Measurement Of Surface Transfer Impedance Of Multi-wire Cables, Connectors And Cable Assemblies

Abstract

The surface transfer impedance of multi-wire cables and cable assemblies can be measured using techniques that are adaptations of those used to characterize simple coaxial samples. Surface transfer impedance measurements of multi-wire cables are generally less ideal than those of simple coaxial samples, but they are generally adequate for characterizing the overall quality of the cable's shield. At low frequencies or when the sample is electrically short, the measurements of multi-wire cable assemblies are equivalent to simpler samples. Geometric and material nonuniformities introduce uncertainties in the high frequency measurements. Since multi-wire cables have many possible configurations, it is important to remember to measure the properties of the shield, not the wires.