Wideband equalisation and signal averaging applied to the pulse echo return loss testing of telecommunication coaxial cables

A pulse echo return loss testing technique is described that has been developed as a maintenance aid for high-bit-rate digital transmission systems. Wideband equalisation and signal averaging have been used to achieve the high positional resolution coupled with the high sensitivity necessary to allow echo sources to be detected at any point in a regenerator section. A brief description of the equipment is given together with an example of the results achieved under laboratory conditions.