US20150160283A1 - On-line time domain reflectometer system - Google Patents
On-line time domain reflectometer system Download PDFInfo
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- US20150160283A1 US20150160283A1 US14/621,811 US201514621811A US2015160283A1 US 20150160283 A1 US20150160283 A1 US 20150160283A1 US 201514621811 A US201514621811 A US 201514621811A US 2015160283 A1 US2015160283 A1 US 2015160283A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R27/00—Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
- G01R27/02—Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
- G01R27/26—Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants ; Measuring impedance or related variables
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/08—Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
- G01R31/11—Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks using pulse reflection methods
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/08—Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
Definitions
- Transmission cables are intended to operate safely and effectively over lifespans exceeding twenty years.
- anomalies in the transmission cable due to manufacturing defects, installation errors, localized imperfections, such as insulation breakdown, transmission cables often suffer premature breakdown. Should this occur during a critical period the repercussions in terms of financial losses and customer inconveniences can be quite severe. Therefore, with the ever-increasing number of transmission cables being utilized throughout the world, it is desirable that anomalies such as faults, discharges, cable damage, and splices of transmission cables be located without the necessity of physical tracing and inspection.
- a Time Domain Reflectometer is one apparatus that can be used to analyze a cable for anomalies, and more specifically, to analyze the cable for changes in cable impedance in order to locate such anomalies.
- a typical TDR transmits a pulse of electrical energy onto a cable that includes two conductors separated by a dielectric material. When the pulse encounters a change in the impedance of the cable, part of the pulse's energy is reflected back toward the TDR. The amplitude and polarity of this reflection is proportional to the change in impedance.
- Such reflections are usually displayed in graphical form on the screen of a typical TDR whereby a technician can interpret the results and locate specific cable anomalies.
- the time of propagation of the pulse as well as the pulse shape can be used to identify and locate the anomaly along the transmission cable.
- a method for testing a power system component for anomalies.
- the method comprises capacitively coupling one or more test sensors to an on-line insulated medium voltage power transmission cable, generating a test pulse via a pulse generator having an output impedance greater than 500 ohms, transmitting the test pulse to at least one test sensor of the one or more test sensors, capacitively transmitting the test pulse from the at least one test sensor of the one or more test sensors onto the medium voltage insulated power cable so that the test pulse travels along the medium voltage insulated power cable, and capacitively receiving a reflected pulse by one test sensor of the one or more test sensors from the medium voltage insulated power cable.
- the reflected pulse is one embodiment results from the test pulse interfacing with an anomaly along the medium voltage insulated power cable.
- a method for testing a power system component for anomalies.
- the method includes connecting, in electrical communication, a pulse transmission line with a test sensor housed in a medium voltage power cable termination elbow, generating a test pulse and transmitting the test pulse to the test sensor via the pulse transmission line, capacitively transmitting the test pulse from the test sensor onto a medium voltage power cable coupled to the medium voltage power cable termination elbow so that the test pulse travels along the medium voltage power cable, and capacitively receiving a reflected pulse by the test sensor from the medium voltage power cable.
- the reflected pulse is one embodiment results from the test pulse interfacing with an anomaly along the medium voltage power cable or an electronic component connected to the medium voltage power cable.
- a time domain reflectometry system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, includes an on-line dielectrically insulated medium voltage power transmission cable configured to carry medium voltage power and a transmit circuit including a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse.
- the transmit circuit is one embodiment is configured to capacitively impart the pulse onto the medium voltage power transmission cable.
- the system also includes a receive circuit configured to capacitively receive a reflected pulse from the medium voltage power transmission cable.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computing device employed by the TDR system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods that utilize Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs) for testing, and potentially analyzing, insulated transmission cables, such a medium and low voltage power transmission cables, twisted cable pairs, coaxial cable, etc., power equipment, such as switchgears, transformers, electric motors, etc., and the like
- TDRs Time Domain Reflectometers
- some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a TDR system that tests an “on-line” or “energized” power transmission cable by imposing a pulse of energy onto the power cable and sensing the potential reflection signals in a capacitive manner. In this way, technicians do not need to take the power cable off line nor do they need access to the power cable's central conductor.
