Patent ID: 7982467
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: H04B,H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for performing electrical time-domain reflectometry on an electrical network having a transmission line, the apparatus comprising: an output stage comprising an electrical signal source adapted to provide a high-speed data signal extending over a high frequency range and having a first maximum peak-to-peak value, the signal source adapted to provide an auxiliary data signal extending over a low frequency range below the high frequency range and having a second maximum peak-to-peak value smaller than the first maximum peak-to-peak value, wherein the second maximum peak-to-peak value is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than the first maximum peak-to-peak value; a controller coupled to the electrical signal source for controlling the electrical signal source to produce the high-speed data signal and for modulating the high-speed data signal with the auxiliary data signal; and a testing stage for sending a pulse on the transmission line, the testing stage comprising a receiver coupled to receive a reflected portion of the pulse, the receiver comprising, a sample-and-hold device adapted to store the reflected portion, and the testing stage further comprising a variable delay device coupled to the sample-and-hold device for controlling a timing interval of the storage; wherein the controller is further coupled to the receiver and configured to measure a timing of the received reflected portion of the pulse to determine where in the electrical network a fault is occurring.