Shielding
Shielding refers to a sheet, screen, foil or braid used to contain electrical energy so that the signal on the cable does not radiate and interfere with signals in other nearby cables and circuitry. Shielding also protects the signal from external interference.
There are a limited number of shield types that we are normally exposed to. The most common types are braid, foil (mylar, mylar aluminum, aluminum) tape and serve or spiral.
Selection factors include:
- Required shield effectiveness
- Flexibility
- Flex life
- Ease of stripping and terminating
- Mechanical strength
- Resistance to corrosion
- Cost