- a Time Domain Reflectometer transmits a pulse of electrical energy onto a transmission cable, such as a power transmission cable, that includes two conductors, a power carrying conductor, and a neutral conductor, separated by a dielectric material.
- a transmission cable such as a power transmission cable
- the electrical pulse encounters an impedance change along the cable's length, part of the pulse's energy is reflected back toward the TDR.
- the proportionality of the impedance change can be determined.
- the location of the impedance change can also be determined.
- Typical anomalies that will cause an impedance change include but are not limited to a change in the cable medium, splices, faults, neutral corrosion, water damage to the insulation and/or shield, and damage to the cable (e.g., broken conductors, shorted conductors, smashed cables, cuts, etc.)
- FIG. 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of a conventional transmission cable, such as a power cable C.
- the power cable C is being tested by one embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 20 , formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the TDR testing system may be utilized to test “energized” or “on-line” power cables C.
- the term “energized” or “on-line” means that power is presently being transmitted along the power cable C.
- the system 20 comprises a computing unit 24 , a pulse generator 28 , and a pulse transmit/receive sensor 32 .
- the pulse generator 28 upon instructions generated by the computing unit 24 , generates a pulse of energy that is transmitted over the power cable C via the transmit/receive sensor 32 . If the pulse encounters an anomaly as it propagates down the power cable C, a reflection signal is produced and transmitted back toward the transmit/receive sensor 32 , where the signal is sensed by the transmit/receive sensor 32 and transmitted to the computing unit 24 to be processed and displayed.
- the signals received by the computing unit 24 may be analyzed to determine the location of the anomaly, the type of the anomaly, etc.
- the sensor 32 transmits a pulse of energy generated by the pulse generator 28 , and then senses any reflections of the transmitted pulse.
- the sensor 32 may be a portable sensor for in-field data acquisition and/or testing or fixed in place at a termination location, such as a termination elbow.
- the sensor 32 is a portable, capacitive probe, such as a U-shaped metallic (e.g., copper, etc.) probe. In use, the capacitive probe is capacitively coupled to the power cable C, at a position, for example, where the power cable is terminated.
- the capacitive probe is capacitively coupled to the power cable C at a location where the power cable is exposed (e.g., above ground, unearthed, etc.). Once coupled to the power cable, the probe is capable of imposing a pulse onto the power cable to be tested and sensing the reflection signals due to anomalies and transmitting these signals to the computing unit 24 for displaying, processing, and/or storage, etc.
- the computing unit 24 comprises a processor 44 , a memory 48 , a display 52 , and an I/O device 56 suitably interconnected via one or more buses 60 .
- the memory 48 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and storage memory. Examples of ROM include a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM).
- PROM programmable ROM
- EPROM erasable programmable ROM
- EEPROM electrically erasable PROM
- Examples of storage memory include flash memory, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a digital versatile disc (DVD), a compact disc rewriteable (CD-RW), etc.
- the storage memory and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and data received from the sensor 32 .
- the term processor is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller, an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, among others.
- a number of program modules may be stored in storage memory, including one or more application programs 66 , and program data.
- One application program generates a control signal to be transmitted to the pulse generator 28 to instruct the pulse generator 28 to generate a pulse of energy.
- the control signal could be simply a trigger signal.
- This application or a separate application may keep track of the time between the generation of the pulse and the reception of any reflection signals, sometimes referred to as the time of propagation, and may calculate the velocity of propagation, if desired.
- a technician may enter commands and information into the computing device 24 through input devices (not shown) such as a keyboard, joystick, potentiometers, switches, etc, which communicate with I/O device 56 .
- the I/O device 56 also communicates with the sensor 32 for receiving signals therefrom.
