Abstract
The conventional approach, using the 2nd order correlation functions, is insufficient to analyse stationary non-Gaussian random processes. For such analysis, it is necessary to use higher order correlation functions of the processes.
This paper presents a 3rd order correlator using the random voltage method. In this method signals are converted to the corresponding binary signals, and therefore it has some benefits which simplify the signal multiplication and delaying.
The device consists of three main parts; a generator of uniformly distributed random numbers, a tape recorder with 7-channels equipped with an endless magnetic tape, and control circuits.
Binary random numbers are obtained by combining the binary pseudorandom numbers from a generator with random pulses obtained by shaping the physical noise of a thyratron. Then these random numbers are converted to uniformly distributed random numbers by a D-A converter.
The correlator is designed so that it repeats a cycle of computing and delaying operations automatically.
Th device is used to the analysis of the noise generated by a blower, and its non-Gaussian property is proved. The results show the usefulness of the correlator.
