CAT-7 cable evaluation for Square Kilometre Array analogue signal transport

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dc.contributor.authorLangat P.K.
dc.contributor.authorVan Der Merwe P.
dc.contributor.authorIkin T.
dc.contributor.authorReader H.C.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T16:00:40Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T16:00:40Z
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstractData-cable systems are essential for an evolving Square Kilometre Array (SKA) phased array demonstrator project. Loss, dispersion and channel coupling are the characteristics of interest. We evaluate a Category 7 (CAT-7) cable system, which incorporates a 20 m CAT-7 cable, balun transformers, and ARJ45 connectors. Measurements from 30 MHz - 1.5 GHz are made using a calibrated Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Through, Reflect, Line (TRL) as well as Short, Open, matched Load, Through (SOLT) calibration techniques were performed, which separately test the cables and the entire system performance respectively. A further measurement isolates the baluns. The connectors and baluns are mounted on customised printed circuit boards. We investigated phase dispersion, return loss, attenuation, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT). The best system was found to have a linear phase response in the 30 MHz to 1.4 GHz band, with NEXT and FEXT levels below -50 dB and -63 dB respectively. Such performance makes this cable class a candidale lor high-volume dala streams anlicipaled lor Ihe SKA.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationTransactions of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers
dc.identifier.citation102
dc.identifier.citation1
dc.identifier.issn382221
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/11818
dc.subjectBaluns
dc.subjectCAT-7 cables
dc.subjectConnectors
dc.subjectEMC
dc.subjectFar end crosstalk
dc.subjectNear end cross talks
dc.subjectSquare Kilometre Array
dc.subjectCalibration
dc.subjectCrosstalk
dc.subjectDispersions
dc.subjectElectric network analysis
dc.subjectElectric network analyzers
dc.subjectElectronic equipment manufacture
dc.subjectMicrostrip devices
dc.subjectPrinted circuit boards
dc.subjectCables
dc.titleCAT-7 cable evaluation for Square Kilometre Array analogue signal transport
dc.typeArticle
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