Preliminary evaluation of space station transmission line in a ring configuration

The results of a preliminary evaluation of a space station type transmission line and commercial transmission lines in a ring configuration, are reported. In a ring configuration, each node has two paths for the return current of each wire. The additional path can create an unbalanced condition, where the magnetic fields created by the forward and return currents do not cancel. This evaluation was to quantify the effects of the unbalanced case upon the external fields. The transmission lines evaluated were standard commercial coaxial cables, RG59 and RG213, and a space station designed flat Litz transmission line. Each was evaluated in a balanced and unbalanced mode of operation. Currents and their harmonic content were recorded and compared. As expected, the harmonic content of the different current (I delta) was substantial for the unbalanced case as compared to the balanced case. For the balanced case, very little difference was noted among the various transmission lines evaluated. The evaluation is discussed, and the test circuit, the measurements, and the resulting data are described.