Multiple reflection noise on transmission systems with periodic or quasi-periodic impedance disturbances-A frequency- domain approach

The problem of multiple reflection noise production on a transmission line with periodic or quasi-periodic impedance disturbances has been studied. This work involved a time-domain approach (including a Monte Carlo simulation), which is reported separately, and also a frequency-domain approach which is reported here. It has been found that the latter approach lends itself well to quick and accurate system analysis. The actual system studied was an array telemetry system used in oceanographic situations. However, the results reported here are general and can be applied directly to any digital transmission system having this basic periodic or quasi-periodic impedance disturbance structure. In this paper, the basic frequency-domain theory is presented and prescriptions are given for assessing expected multiple reflection noise contribution for a given system architecture.