Waves in a short cable at low frequencies, or just hand-waving?

TL;DR

This paper examines the common assumption of wave behavior in short cables at low frequencies, highlighting its physical inaccuracies and demonstrating exact calculations using linear network theory.

Contribution

It clarifies the physical validity of low-frequency signals in short cables and advocates for precise linear network theory calculations over wave assumptions.

Findings

Wave assumption is physically invalid at low frequencies in short cables

Exact calculations show deviations from wave-based models

Linear network theory provides accurate analysis

Abstract

We address the question of low-frequency signals in a short cable, which are often considered as waves in engineering calculations. Such an assumption violates several laws of physics, but exact calculations can be carried out via linear network theory.