Abstract:
A shield for a communication cable can comprise a narrow substrate of electrically insulating material extending lengthwise along the cable. Patches of electrically conductive material can be disposed on, in, or adjacent the substrate, with the patches electrically isolated from one another. The substrate can comprise holes, apertures, openings, and/or areas in which substrate material has been eliminated, reduced, thinned, or removed. Reducing substrate material can benefit the communication cable, for example imparting the cable with an improved burn, flammability, or smoke characteristic or performance rating/score, for example. The resulting cable can comprise a shield that is electrically discontinuous between opposite ends of the cable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/313,914, filed Nov. 25, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,923,641 in the name of Delton C. Smith et al. and entitled “Communication Cable Comprising Electrically Isolated Patches of Shielding Material,” which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/502,777, filed Aug. 11, 2006 now abandoned in the name of Delton C. Smith et al. and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Fabricating Noise-Mitigating Cable.” The entire contents of each of the above identified patent applications, and specifically U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/313,914 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/502,777, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/313,910, filed Nov. 25, 2008 in the name of Delton C. Smith et al. and entitled “Communication Cable Comprising Electrically Discontinuous Shield Having Nonmetallic Appearance,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporate herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     The present invention relates to communication cables that are shielded from electromagnetic radiation and more specifically to shielding a twisted pair communication cable with patches of electrically conductive material disposed adjacent a dielectric substrate comprising holes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As the desire for enhanced communication bandwidth escalates, transmission media need to convey information at higher speeds while maintaining signal fidelity and avoiding crosstalk. However, effects such as noise, interference, crosstalk, alien crosstalk, and alien elfext crosstalk can strengthen with increased data rates, thereby degrading signal quality or integrity. For example, when two cables are disposed adjacent one another, data transmission in one cable can induce signal problems in the other cable via crosstalk interference. 
     One approach to addressing crosstalk in a communication cable is to circumferentially encase the cable in a continuous shield, such as a flexible metallic tube or a foil that coaxially surrounds the cable&#39;s conductors. However, shielding based on convention technology can be expensive to manufacture and/or cumbersome to install in the field. In particular, complications can arise when a cable is encased by a shield that is electrically continuous between the two ends of the cable. 
     In a typical application, each cable end connects to a terminal device such as an electrical transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. The continuous shield can inadvertently carry voltage along the cable, for example from one terminal device at one end of the cable towards another terminal device at the other end of the cable. If a person contacts the shielding, the person may receive a shock if the shielding is not properly grounded. Continuous cable shields are typically grounded at both ends of the cable to address shock hazards and further to reduce loop currents that can interfere with transmitted signals. 
     Such a continuous shield can also set up standing waves of electromagnetic energy based on signals received from nearby energy sources. In this scenario, the shield&#39;s standing wave can radiate electromagnetic energy, somewhat like an antenna, that may interfere with wireless communication devices or other sensitive equipment operating nearby. 
     Accordingly, to address these representative deficiencies in the art, what is needed is an improved capability for shielding conductors that may carry high-speed communication signals. Another need exists for a method and apparatus for efficiently manufacturing communication cables that are resistant to noise. Another need exists for a cable construction that effectively suppresses crosstalk and/or other interference without providing an electrically conductive path between ends of the cable. Another need exists for an electrically discontinuous shield that provides beneficial flammability or smoke characteristics. A capability addressing one or more of such needs would support increasing bandwidth without unduly increasing cost or installation complexity. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention supports providing shielding for cables that may communicate data or other information. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a tape can comprise a narrow strip or ribbon of dielectric or electrically insulating material, for example in the form of a film. Electrically conductive patches can be disposed against or adjacent at least one side of the tape. The patches can comprise aluminum, copper, a metallic substance, or some other appropriate material that readily conducts electricity, for example. The tape can support the patches, for example with the patches being attached to the tape. The tape can comprise holes, windows, apertures, or areas in which dielectric or insulating material has been reduced, removed, lessened, thinned, or eliminated. 
     The tape and the associated patches can provide a shield that can be electrically discontinuous between opposite ends of a cable. While electricity can flow freely in each individual patch, isolating gaps or spaces between patches can provide patch-to-patch discontinuity for inhibiting electricity from flowing along the full length of the tape. The tape can be disposed in a communication cable that comprises signal conductors, such as insulated metallic wires. The tape can shield the signal conductors from interference. 
