Typical Waveforms; Open Circuit; Short Circuit; Cable Joint - Radiodetection 1205CXB Operation Manual

1205CXB OPERATION MANUAL v1

Typical waveforms

You will encounter a variety of waveforms during testing because

there is a huge number of different cable types

electrical and environmental conditions can change and affect TDR test results, and

you are likely to test cables with and without faults.
The following are examples of some waveforms that you may meet. Note that every circumstance is
different so these are typical examples and may not match exactly what you see.

Open circuit

Far end
of cable
99.67m
A reflection with the same polarity as the launch pulse
indicates a fault with high impedance characteristics.
The reflection shown at Cursor 2
99.67m

Cable joint

Far end
of cable
19.61m
This cable has a joint or splice 19.61m from the near
end of the cable. The visibility of a splice will depend
on the quality of the splice and the distance away
from the 1205CXB
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Short circuit

A negative or downward reflection indicates a fault
with low impedance characteristics. The reflection
is a complete open at shown at

Wet splice or joint

This is a typical reflection from a wet splice or joint
18
Far end
of cable
330.42ft
Cursor 2 is a dead short at 330.42ft
Wet
splice
213.5ft