Test-Um NT955 operating instructions Ethernet Cable Certification

Test-Um NT955 Series ValidatorTM Introduction

Ethernet Cable Certification

Speed and Performance Certification uses digital technology centered on the latest advances in Gigabit Ethernet Transceivers. These new highly integrated chips are capable of testing for noise in the network, faults in the cabling wiring and even generating live data packets that stress the cables to make sure they are able to support the equipment connected to them. This is the heart of the Validator-NT Certifier.

To do Speed and Performance Certification Validator-NT measures three specific levels of cable and connector conditions. Unless all three of these levels are tested it is impossible to accurately determine a cable run’s capability.

1.Measure TIA 568 Interconnect Specifications such as Opens, Shorts, Miswires, Split Pairs and Reversals. The distance to faults and length of cable runs are accurately pinpointed with the use of both TDR and capacitance length measurement techniques. The Validator-NT measures length up to a maximum of 1500 feet or 457 meters.

2.Measure Pertinent Parameters of Noise and propagation delay. NEXT, Return Loss, Attenuation, Amplitude and other noise factors are tested using Signal to Noise Ratio measurements. SKEW is measured using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) to insure acceptable signal time delay differences between pairs for Gigabit use.

3.Conduct a Bit Error Rate Test. BERT sends actual data packets down specified cable runs at defined data rates and quantities. Random code data is generated and checked for errors at the maximum throughput of the link, full duplex.