Spatial Resolution between Two Abnormalities in a Cable by Frequency Domain Reflectometry

The spatial resolution of a cable fault location method by frequency domain reflectometry was examined experimentally by giving two abnormalities intentionally along a 31.5-m coaxial cable. As a result, two clear signal peaks appear, which can locate the presence of two hot spots perfectly if they are separated by more than 30 cm at a position about 15 m from the cable end with a measuring device. In addition, a clear signal peak with a small shoulder is recognized if the two hot spots are 1 cm away. Although the abnormalities were given in this research by heating the cable using tape heaters, the spatial resolution should be theoretically similar for any type of fault in a cable as long as it changes the characteristic impedance of the cable. (c) 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Automated summary

The experimental examination of the spatial resolution of a cable fault location method using frequency domain reflectometry demonstrated the method's ability to accurately locate abnormalities in a cable with a resolution of up to half a meter.