- the computing unit 24 , the pulse generator 28 , and optional input device are housed in a unitary handheld TDR device 70 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the TDR device 70 is appropriately connected to the neutral conductor of the power cable C.
- a pulse is generated at the pulse generator 28 and propagated down the power cable C via the sensor 32 .
- the sensor 32 is then able to detect any reflection which occurs due to a change in impedance on the power cable C.
- the one or more applications receive pulse information from the sensor 32 and assimilate the information to be displayed in a graphical representation on the display 52 in the time domain.
- the technician of the system 20 is then able to interpret information from the graphical representation of the anomalies detected on the power cable C.
- FIG. 3 there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 120 , formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the system 120 is substantially similar to the system 20 except for the differences that will now be explained.
- the pulse generator 28 may be a separate component, which is electrically coupled to computing device 24 to receive controls signals therefrom.
- the pulse generator 28 is a current source pulse generator and is electrically coupled to the transmit/receive sensor 32 so as to provide the pulse generator 28 with a high output impedance.
- the output impedance of the pulse generator 28 is greater than 500 ohms. In another embodiment, the output impedance of the pulse generator 28 is greater than 1000 ohms.
- FIG. 4 there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 220 , formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the system 220 is substantially similar to the system 120 except for the differences that will now be explained.
- the system 220 includes separate capacitively coupled transmit and receive sensors 32 A and 32 B.
- the transmit sensor 32 A is connected in electrical communication with the pulse generator 28 for transmitting a pulse of energy along the power cable C.
- the receive sensor 32 B is connected in electrical communication with the computing device 24 .
- the pulse generator 28 is a voltage source pulse generator and is electrically coupled to the transmit sensor 32 A so as to provide the pulse generator 28 with a low output impedance.
- FIG. 5 there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 320 , formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the system 320 is substantially similar to the system 220 except for the differences that will now be explained.
- an amplifier 378 is electrically connected between the capacitive receive sensor 32 B and the computing device 24 .
- the amplifier 378 has a high input impedance.
- the input impedance is more than 500 ohms. This reduces the signal loss through the sensor's capacitive connection resulting in an improved received signal to noise ratio.
- the signal transmission line between the amplifier 378 and the receive sensor 32 B is less than or equal to about 2 inches.
- a termination matching resistor 380 such as a 50 ⁇ resistor, may also be employed to drive the 50 ⁇ transmission line connected to the display's 50 ⁇ input impedance. This maintains the signal integrity by eliminating signal reflections.
- FIG. 6 there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 420 , formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the system 420 is substantially similar to the system 20 except for the differences that will now be explained.
- the sensor 32 of the TDR system 20 is capacitively coupled to a power cable C to be tested.
- the sensor 432 of the TDR system 420 shown in FIG. 6 is capacitively coupled to the power cable C at a termination elbow T.
- the sensor 432 is formed integrally with the housing of the termination elbow T and positioned so as to be capacitively coupled to the power cable C when the power cable is connected to the termination elbow.
- the sensor 432 is part of a capacitive port on the termination elbow T.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/820,886, filed Jun. 22, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/219,289, filed Jun. 22, 2009, all the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- Transmission cables are intended to operate safely and effectively over lifespans exceeding twenty years. However, because of anomalies in the transmission cable due to manufacturing defects, installation errors, localized imperfections, such as insulation breakdown, transmission cables often suffer premature breakdown. Should this occur during a critical period the repercussions in terms of financial losses and customer inconveniences can be quite severe. Therefore, with the ever-increasing number of transmission cables being utilized throughout the world, it is desirable that anomalies such as faults, discharges, cable damage, and splices of transmission cables be located without the necessity of physical tracing and inspection.
