A diagnostic device that sends a short electrical pulse down a cable and listens for reflections. When the pulse hits an impedance mismatch, such as a short circuit, a cut wire, or water ingress, part of the signal bounces back. By measuring the time it takes for the echo to return and knowing the cable's velocity of propagation, the instrument calculates the exact distance to the fault.
Heard on the job
Grab the time-domain reflectometer from the truck; we've a break in the coax somewhere behind the drywall.
Also heard as
- TDR