Glossary
Domain
A mathematical term that refers to the set of values for which a function is defined. A time-domain
instrument such as a TDR performs its function by recording measurements as a function of time.
Impedance
The ratio of voltage to electrical current in a cable or circuit. Impedance is a frequency-dependent
value that is influenced both by resistive and reactive components. Impedance is expressed in
terms of Ohms but should not be confused with resistance, which is a frequency independent
quantity. Most cables have impedances that vary little over the range of frequencies with which
they are used. Impedance is described by
Z
=
R
j
⋅
X
where R is resistance, j is the imaginary
unit, and X is the reactance at a given frequency. Also see Reactance and Resistance.
Impedance Mismatch
A point in a cable or device under test in which the characteristic impedance changes, causing a
partial reflection of the energy in a test signal. See Reflection Coefficient.
Incident Pulse
The excitation pulse produced by a TDR and injected into the cable under test. The trace
produced by the TDR is the temporally-resolved reflections produced by the cable in response to
the incident pulse. The incident pulse in the CT100 is a step rise signal with a finite risetime. See
Risetime.
Inductance
See Reactance.
Insulation
A coating on an electrical conductor that inhibits the flow of electricity. Insulation serves as both a
means of providing electrical safety and ensuring signal integrity.
Jitter
The uncertainty in measurement of time in a TDR, causing a particular voltage sample to be
misregistered slightly with respect to time. The main effect of timebase jitter is to cause apparent
vertical noise in areas of changing impedance. Areas of constant impedance, such as a flat
segment of 50 Ω cable, will show no abnormality.
LCD
Liquid crystal display. The display used by this instrument is an active-matrix thin-film transistor
LCD, abbreviated TFT-LCD.
Millirho
See Reflection Coefficient.
Mohr CT100 / CT100HF Operator's Manual
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