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Communication Systems
Second Edition
Louis Frenzel
Troubleshooting Techniques
Automatic splicer
Signal tracing
Signal injection
Signal Tracing
A commonly used technique in troubleshooting
communications equipment is called signal tracing.
In signal tracing an oscilloscope or other signal
detection device is used to follow a signal through the
various stages of the equipment.
As long as the signal is present and of the correct
amplitude, the circuits are good.
The point at which the signal is no longer present or
does not conform to specifications is the location of
the problem.
Signal Tracing (Continued)
To perform signal tracing in a transmitter some of the
following measuring instruments are needed: RF
voltmeter or an oscilloscope, an RF detector probe on
an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer, and power
meters and frequency counters.
A good overall check is to connect a dummy load,
key up the transmitter, and attempt to pick up the
signal on a nearby frequency counter or field strength
meter with antenna.
If no signal is detected, troubleshooting begins.
Signal Tracing (Continued)
Using a signal tracing method, start with the carrier
signal source.
The output signals of selected transmitter points
should be verified using service manual information.
If the carrier circuits are working but the unit is not
receiving modulation, check the microphone and
associated circuits.
Signal tracing can be performed on a receiver by
using an RF signal generator with appropriate
modulation and an oscilloscope.
FM Transmitter
Signal Injection
Signal injection, somewhat similar to signal tracing,
is normally used with receivers.
The process is to use signal generators of the correct
output frequency to inject a signal into the various
stages of the receiver and to check for the appropriate
and proper output response.
Signal injection is the opposite of signal tracing, for it
starts at the speaker output and works backward
through the receiver from speaker to antenna.
Electromagnetic Interference
Testing
A growing problem in electronic communication is
electromagnetic interference (EMI).
EMI, also called radio interference (RFI) and TV
interference (TVI), is defined as any interference to a
communication device by any other electronic device.
The problem is so great that the FCC has created
interference standards that must be met by all
electronic devices.
Sources of Electromagnetic
Interference
Any radio transmitter is a source of EMI.
Transmitters are assigned to a specific frequency or
band, however, they can cause interference because
of the harmonics, intermodulation products, or
spurious signals they produce.
Receivers are also a source of EMI.
A local oscillator or frequency synthesizer generates
low-level signals that can interfere with nearby
equipment.
Sources of Electromagnetic
Interference (Continued)
A major source of EMI is switching power supplies.
The 60-Hz power line is another source of
interference.
Another form of EMI is electrostatic discharge
(ESD).
ESD is the dissipation of a large static electric field.
EMI may be passed along by inductive or capacitive
coupling when two units are close to one another.
Reduction of Electromagnetic
Interference
The three basic techniques for reducing the level of EMI
are:
Grounding
Shielding
Filtering
Grounding
EMI can be eliminated or greatly reduced by verifying
proper grounding arrangements. Some guidelines are: