Surface transfer impedance measurement: a comparison between current probe and pull-on braid methods for coaxial cables

Theoretical models to compute the surface transfer impedance of cables often rely on simplifying assumptions. This, together with the fact that surface transfer impedance can vary considerably between cable samples of the same type, means that measurements become necessary. In this way an average performance may be determined. Many transfer impedance measurement methods have been proposed over the years and each has its own relative strengths. Two frequency-domain measurement methods are compared: the current probe method and the pull-on braid method. Both methods are inexpensive and can be set up very quickly without expensive cable preparation. Moreover, they operate over a broad frequency range with high accuracy. This is shown by the good agreement obtained between measurements carried out with the two methods.