System and method for determining a compensation factor suitable for correcting an attenuated signal in a conductor

摘要

A system for estimating a length of a conductor (110) having a first end (11,1) and a second end (112) includes a device (120) capable of placing an electric signal on the conductor, an impedance element (130) that maintains the electric signal within a predetermined voltage range, and a timer (140). The device places the electric signal on the conductor such that the electric signal travels along the conductor from the first end to the second end and back to the first end. The timer determines a time required for the electric signal to travel along the conductor from the first end to the second end and back to the first end. The length of the conductor may be estimated based on the time. A compensation factor may be determined based on the length or the time, and may be used to compensate for signal attenuation in the conductor. To be accompanied, when published, by Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.