Handheld graphical TDR locates faults in power, communications cabling

The AEMC Fault Mapper Pro is a handheld, graphical Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR), designed for identifying and locating faults on power and communication cables, given access to one end only.

The tool measures cable length and indicates the length and distance to cable faults to a range of 9 to 19,000 ft on any type of cable. It injects a series of pulses into the cable under test. The velocity at which the pulses travel is determined by the type of cable, which is known as the velocity of propagation (Vp) of the cable.

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The Vp is adjustable between 1 percent and 99 percent, enabling accurate calibration to the cable under test. The Vp value is expressed as a percentage of the speed of light (e.g. 67 percent or ft/mtrs/micro-second); this value will vary according to the type of cable under test.

The Fault Mapper Pro can accept user selectable values between 1 percent and 99 percent-or the equivalent value in feet or meters per micro-second. Based on the selected Vp and the time taken for the pulses to travel through the cable, a reflection profile of the cable under test is displayed. An adjustable cursor assists in locating faults and termination.

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