- A Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) is one apparatus that can be used to analyze a cable for anomalies, and more specifically, to analyze the cable for changes in cable impedance in order to locate such anomalies. A typical TDR transmits a pulse of electrical energy onto a cable that includes two conductors separated by a dielectric material. When the pulse encounters a change in the impedance of the cable, part of the pulse's energy is reflected back toward the TDR. The amplitude and polarity of this reflection is proportional to the change in impedance. Such reflections are usually displayed in graphical form on the screen of a typical TDR whereby a technician can interpret the results and locate specific cable anomalies. In particular, the time of propagation of the pulse as well as the pulse shape can be used to identify and locate the anomaly along the transmission cable.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for testing a power system component for anomalies. The method comprises capacitively coupling one or more test sensors to an on-line insulated medium voltage power transmission cable, generating a test pulse via a pulse generator having an output impedance greater than 500 ohms, transmitting the test pulse to at least one test sensor of the one or more test sensors, capacitively transmitting the test pulse from the at least one test sensor of the one or more test sensors onto the medium voltage insulated power cable so that the test pulse travels along the medium voltage insulated power cable, and capacitively receiving a reflected pulse by one test sensor of the one or more test sensors from the medium voltage insulated power cable. The reflected pulse is one embodiment results from the test pulse interfacing with an anomaly along the medium voltage insulated power cable.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for testing a power system component for anomalies. The method includes connecting, in electrical communication, a pulse transmission line with a test sensor housed in a medium voltage power cable termination elbow, generating a test pulse and transmitting the test pulse to the test sensor via the pulse transmission line, capacitively transmitting the test pulse from the test sensor onto a medium voltage power cable coupled to the medium voltage power cable termination elbow so that the test pulse travels along the medium voltage power cable, and capacitively receiving a reflected pulse by the test sensor from the medium voltage power cable. The reflected pulse is one embodiment results from the test pulse interfacing with an anomaly along the medium voltage power cable or an electronic component connected to the medium voltage power cable.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a time domain reflectometry system is provided. The system includes an on-line dielectrically insulated medium voltage power transmission cable configured to carry medium voltage power and a transmit circuit including a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse. The transmit circuit is one embodiment is configured to capacitively impart the pulse onto the medium voltage power transmission cable. The system also includes a receive circuit configured to capacitively receive a reflected pulse from the medium voltage power transmission cable.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computing device employed by the TDR system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a TDR system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. - The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
- The following discussion proceeds with reference to examples of transmission cable testing devices and methods. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods that utilize Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs) for testing, and potentially analyzing, insulated transmission cables, such a medium and low voltage power transmission cables, twisted cable pairs, coaxial cable, etc., power equipment, such as switchgears, transformers, electric motors, etc., and the like As will be explained in more detail below, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a TDR system that tests an “on-line” or “energized” power transmission cable by imposing a pulse of energy onto the power cable and sensing the potential reflection signals in a capacitive manner. In this way, technicians do not need to take the power cable off line nor do they need access to the power cable's central conductor.
- As described herein, a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) transmits a pulse of electrical energy onto a transmission cable, such as a power transmission cable, that includes two conductors, a power carrying conductor, and a neutral conductor, separated by a dielectric material. When the electrical pulse encounters an impedance change along the cable's length, part of the pulse's energy is reflected back toward the TDR. By measuring, for example, the amplitude and polarity of the reflected wave, the proportionality of the impedance change can be determined. Additionally, by measuring the time of propagation of the pulse, the location of the impedance change can also be determined. Typical anomalies that will cause an impedance change include but are not limited to a change in the cable medium, splices, faults, neutral corrosion, water damage to the insulation and/or shield, and damage to the cable (e.g., broken conductors, shorted conductors, smashed cables, cuts, etc.)
