7/26/2019 TDR Tutorial - Waveform Analysis

TDR Tutorial and Riser Bond TDR Product Review

Waveform Analysis

A great variety of waveforms may be encountered. This is due to the various applications, and
electrical and environmental characteristic differences found in the wide variety of cables that exist
today. Following are examples of some waveforms which may be encountered when viewing a
traditional waveform TDR.

A reflection with the same polarity indicates a fault with OPEN (high impedance) tendencies. The
reflection shown at the second cursor is a COMPLETE OPEN.

A reflection with the opposite polarity indicates a fault with short (low impedance) tendencies. The
reflection shown at the second cursor is a DEAD SHORT.

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The middle reflection at the second cursor is a PARTIAL OPEN followed by a COMPLETE OPEN
(end of the cable). The more severe the fault, the larger the reflection will be.

The middle reflection at the second cursor is a PARTIAL SHORT followed by a COMPLETE OPEN
(end of the cable). The more severe the fault, the larger the reflection will be.

Due to attenuation (cable loss), the reflections caused by each of these equally spaced yet
identical taps are progressively smaller. A larger reflection (second cursor) beyond a smaller
reflection may indicate an undetermined or faulty tap.

Two sections of coaxial cable with a barrel connector shown at the second cursor. The amount of
reflection caused by the connector is directly proportional to the quality of the connector and
connection.

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An unpowered line extender amplifier will cause a major reflection a the amplifier. The TDR signal
will stop at the amplifier, but other reflections (ghost images) may appear beyond the amplifier.

Coaxial taps (both indoor and outdoor) will cause reflections along the waveform. The quality and
value of each tap determines the amount of reflection.

A splitter or directional coupler can be identified although accurate measurements are difficult due
to multiple reflections. The second cursor identifies the splitter. The two reflections following are the
ends of each of the two segments.

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A high resistance joint or splice will produce an "S" shaped reflection. A high impedance upward
reflection will be followed by a lower impedance downward reflection.

A properly terminated cable will absorb the TDR signal resulting in no reflection. Faults prior to the
termination may show up as reflections along the waveform. If a terminator causes a reflection, the
termination may be bad.

Testing through to an antenna usually results in an "S" shaped reflection, although reflections can
vary greatly depending on the antenna.

Testing tower cables with antennas can be challenging due to energy induction from high RF areas
shown on this waveform. Stepping through various noise filter settings will result in a "cleaner"
waveform.

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A water soaked cable will display a waveform with a downward slope indicating the beginning of
the water and an upward rise at the end of the water . Generally, the area in between the two
reflections will appear "noisy".

A wet section of cable is clearly seen on this waveform.

A bridge tap will appear as a negative or downward reflection followed by a positive reflection
(caused by the end of the tap). Due to the multiple reflections, it is difficult to analyze results when
testing through multiple taps.

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Crossed or split pairs: On twisted pair cable, a split may appear as an upward or downward
reflection. The resplit will appear as a reflection of the opposite polarity.

A telephone load coil will cause a high impedance upward reflection (similar to a complete open). A
TDR signal generally will not test past a load coil.

A telephone build out capacitor causes a low impedance downward reflection (similar to a short)
followed by a smaller positive reflection.

Mechanical inner-connectors (known as bullets) connecting sections of broadcast transmission

lines sometimes burn open causing power outages. These bullets as well as other transmission
line faults can be detected by a TDR.

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All types of twisted pair and coaxial LAN systems can be tested with a TDR. It is best to test for
discontinuities in the cable if there is no traffic or power present. This waveform shows a section of
unpowered cable with four transceivers installed.

Pulse Waveform 1 - Short Pulse Width

Pulse waveforms 1, 2, and 3 illustrate how only one setting can change the way a waveform
appears. All three waveforms are of the same cable. Only the pulse width setting of the instrument
has been changed.

Pulse Waveform 2 - Medium Pulse Width

The width of the output pulse is also referred to as the blind spot or dead zone. It is more difficult to
"see" a fault when it is contained within the blind spot.

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Pulse Waveform 3 - Long Pulse Width

The larger the pulse width, the longer the blind spot. Note how the output pulse, and thus the blind
spot, is progressively larger in samples 1, 2, and 3.

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