Interface tools for cable simulations

[chima]

I've searched the Development Zone and did not find any information on the interface or tools (software) required to simulate varying lengths of Category X type cables, with a given test signal, etc.

[chutla]

Greetings!

You might want to do a search on SMITH CHART. There are quite a few VIs related to this, although probably none specific to cat-x. As with any transmission line, Cat-X only has a few parameters to be concerned about: loss/frequency (expressed in attenuation per 100 ft (or sometimes per 1000 ft)), and velocity of propagation, which is primarily determined by the pitch of the twist of the pair in question. Since this is thouroughly documented in the Cat-x specifications, I wonder if you can really learn anything new by trying to simulate this in Labview, other than sheer curiosity.
As far as physical interfaces for actually performing cable testing, I'm not sure if there are any off-the-shelf solutions, as this usually involves a precision
directional sampler, such as used with a network analyzer, as well as an rf detector.
Perhaps a bit more information on what you're actually trying to accomplish is in order.

Good luck!

Eric

[chima]

chulta, thanks for the offer to expand my question. The suggestion and information you have provided are accurate and helpful.
I'm trying to test my UUT which is connected to the stimulus via varying feet (varying lengths of CAT-x cable)of cable. The source may be a signal generator or a PC.

My main objective is to simulate the incoming signal without having to swap the CAT cable, which the UUT is required to work with.

May I ask for any suggestion as to the method of testing this. Being relatively new to LabView, my thought is to build a LabView script that could easily simulate the cable and switch simulation drivers when required.

It could be that I'm off the mark, in that I do not have to concern myself with the cable parameters, or effect on
the incoming signal.

chima