     The discussion of shielding conductors presented in this summary is for illustrative purposes only. Various aspects of the present invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and by reference to the drawings and the claims that follow. Moreover, other aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects are to be included within this description, are to be within the scope of the present invention, and are to be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary communication cable that comprises a segmented tape functioning as a shield in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are, respectively, overhead and cross sectional views of an exemplary segmented tape that comprises a pattern of conductive patches attached to a dielectric film substrate in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is an illustration of an exemplary technique for wrapping a segmented tape lengthwise around a pair of conductors in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B , collectively  FIG. 3 , are a flowchart depicting an exemplary process for manufacturing shielded cable in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, collectively  FIG. 4 , are illustrations of exemplary segmented tapes comprising conductive patches disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric film in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D, collectively  FIG. 5 , are illustrations, from different viewing perspectives, of an exemplary segmented tape comprising conductive patches disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric film in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an exemplary geometry for a conductive patch of a segmented tape in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of an exemplary orientation for conductive patches of a segmented tape with respect to a twisted pair of conductors in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a core of a communication cable comprising conductive patches disposed in an exemplary geometry with respect to a twist direction of twisted pairs and to a twist direction of the cable core in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B , collectively  FIG. 9 , are illustrations of an exemplary segmented tape comprising conductive patches disposed over holes in a dielectric tape in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of an exemplary segmented tape comprising conductive patches inlayed in holes in a dielectric tape in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional illustration of a segmented tape comprising conductive patches attached to two film rails that extend lengthwise in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the above drawings. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, certain dimension may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention supports shielding a communication cable, wherein at least one break or discontinuity in a shielding material electrically isolates shielding at one end of the cable from shielding at the other end of the cable. As an alternative to forming a continuous or contiguous conductive path, the tape can be segmented or can comprise intermittently conductive patches or areas. The patches or areas can be attached to or otherwise disposed adjacent a substrate, such as a ribbon of dielectric material. The substrate can comprise one or more holes or opening that reduce the amount of substrate material that the communication cable comprises. Reducing the amount of substrate material can provide beneficial burn or smoke characteristics. 
     Cables comprising segmented tapes, and technology for making such cables, will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , which describe representative embodiments of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the segmented tape can be characterized as shielding tape or as tape with segments or patches of conductive material.  FIG. 1  provides an end-on view of a cable comprising segmented tape.  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  9 ,  10 , and  11  illustrate representative segmented tapes.  FIG. 2C  describes wrapping segmented tape around or over conductors.  FIG. 3  describes a process for making cable with segmented shielding.  FIGS. 7 and 8  describe orientations of patches in cables. 
     The invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those having ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all “examples,” “embodiments,” and “exemplary embodiments” given herein are intended to be non-limiting, and among others supported by representations of the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , this figure illustrates a cross sectional view of a communication cable  100  that comprises a segmented tape  125  functioning as a shield according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     The core  110  of the cable  100  contains four pairs of conductors  105 , four being an exemplary rather than limiting number. Each pair  105  can be a twisted pair that carries data at 10 Gbps, for example. The pairs  105  can each have the same twist rate (twists-per-meter or twists-per-foot) or may be twisted at different rates. 
     The core  110  can be hollow as illustrated or alternatively can comprise a gelatinous, solid, or foam material, for example in the interstitial spaces between the individual conductors  105 . In one exemplary embodiment, one or more members can separate each of the conductor pairs  105  from the other conductor pairs  105 . For example, the core  110  can contain an extruded or pultruded separator that extends along the cable  110  and that provides a dedicated cavity or channel for each of the four conductor pairs  105 . Viewed end-on or in cross section, the separator could have a cross-shaped geometry or an x-shaped geometry. 
     Such an internal separator can increase physical separation between each conductor pair  105  and can help maintain a random orientation of each pair  105  relative to the other pairs  105  when the cable  100  is field deployed. 
     A segmented tape  125  surrounds and shields the four conductor pairs  105 . As discussed in further detail below, the segmented tape  125  comprises a dielectric substrate  150  with patches  175  of conductive material attached thereto. As illustrated, the segmented tape  125  extends longitudinally along the length of the cable  100 , essentially running parallel with and wrapping over the conductors  105 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the segmented tape  125  can wind helically or spirally around the conductor pairs  105 . More generally, the segmented tape  125  can circumferentially cover, house, encase, or enclose the conductor pairs  105 . Thus, the segmented tape  125  can circumscribe the conductors  105 , to extend around or over the conductors  105 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts the segmented tape  125  as partially circumscribing the conductors  105 , that illustrated geometry is merely one example. In many situations, improved blockage of radiation will result from overlapping the segmented tape  125  around the conductors  105 , so that the segmented tape fully circumscribes the conductors  105 . Moreover, in certain embodiments, the side edges of the segmented tape  125  can essentially butt up to one another around the core  110  of the cable  100 . Further, in certain embodiments, a significant gap can separate these edges, so that the segmented tape  125  does not fully circumscribe the core  110 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, one side edge of the segmented tape  125  is disposed over the other side edge of the tape  125 . In other words, the edges can overlap one another, with one edge being slightly closer to the center of the core  110  than the other edge. 
