Shielded Cables for Electromagnetic Interference Protection

Product Description

Shielded Cables are specialized electrical cables engineered to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), ensuring reliable signal transmission in high-noise environments. These cables feature a combination of high-conductivity conductors, dielectric insulation, and multiple layers of shielding to block external interference while preventing signal leakage. The core conductor is typically oxygen-free copper (OFC) or tinned copper, surrounded by a PE or PVC insulation layer, followed by a foil shield and a braided copper or aluminum-mylar outer shield for maximum protection.

The shielding design varies by application, with options including single-shielded, double-shielded, or tri-shielded configurations to meet different EMI severity levels. The outer jacket is made from durable materials like PVC, TPE, or halogen-free compounds, offering resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Available in various gauges (AWG 28 to AWG 8) and lengths, these cables are compliant with international standards such as IEC 61156 and UL 444, ensuring performance in critical electronic systems.

Features

Superior EMI/RFI Protection: Shielding effectiveness up to 120 dB across frequencies from 10 kHz to 10 GHz, depending on the shielding configuration, protecting sensitive signals from degradation.

Low Signal Loss: High-purity conductors and precision insulation minimize resistance and capacitance, maintaining signal integrity over long distances in data and communication systems.

Environmental Durability: Outer jackets resist UV radiation, oil, and solvents, suitable for harsh industrial, automotive, and aerospace environments.

Flexible Installation: Lightweight and bendable, with a minimum bend radius of 4-6 times the cable diameter, allowing routing in tight spaces without compromising shielding performance.

Compliance and Certifications: Meet or exceed standards for EMI suppression (FCC Part 15, CE EMC Directive) and safety (RoHS, REACH), ensuring global applicability.

Application

Shielded Cables are essential in any system where electromagnetic interference poses a risk to signal quality:

Industrial Automation: Connect PLCs, sensors, and control systems in factories, where motor drives and machinery generate high EMI, ensuring stable data transmission for process control.

Aerospace and Defense: Used in aircraft avionics, radar systems, and missile guidance, requiring immunity to extreme EMI and harsh environmental conditions.

Data Centers and Telecommunications: Route high-speed Ethernet, HDMI, and fiber optic hybrid cables, preventing crosstalk and signal degradation in dense network environments.

Medical Equipment: Critical for MRI machines, patient monitors, and diagnostic tools, where interference could compromise accuracy or patient safety.

Automotive Electronics: Connect infotainment systems, ADAS sensors, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, resisting interference from engine components and voltage fluctuations.

FAQ

Q: How is shielding effectiveness measured?

A: Using a shielded enclosure test (ASTM D4935), which measures the reduction in electromagnetic field strength across different frequency bands. Our cables undergo rigorous testing to ensure specified dB attenuation.

Q: Can I terminate these cables with standard connectors?

A: Yes, but proper grounding of the shield is critical. Use EMI-compliant connectors with 360° shield termination to maintain full protection; consult our installation guide for best practices.

Q: What is the temperature rating for these cables?

A: Standard variants operate from -40°C to +85°C, while high-temperature models (with Teflon insulation) withstand up to +200°C, suitable for engine bay applications.

Q: Do shielded cables add significant weight compared to unshielded ones?

A: The weight increase is minimal (10-15%) due to the lightweight braided shields, making them suitable for mobile and aerospace applications where weight is a concern.

Q: Are there options for shielded cables with fiber optic cores?

A: Yes, we offer hybrid cables combining copper shielded pairs for power with fiber optic strands for high-speed data, ideal for long-distance, interference-sensitive installations.