Measure the strength of the signal

[Physicslearner500039]

Hi all,

i have heard a lot of signal deterioration. so i just wanted to understand if i send a pulse let us say of some 5V and measure it using an oscilloscope and send it through a very lengthy cable and measure the same signal with an oscilloscope can i find that the amplitude of the signal coming down at some point of the cable? i also know that as the speed of the signal is increased the signal travels lesser distance. is it possible for me to practically observe these using our regular oscilloscopes? Based on these inputs i want to design a system where if lot of wires are bunched together is there is any short circuits within the wire? or any open circuits? quality of the wire? and other details is it possible? i am thinking of all these details for a 24V system.

Thanks in advance,
regards,

satya

 

[Floid]

Yes, give a known input signal and measure it out the output to determine the loss through the cable.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the signal loss is a function of the length of the cable AND frequency. Higher frequencies will have a greater loss.

As for the last part with the bunch of cables I am not sure what you are asking.

 

[berkeman]

Hi all,

i have heard a lot of signal deterioration. so i just wanted to understand if i send a pulse let us say of some 5V and measure it using an oscilloscope and send it through a very lengthy cable and measure the same signal with an oscilloscope can i find that the amplitude of the signal coming down at some point of the cable? i also know that as the speed of the signal is increased the signal travels lesser distance. is it possible for me to practically observe these using our regular oscilloscopes? Based on these inputs i want to design a system where if lot of wires are bunched together is there is any short circuits within the wire? or any open circuits? quality of the wire? and other details is it possible? i am thinking of all these details for a 24V system.

Thanks in advance,
regards,

satya

From the last part of your question, it sounds like you are wanting something like a "Cable Tester":

http://www.google.com/products?q=cable+tester&hl=en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_tester

Cable Testers can be used on transmission line type cable (twisted pair or coax), but would be less effective with cables that have unmatched wires in them...