     An outer jacket  115  of polymer seals the cable  110  from the environment and provides strength and structural support. The jacket  115  can be characterized as an outer sheath, a jacket, a casing, or a shell. A small annular spacing  120  may separate the jacket  115  from the segmented tape  125 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the cable  100  or some other similarly noise mitigated cable can meet a transmission requirement for “10 G Base-T data com cables.” In one exemplary embodiment, the cable  100  or some other similarly noise mitigated cable can meet the requirements set forth for 10 Gbps transmission in the industry specification known as TIA 568-B.2-10 and/or the industry specification known as ISO 11801. Accordingly, the noise mitigation that the segmented tape  125  provides can help one or more twisted pairs of conductors  105  transmit data at 10 Gbps or faster without unduly experiencing bit errors or other transmission impairments. As discussed in further detail below, an automated and scalable process can fabricate the cable  100  using the segmented tape  125 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , these figures respectively illustrate overhead and cross sectional views of a segmented tape  125  that comprises a pattern of conductive patches  175  attached to a dielectric film substrate  150  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict an exemplary embodiment of the segmented tape  125  shown in  FIG. 1  and discussed above. More specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a cross sectional view of the cable  100  wherein the cross section cuts through one of the conductive patches  175 , perpendicular to the major axis of the segmented tape  125 . 
     The segmented tape  125  comprises a substrate film  150  of flexible dielectric material that can be wound around and stored on a spool. That is, the illustrated section of segmented tape  125  can be part of a spool of segmented tape  125 . The film can comprise a polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyimide, or some other polymer or dielectric material that does not ordinarily conduct electricity. That is, the segmented tape  125  can comprise a thin strip of pliable material that has at least some capability for electrical insulation. In one exemplary embodiment, the pliable material can comprise a membrane or a deformable sheet. In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate is formed of the polyester material sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company under the registered trademark MYLAR. 
     The conductive patches  175  can comprise aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, or some metallic alloy or combination of materials that readily transmits electricity. The individual patches  175  can be separated from one another so that each patch  175  is electrically isolated from the other patches  175 . That is, the respective physical separations between the patches  175  can impede the flow of electricity between adjacent patches  175 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the isolation is at least below about 120 hertz, is at least below about 60 hertz, or is at least for direct current (“DC”) voltage or current. 
     The conductive patches  175  can span fully across the segmented tape  125 , between the tape&#39;s long edges. As discussed in further detail below, the conductive patches  175  can be attached to the dielectric substrate  150  via gluing, bonding, adhesion, printing, painting, welding, coating, heated fusion, melting, or vapor deposition, to name a few examples. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175  can be over-coated with an electrically insulating film, such as a polyester coating (not shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175  are sandwiched between two dielectric films, the dielectric substrate  150  and another electrically insulating film (not shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). 
     The segmented tape  125  can have a width that corresponds to the circumference of the core  110  of the cable  100 . The width can be slightly smaller than, essentially equal to, or larger than the core circumference, depending on whether the longitudinal edges of the segmented tape  125  are to be separated, butted together, or overlapping, with respect to one another in the cable  100 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the dielectric substrate  150  has a thickness of about 1-5 mils (thousandths of an inch) or about 25-125 microns. Each conductive patch  175  can comprise a coating of aluminum having a thickness of about 0.5 mils or about 13 microns. Each patch  175  can have a length of about 1.5 to 2 inches or about 4 to 5 centimeters. Other exemplary embodiments can have dimensions following any of these ranges, or some other values as may be useful. The dimensions can be selected to provide electromagnetic shielding over a specific band of electromagnetic frequencies or above or below a designated frequency threshold, for example. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2C , this figure illustrates wrapping a segmented tape  125  lengthwise around a pair of conductors  105  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Thus,  FIG. 2C  shows how the segmented tape  125  discussed above can be wrapped around or over one or more pairs of conductors  125  as an intermediate step in forming a cable  100  as depicted in  FIG. 1  and discussed above. While  FIG. 1  depicts four pairs of wrapped conductors  105 ,  FIG. 2C  illustrates wrapping a single pair  105  as an aid to visualizing an exemplary assembly technique. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the pair of conductors  105  is disposed adjacent the segmented tape  125 . The conductors  105  extend essentially parallel with the major or longitudinal axis/dimension of the segmented tape  125 . Thus, the conductors  105  can be viewed as being parallel to the surface or plane of the segmented tape  125 . Alternatively, the conductors  105  can be viewed as being over or under the segmented tape  125  or being situated along the center axis of the segmented tape  125 . Moreover, the conductors  105  can be viewed as being essentially parallel to one or both edges of the segmented tape  125 . 
