Electromagnetic interference shielding of electrical cables and connectors
A shielded cable includes a cable body that is surrounded by a vacuum metallized layer. The metallized layer can be grounded with a metallized thermoform connector to prevent the release or impingement of harmful EMI radiation. Optionally, an insulating top coating can be disposed over the metallized layer over the cable body.
1 . A shielded cable comprising:
a conductive lead encapsulated within a dielectric;
a polymer layer surrounding the dielectric;
a metallized layer surrounding the polymer layer; and
a insulative coating disposed around the metallized layer.
2 . The shielded cable of claim 1 wherein the metallized layer is thermally evaporated over the polymer layer so as to create a substantially uniform thickness.
3 . The shielded cable of claim 1 further comprising a base coating disposed between the metallized layer and the polymer layer, wherein the base coating improves adherence of the metallized layer to the polymer layer.
4 . The shielded cable of claim 1 wherein the polymer layer comprises a thermoformable material.
5 . The shielded cable of claim 1 further comprising an electrically conductive connector that is electrically coupled to the metallized layer, wherein the connector can be coupled to ground.
6 . The shielded cable of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a metallized thermoform.
7 . The shielded cable of claim 6 wherein the metallized thermoform comprises a first body and a second body.
8 . A cable shield for shielding a cable body, the shield comprising:
a thermoform body comprising an inner surface and outer surface, the thermoform body sized and shaped to surround the cable; and
a metal layer disposed along one of the inner surface and outer surface.
9 . The cable shield of claim 8 further wherein the thermoform body comprises a first body and a second body.
10 . The cable shield of claim 9 wherein the first body and second body are coupled together with a clamp.
11 . The cable shield of claim 8 wherein the thermoform body comprises at least one of ribs, cutouts, and corrugation to facilitate flexing of the thermoform body.
12 . The cable shield of claim 8 wherein the metallized layer is disposed along the outer surface of the thermoform body, the shield further comprising an insulating layer disposed over the metal layer.
13 . The cable shield of claim 8 wherein the metallized thermoform comprises an integral connector at an end of the thermoform body, wherein the integral connector can shield a connector pin assembly of the cable.