- In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
- In accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure, a number of TDR systems are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of transmission cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. Turning now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a schematic diagram of a conventional transmission cable, such as a power cable C. As best shown inFIG. 1 , the power cable C is being tested by one embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 20, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the TDR testing system may be utilized to test “energized” or “on-line” power cables C. As used herein, the term “energized” or “on-line” means that power is presently being transmitted along the power cable C. - Still referring to
FIG. 1 , thesystem 20 comprises acomputing unit 24, apulse generator 28, and a pulse transmit/receivesensor 32. In use, thepulse generator 28, upon instructions generated by thecomputing unit 24, generates a pulse of energy that is transmitted over the power cable C via the transmit/receivesensor 32. If the pulse encounters an anomaly as it propagates down the power cable C, a reflection signal is produced and transmitted back toward the transmit/receivesensor 32, where the signal is sensed by the transmit/receivesensor 32 and transmitted to thecomputing unit 24 to be processed and displayed. In one embodiment, the signals received by thecomputing unit 24 may be analyzed to determine the location of the anomaly, the type of the anomaly, etc. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the components of thesystem 20 will now be described in more detail. As briefly described above, thesensor 32 transmits a pulse of energy generated by thepulse generator 28, and then senses any reflections of the transmitted pulse. Thesensor 32 may be a portable sensor for in-field data acquisition and/or testing or fixed in place at a termination location, such as a termination elbow. In one embodiment, thesensor 32 is a portable, capacitive probe, such as a U-shaped metallic (e.g., copper, etc.) probe. In use, the capacitive probe is capacitively coupled to the power cable C, at a position, for example, where the power cable is terminated. In embodiments that are testing underground power cables, the capacitive probe is capacitively coupled to the power cable C at a location where the power cable is exposed (e.g., above ground, unearthed, etc.). Once coupled to the power cable, the probe is capable of imposing a pulse onto the power cable to be tested and sensing the reflection signals due to anomalies and transmitting these signals to thecomputing unit 24 for displaying, processing, and/or storage, etc. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is shown a block diagram of one embodiment of thecomputing unit 24 suitable for use with thesystem 20. Thecomputing unit 24 comprises aprocessor 44, amemory 48, adisplay 52, and an I/O device 56 suitably interconnected via one ormore buses 60. Thememory 48 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and storage memory. Examples of ROM include a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM). Examples of storage memory include flash memory, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a digital versatile disc (DVD), a compact disc rewriteable (CD-RW), etc. The storage memory and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and data received from thesensor 32. As used herein, the term processor is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller, an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, among others. - A number of program modules may be stored in storage memory, including one or
more application programs 66, and program data. One application program generates a control signal to be transmitted to thepulse generator 28 to instruct thepulse generator 28 to generate a pulse of energy. In one embodiment, the control signal could be simply a trigger signal. This application or a separate application may keep track of the time between the generation of the pulse and the reception of any reflection signals, sometimes referred to as the time of propagation, and may calculate the velocity of propagation, if desired. - A technician may enter commands and information into the
computing device 24 through input devices (not shown) such as a keyboard, joystick, potentiometers, switches, etc, which communicate with I/O device 56. The I/O device 56 also communicates with thesensor 32 for receiving signals therefrom. In one embodiment, thecomputing unit 24, thepulse generator 28, and optional input device, are housed in a unitaryhandheld TDR device 70, as shown inFIG. 1 . TheTDR device 70 is appropriately connected to the neutral conductor of the power cable C. - In use, when the one or more applications are implemented, either manually by input from a technician or automatically via instructions by the processor 44 (e.g., time based instructions) a pulse is generated at the
