Cable And Connector Shielding Test: A Blueprint For A Standard

Cable and connector shielding performance evaluation is addressed from the most general positions. A brief revisit of the shielding physics emphasizes three main electromagnetic coupling and energy transfer phenomena to be considered on different system levels: electronic system as a whole, cable/connector assembly, and shield proper. It is postulated that there is no universal test method, equally applicable to all system levels and shield working conditions. Therefore, the 'various shield evaluation needs must be met using different techniques. Though generally these techniques are not equivalent and serve different purposes, they can be brought to a "common denominator" by using reference calibrators. Possible physical nature of the reference calibrators is considered and highlights of a shielding effectiveness test guide are suggested.