Algorithms for Locating and Characterizing Cable Faults via Stepped-Frequency Waveform Reflectometry

The paper presents algorithms to realize effectively and accurately the stepped-frequency waveform reflectometry (SFWR), i.e. the reflectometric technique based on the use of sinusoidal bursts. This technique is useful for monitoring the health status of connection cables, but has many other applications, like other reflectometric techniques. The paper outlines the theory of SFWR, highlighting the problems associated to the transient components in the reflected signals; presents a method to minimize the effect of the transients, estimating the frequency response function (FRF) of interest with very low systematic error; shows how to use the FRF to locate and characterize faults in cables; evaluates accurately, using simulated cables with exactly known characteristics, the errors associated to the proposed methods. Overall, the paper demonstrates how the SFWR technique can be effectively used for testing cables, and in general determine, via reflectometry, parameters of interest of transmission lines.