A Broadband Multichannel for Improved Interference Control Transient Monitoring System

Present instrumentation for monitoring transient interference is in some respects inadequate. So are present measurement techniques. There is a need today for new instrumentation and improved techniques for measuring and recording transients. This paper describes a broadband, multichannel transient monitoring system being studied by Stoddart engineers. The system can monitor transient interference on from twelve to thirty-six different circuits simultaneously. Each circuit is monitored by an individual instrumentation channel. The design of the system is flexible enough that other channels can be added where needed. Before describing the system design philosophy, a brief review is given of the characteristics of transient waveforms. Particular emphasis is placed on transients which are normally regarded as interference. Also considered are the effects of transient interference on various types of electronic equipment. Present methods of measuring transient interference are described, and the inherent shortcomings of these techniques are pointed out. The limitations of transient monitoring devices in use today are discussed, and so is the need for new equipment and improved techniques. The discussion then leads into a detailed description of the transient monitoring system under study by Stoddart. The final design of the transient monitoring system is not yet firmly established. Nevertheless, the general design approach described in this paper offers a straightforward but practical solution to a complicated RFI problem --- that of monitoring transient interference on a large number of circuits with speed and accuracy.