs) an the process is repeated, the discharge time is extended since the first capacitor also contains charge. Comparison of the discharge times indicates the state of charge and/or condition of the capacitor.    USE -   For testing storage device such as may be used to indicate and store status of equipment e.g. IC engine control system, for functional capability. E.g. for storing status of microcomputer so that storage content is maintained in short-term voltage collapses but lost in longer term collapses, e.g. when IC engine is turned off.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables functional capability of storage element to be constantly guaranteed. Method requires minimum component outlay and simple and reliable performance.    (US5991905-A)       The method for testing and determining the state of charge of the first capacitor (C1) involves firstly charging the second capacitor (C2) connected in parallel, from a voltage (Ubat) via a switch (S2). Discharge of the second capacitor via a resistor (R3) is monitored and the time taken to reach a threshold level is determined.     If the first capacitor is then charged via a switch (S1) from a source (Vs) an the process is repeated, the discharge time is extended since the first capacitor also contains charge. Comparison of the discharge times indicates the state of charge and/or condition of the capacitor.    USE -   For testing storage device such as may be used to indicate and store status of equipment e.g. IC engine control system, for functional capability. E.g. for storing status of microcomputer so that storage content is maintained in short-term voltage collapses but lost in longer term collapses, e.g. when IC engine is turned off.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables functional capability of storage element to be constantly guaranteed. Method requires minimum component outlay and simple and reliable performance.