Crosstalk

The unwanted transfer of energy from one signal path coupled to an adjacent or nearby signal path. An example of cross-talk would be the faint voices sometimes experienced during a phone conversation. Crosstalk can be inductive or capacitive and normally creates unwanted or erroneous data within a computer link or data system.

The measurement technique consists of inserting a pulse signal of known strength in one line called the drive line and measuring the effect of this signal in the adjacent sample line. The result is expressed as % crosstalk and is calculated as follows:

Near End Crosstalk

If we measure the crosstalk in the sample line at the same end of the cable we inserted the signal, it is called near end or reverse crosstalk.

Far End Crosstalk

If we measure the crosstalk in the sample line at the opposite end of the cable that we inserted the signal, it is called far end or forward crosstalk.

Pulse Rate Time

The amount of time it takes a pulse signal to go from a low state to a high state. Normally expressed in nano seconds (10-9).