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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze several circuits which might be used in a standard radio noise generator. The analysis consists of finding the frequency spectrum of the impulse produced when these circuits have a step voltage applied to them by means of a moving contact. In all cases the frequency spectrum is obtained by means of the Laplace transformation, for which a physical interpretation is discussed.
The circuits analyzed are the lumped constant RLC circuit and the uniform transmission line, with the major emphasis being placed on the latter. The theoretical frequency spectrum is obtained for the dissipationless, open-circuited transmission line such as is used in an experimental model of noise generator. The effects of dissipation, solid dielectric, exponential applied voltage and output cable termination are discussed in detail for this particular case.
As a means of verifying the theory, the theoretical basis for measuring the frequency spectrum is presented. The results of such measurements indicate that the measured output of the noise generator is about 95% of the theoretical with considerable doubt existing as to the accuracy of the measurements.
The radial transmission line is analyzed approximately as a possible method of obtaining a noise spectrum at higher frequencies. Experimental verification for this analysis is lacking except that the resonant frequency of the system has been checked to be within 3% of the theoretical value.
