GLOSSARY:

Balanced Line
A transmission line in which two identical conductors carry currents which are
equal in magnitude but opposite in polarity. In this manner noise and crosstalk are
minimized. Also called balanced transmission line.
Characteristic Impedance
Characteristic impedance is also known as natural impedance, and it refers to
the equivalent resistance of a transmission line if it were infinitely long, owing to
distributed capacitance and inductance as the voltage and current waves propagate
along its length at a propagation velocity equal to some large fraction of light speed.
Coaxial Cable
A concentric two-conductor transmission line in which the center conductor is
surrounded by a dielectric, which is surrounded by the second conductor, which in turn
is surrounded by the protective jacket. The center conductor is also known as inner
conductor, while the other is known as the outer conductor.
Dielectric Constant
For a given material, the property which determines the electrostatic energy that
can be stored per unit volume for a unit potential gradient. This is equivalent to the ratio
of the capacitance of a capacitor using the material in question as a dielectric, to the
capacitance of a capacitor using a vacuum as a dielectric.
Phase Shift
A change in the phase relationship between two signals. For example, the
changing of the phase of a signal as it passes through a filter, or that utilized in phaseshift keying. Also, the magnitude of such a change.
Polystyrene
A clear, synthetic, water-resistant, and tough thermoplastic material which is
made via the polymerization of styrene, whose chemical formula is C8H8. It is used, for
instance, as an electrical and thermal insulator, as a dielectric, and in molded articles
and packaging.

Transmission Line
A transmission line is a pair of parallel conductors exhibiting certain
characteristics due to distributed capacitance and inductance along its length.
Velocity Factor
Velocity factor is purely a factor of the insulating materials relative permittivity
(otherwise known as its dielectric constant), defined as the ratio of a materials electric
field permittivity to that of a pure vacuum.
Polyethylene
A synthetic water-resistant, flexible, and thermoplastic material which is made via
the polymerization of ethylene, whose chemical formula is C2H4. It is used as an
insulator and dielectric, and in containers and pipes.
Vernier
An auxiliary scale located alongside, or attached to, the main graduated scale of
an instrument. This additional scale allows for the accurate measurement of fractional
parts of the smallest divisions within the larger scale. Also called vernier scale.
Wavelength
The distance from peak to peak of a wave, whether of matter or of radiation.
Multiplying wavelength by frequency yields a waves velocity.