Shielding architecture plays a critical role in signal integrity, noise reduction, flexibility, and overall cable durability. The appropriate shielding approach depends on electrical performance requirements, mechanical demands, and the operating environment.

Individual Conductor Shielding

Each conductor is shielded independently.

  • Maximum isolation between signal paths
  • Reduces crosstalk in sensitive applications
  • Increased cable complexity and diameter

Typical Uses
Low-noise signal cables, instrumentation, and applications requiring strict signal separation.

Group Shielding

Multiple conductors are grouped under a shared shield.

  • Balanced noise protection and flexibility
  • Reduced cable diameter compared to individual shielding
  • Common grounding point for grouped signals

Typical Uses
Multi-signal control cables and mixed-signal assemblies.

Overall Shielding

A single shield surrounds all conductors within the cable.

  • Effective protection against external EMI/RFI
  • Simplified construction
  • Maintains flexibility depending on shield type

Typical Uses
General multi-conductor cables where overall noise protection is required.

Shield Types

Shield performance is influenced by material and construction.

  • Spiral Serve: Flexible with good noise reduction
  • Reverse Spiral: Improved coverage and durability
  • Braided Shield: High mechanical strength and coverage
  • Foil Shield: High coverage, limited flex life
  • Conductive PVC: Flexible shielding combined with jacket function

Shield types may be combined to balance electrical and mechanical performance.

Mechanical Considerations

Shielding affects cable flexibility and fatigue life.

  • Spiral and conductive PVC shields maintain flexibility
  • Braids increase durability but reduce flexibility
  • Foils are not recommended for continuous-flex designs

Shield selection should account for motion, bend radius, and service life.

Selecting the Right Shielding Architecture

Shielding decisions should consider signal sensitivity, noise environment, motion requirements, and mechanical durability. Gavitt works with customers to evaluate these factors and recommend the most appropriate shielding architecture for each multi-conductor application.