Comparative Testing of Leaky Coaxial Cables for Communications and Guided Radar

Leaky coaxial cables are finding increasing use in communications systems involving mines, tunnels, railroads, and highways, and in new obstacle detection, or guided radar, schemes for ground transportation and perimeter surveillance. This paper describes the theory and operation of a new laboratory testing technique for these leaky cables based on a novel form of cavity resonator. The technique yields highly consistent and repeatable results that usefully assist in the prediction of the performance of full-size systems, from a simple test on a small sample of cable in a laboratory setting.