Abstract:
An electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) clamp for an electrical connector which allows in one embodiment the reduction of a 12× cabling system to four 3× cabling system. The construction of another embodiment is compatible with the Infiniband technology especially when using Octopus cables. One embodiment of the clamp is in compliance with FCC Class B requirements.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 12/108,058, filed Apr. 23, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) clamps. Specifically, it relates to clamps used to reduce larger bulk cabling into smaller bulk feed and/or exit cabling. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Implementation of Infiniband technology (IB) requires many varied technologies. One of these technologies is a variety of 12× to 4× cabling solutions also known as Octopus cables. One problem with these cabling solutions is with the gauge of the wire required in the application to meet IB specifications and distance requirements. Bulk cable used in these IB applications must meet stringent guidelines with respect to signal attenuation. Larger gauge wires result in less space to use in the connectors and the connector cannot be assembled. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a modified plural exit clamp for use with a multiple wire style connector. 
   It is another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a clamp that provides a complete EMC seal for a cable in accordance with FCC Class B requirements. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary detailed view of an embodiment of the attachment of the present invention to a cabling system. 
       FIG. 3  is general view of an embodiment of the present invention used with a cabling system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of according to one aspect of the present invention. The cable adapter or clamp  100  may include a plurality of openings  101  which may be located inside a backshell housing  201  shown in  FIG. 2  and the adapter  100  has openings  102  located outside the backshell housing  201 . The openings  101  and  102  correspond to openings (not shown) in the backshell housing  201  through which cables  206  in  FIG. 2  are installed. Clamp  100  may include depressed grooves  103  for attachment to the inside of the backshell housing  201 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, clamp  100  is metallic. Any metal may be used that can provide compliance with FCC Class B requirements. These metals include, but are not limited to, copper, nickel, aluminum and combinations and alloys thereof. Bridge part  104  is located at the interface between openings  101  and  102 . It is noted that the clamp  100  contains at least two separate parts. The embodiment of  FIG. 1  may include separate top part  110  and a separate bottom part  120 . The separate bottom part  120  may be a mirror image of the separate top part  110 . It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 1 . While  FIG. 1  is shown to have three openings  101  or  102 , it is noted that this embodiment may include any cable or wire connector application which requires EMC shielding. This embodiment may include 2 or 4 cable applications which require noise isolation for high frequency/data rate systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize the present invention may be modified without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary detailed view  200  of an embodiment of the present invention with the adapter or clamp  100  attached to the backshell housing  201 . Element  200  may be an electrical connector. Embodiment  200  may include a cable bodies  206  overwrapped with shrink tubing  205 . The wires  204  are attached to the adapter or clamp  100 . Shield  203  may be installed over the clamp  100 . The shield  203  may be braided. Clamp strap  202  may be used to secure the top part of clamp  110  to the bottom part of clamp  120  and to the backshell housing  201 . Clamp strap  202  may be a metallic crimp ring. Any metal may be used for clamp strap  202  as known to those skilled in the art. To assemble the clamp  100  to the backshell housing  201  according to an embodiment of the present invention, bulk wires  204  are prepared by removing the bulk jackets  206  and pulling back the shield  203 . Further assembly may include attaching the at least one separate top part of the metallic clamp  110  in the backshell housing  201  and over the at least one cable  206  installed therein and attaching the at least one separate bottom part of the metallic clamp  100  in the backshell housing  201  and under the at least one cable  206  installed therein and attaching the at least one cable  206  installed, the at least one separate top part of the metallic clamp  100  and the at least one separate bottom part of the metallic clamp  100  using at least one metallic crimp ring  202 . While  FIG. 2  is shown to have three openings in clamp  100 , it is noted that this embodiment may include any cable or wire connector application which requires EMC shielding. This embodiment may include 2 or 4 cable applications which require noise isolation for high frequency/data rate systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize the present invention may be modified without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a general view of an embodiment of the present invention. Assembled connector  300  shows backshell housing  201  with clamp  100  installed. Embodiment  300  may include at least one cable  206  connected to adapter or clamp  100  and backshell housing  201 . While  FIG. 3  is shown to have three openings in clamp  100 , it is noted that this embodiment may include any cable or wire connector application which requires EMC shielding. This embodiment may include 2 or 4 cable applications which require noise isolation for high frequency/data rate systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize the present invention may be modified without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
   The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.