A quad cable or star quad cable as the name suggests consists of four conductors twisted together for the purpose of reducing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources. Shielding can also be added to the quad to further enhance its resistance to these factors
Key Services
- Unshielded quads
- Aluminium foil shielded quads with appropriate drain wire
- Braid shielded quads
- You can specify the lay length (number of twists per metre) – From 10mm to 500mm
- Specified twist direction – Left hand or Right hand
- Reduce EMI & cross talk – Star quad cable
- Pairs can be manufactured from free issue materials
Shielded quads
CDC Ltd offer two alternative options when it comes to shielding a quad. The first option is that of a collective Aluminium foil tape screen which is overlapped onto the quad during the twist operation. This is usually supported by the addition of an appropriate drain wire which is used to facilitate easier termination of the screen. This alternative provides a 100% coverage, is easy to terminate, is cost effective and is a lightweight solution.
The second alternative is a braided shield. A braid shield is a woven mesh of single end copper wires. The number of single ends is determined by the size of the quad and the percentage coverage of shielding that is required. Typically, cable shielding coverage’s range from 40% to 98% coverage yet in really noisy environments a higher coverage in the region of 98%+ would be desirable. A further advantage of a braid shield is the increased mechanical strength.
Create your own quads and starquad cables
We have the capability to create quads and star quad cables in a variety of colours, with specified lay lengths (number of twists per metre) from 10mm to 500mm and specified twist directions (Left hand and Right hand). We can advise from a technical standpoint with regards to the shielding requirements and can also work with free issue conductors to create the quads and ship direct back to you.