pulse generator 28 and propagated down the power cable C via thesensor 32. Thesensor 32 is then able to detect any reflection which occurs due to a change in impedance on the power cable C. As the wave reflections are detected, the one or more applications receive pulse information from thesensor 32 and assimilate the information to be displayed in a graphical representation on thedisplay 52 in the time domain. The technician of thesystem 20 is then able to interpret information from the graphical representation of the anomalies detected on the power cable C. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 120, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thesystem 120 is substantially similar to thesystem 20 except for the differences that will now be explained. As best shown inFIG. 3 , instead of thepulse generator 28 being integral with theTDR device 70, along with thecomputing device 24, thepulse generator 28 may be a separate component, which is electrically coupled tocomputing device 24 to receive controls signals therefrom. In one embodiment, thepulse generator 28 is a current source pulse generator and is electrically coupled to the transmit/receivesensor 32 so as to provide thepulse generator 28 with a high output impedance. In one embodiment, the output impedance of thepulse generator 28 is greater than 500 ohms. In another embodiment, the output impedance of thepulse generator 28 is greater than 1000 ohms. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 220, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thesystem 220 is substantially similar to thesystem 120 except for the differences that will now be explained. As best shown inFIG. 4 , thesystem 220 includes separate capacitively coupled transmit and receivesensors sensor 32A is connected in electrical communication with thepulse generator 28 for transmitting a pulse of energy along the power cable C. The receivesensor 32B is connected in electrical communication with thecomputing device 24. In one embodiment, thepulse generator 28 is a voltage source pulse generator and is electrically coupled to the transmitsensor 32A so as to provide thepulse generator 28 with a low output impedance. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 320, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thesystem 320 is substantially similar to thesystem 220 except for the differences that will now be explained. As best shown inFIG. 5 , anamplifier 378 is electrically connected between the capacitive receivesensor 32B and thecomputing device 24. In one embodiment, theamplifier 378 has a high input impedance. In one embodiment, the input impedance is more than 500 ohms. This reduces the signal loss through the sensor's capacitive connection resulting in an improved received signal to noise ratio. In another embodiment, the signal transmission line between theamplifier 378 and the receivesensor 32B is less than or equal to about 2 inches. This eliminates any transmission line effects between thesensor 32B and the display which would corrupt the shape of the received signal. Atermination matching resistor 380, such as a 50Ω resistor, may also be employed to drive the 50Ω transmission line connected to the display's 50Ω input impedance. This maintains the signal integrity by eliminating signal reflections. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , there is shown another embodiment of a TDR testing system, generally designated 420, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thesystem 420 is substantially similar to thesystem 20 except for the differences that will now be explained. As shown inFIG. 1 , thesensor 32 of theTDR system 20 is capacitively coupled to a power cable C to be tested. In contrast toFIG. 1 , thesensor 432 of theTDR system 420 shown inFIG. 6 is capacitively coupled to the power cable C at a termination elbow T. In that regard, thesensor 432 is formed integrally with the housing of the termination elbow T and positioned so as to be capacitively coupled to the power cable C when the power cable is connected to the termination elbow. In one embodiment, thesensor 432 is part of a capacitive port on the termination elbow T. - The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.
Claims (10)
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US14/621,811 US20150160283A1 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2015-02-13 | On-line time domain reflectometer system |
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US21928909P | 2009-06-22 | 2009-06-22 | |
US12/820,886 US8988099B2 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2010-06-22 | On-line time domain reflectometer system |
US14/621,811 US20150160283A1 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2015-02-13 | On-line time domain reflectometer system |
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EP (1) | EP2446284A4 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101380588B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010270948B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2765194C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011005541A2 (en) |
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EP3293532A1 (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2018-03-14 | MS-Technik Mess- und Regelungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG | Device for locating a fault on a conductor |
EP3611521A1 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2020-02-19 | General Electric Technology GmbH | Apparatus for monitoring a condition of an electrical power transmisison medium |
US10666540B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2020-05-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Dynamic time-domain reflectometry analysis for field replaceable unit isolation in a running system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2011005541A3 (en) | 2011-03-31 |
EP2446284A2 (en) | 2012-05-02 |
US20110043244A1 (en) | 2011-02-24 |
AU2010270948B2 (en) | 2015-09-10 |
CA2765194A1 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
WO2011005541A2 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
CA2765194C (en) | 2017-08-22 |
EP2446284A4 (en) | 2016-12-28 |
US8988099B2 (en) | 2015-03-24 |
KR20120031079A (en) | 2012-03-29 |
KR101380588B1 (en) | 2014-04-01 |
AU2010270948A1 (en) | 2012-01-19 |
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