Correct shielding of cables is imperative on the factory floor where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is prevalent and has the potential to interfere with signals.
According to Doug Gunnewegh of Helukabel, this is why data and signal cables are usually comprised of insulated conductors wrapped in a conductive layer. Shielding reduces electrical noise and reduces its impact on signals, and lowers electromagnetic radiation.
“Shielding not only protects cables, but it can also protect machinery and people as well,” explains Gunnewegh. “Helukabel’s Topflex EMV-UV-2YSLC11Y-J uses a double shield for electromagnetic compatible (EMC) purposes. The conductors are first wrapped using a special aluminium foil and then a tinned copper braid is applied before the cable is enclosed in its polyurethane (PUR) jacket. Our power cables are also constructed to be EMC compatible and minimise noise generation which affects many other systems like radio and data communication.”
Varying requirements
Communication cables also need to be shielded to prevent the effects on the data transmitted from EMI. To prevent cross talk and coupling, communication cables are also paired and individually shielded. In some applications, such as those needing servo cables, double or even triple shielding is required: around individual conductors, around twisted pairs, and around the entire cable.
Some applications do not require shielded cables. For example, if a cable will be used in a cabinet or otherwise away from other sources of noise, it does not need to be shielded, as it will be protected from noise and EMI already. Cable shielding uses either a braided, spiral design or metal-coated Mylar or foil shield. The shielding wraps around each conductor to mitigate noise by 85% to 100%, depending on the configuration. The maximum shielding a braided shield can have is 90%. Spiral shields can offer 98%, while metal-coated Mylar can deflect 100% of EMI.
Using a thin layer of Mylar or aluminium foil eliminates the gaps you may encounter with braided designs. The foil is attached to a polyester backing to provide 100% coverage. However, because it is thin, it can make applying connectors a challenge. Foil shielding can also be damaged in high-flex applications, so spiral or braided designs work best there.
Noisy environments
Braided shielding is made of a mesh of bare or tinned copper wires woven together. It is easy to terminate when crimping or soldering a connector. Because of the braiding, small gaps of coverage do occur, thus resulting in the 90% shield rating. If the cable is not moving or flexing, this coverage should be sufficient. However, the braided design does add cost and weight to the final design.
If an environment is extremely noisy, a cable may use multiple layers of shielding with both the braided and foil designs. Sometimes pairs of wires are shielded individually in addition to the entire cable being shielded. This is done to prevent crosstalk between pairs.
Besides the braid covering, the maximum admissible diameter of the single strand of braid and the angle of twist to the axial axis of the conductor are also determined in the manufacturing. The thinner the single strand and the smaller the angle of twist, the more flexible is the cable. However, the diameter of the single wire is restricted due to the mechanical requirements.
Complex construction
“A cable shield consists of a respective number of strands, depending on the braiding machine (16 24, 32). The total number of strands equals the number of strands in a braiding element times the number of elements. The strand diameter, the angle of twist and the folding number also determine the density of a shield. The single strands are combined to make larger strands. The larger strands are then unwound from the coils and are mounted on special braiding machines for stranding construction around the conductors.
As noted above, certain designs accommodate crimping or soldering of connectors easier than others. However, it is important to note that the connector must offer similar ratings to the cable for effective shielding. Finally, it is important the cable be grounded at one end to eliminate the potential for noise loops.
For more information contact Helukabel, +27 (0)11 462 8752, sales@helukabel.co.za, www.helukabel.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 462 8752 |
| Fax: | +27 11 462 8638 |
| Email: | sales@helukabel.co.za |
| www: | www.helukabel.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Helukabel |
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