     The long edges of the segmented tape  125  are brought up over the conductors  105 , thereby encasing the conductors  105  or wrapping the segmented tape  125  around or over the conductors  105 . In an exemplary embodiment, the motion can be characterized as folding or curling the segmented tape  125  over the conductors  105 . As discussed above, the long edges of the segmented tape  125  can overlap one another following the illustrated motion. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the segmented tape  125  is wrapped around the conductors  105  without substantially spiraling the segmented tape  125  around or about the conductors. Alternatively, the segmented tape  125  can be wrapped so as to spiral around the conductors  105 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175  face inward, towards the conductors  105 . In another exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175  face away from the conductors  105 , towards the exterior of the cable  100 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the segmented tape  125  and the conductors  105  are continuously fed from reels, bins, containers, or other bulk storage facilities into a narrowing chute or a funnel that curls the segmented tape  125  over the conductors  105 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 2C  describes operations in a zone of a cabling machine, wherein segmented tape  125  fed from one reel (not illustrated) is brought into contact with conductors  105  feeding off of another reel. That is, the segmented tape  125  and the pair of conductors  105  can synchronously and/or continuously feed into a chute or a mechanism that brings the segmented tape  125  and the conductors  105  together and that curls the segmented tape  125  lengthwise around the conductors  105 . So disposed, the segmented tape  125  encircles or encases the conductors  105  in discontinuous, conductive patches. 
     Downstream from this mechanism (or as a component of this mechanism), a nozzle or outlet port can extrude a polymeric jacket, skin, casing, or sheath  115  over the segmented tape, thus providing the basic architecture depicted in  FIG. 1  and discussed above. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , this figure is a flowchart depicting a process  300  for manufacturing shielded cable  100  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Process  300  can produce the cable  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  using the segmented tape  125  and the conductors  105  as base materials. 
     At Step  305  an extruder produces a film of dielectric material, such as polyester, which is wound onto a roll or a reel. At this stage, the film can be much wider than the circumference of any particular cable in which it may ultimately be used and might one to three meters across, for example. As discussed in further detail below, the extruded film will be processed to provide the dielectric substrate  150  discussed above. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the extruder or another machine cuts or punches holes or windows into the dielectric film before the dielectric film is wound onto the roll or reel. 
     At Step  310 , a material handling system transports the roll to a metallization machine or to a metallization station. The material handling system can be manual, for example based on one or more human operated forklifts or may alternatively be automated, thereby requiring minimal, little, or essentially no human intervention during routine operation. The material handling may also be tandemized with a film producing station. Material handing can also comprise transporting materials between production facilities or between vendors or independent companies, for example via a supplier relationship. 
     At Step  315 , the metallization machine unwinds the roll of dielectric film and applies a pattern of conductive patches to the film. The patches typically comprise strips that extend across the roll, perpendicular to the flow of the film off of the roll. The patches are typically formed while the sheet of film is moving from a take-off roll (or reel) to a take-up roll (or reel). As discussed in further detail below, the resulting material will be further processed to provide multiple of the segmented tapes  125  discussed above. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the metallization machine can apply the conductive patches to the dielectric film by coating the moving sheet of dielectric film with ink or paint comprising metal. In one exemplary embodiment, the metallization machine can laminate segments of metallic film onto the dielectric film. Heat, pressure, radiation, adhesive, or a combination thereof can laminate the metallic film to the dielectric film. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the metallization machine cuts a feed of pressure-sensitive metallic tape into appropriately sized segments. Each cut segment is placed onto the moving dielectric film and is bonded thereto with pressure, thus forming a pattern of conductive strips across the dielectric film. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the metallization machine creates conductive areas on the dielectric film using vacuum deposition, electrostatic printing, or some other metallization process known in the art. 
     As discussed in further detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4-7 , in certain exemplary embodiments, the metallization machine applies conductive patches  175  to both sides of the film, so that conductive patches  175  on one film side cover un-patched areas on the other film side. In other exemplary embodiments, the metallization machine applies conductive patches  175  over or into holes or apertures in the film as discussed in further detail below with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     At Step  320 , the material handling system transports the roll of film, which comprises a pattern of conductive areas or patches at this stage, to a slitting machine. At Step  325 , an operator, or a supervisory computer-based controller, of the slitting machine enters a diameter of the core  110  of the cable  100  that is to be manufactured. 
     At Step  330 , the slitting machine responds to the entry and moves its slitting blades or knives to a width corresponding to the circumference of the core  110  of the cable  100 . As discussed above, the slitting width can be slightly less than the circumference, thus producing a gap around the conductor(s) or slightly larger than the circumference to facilitate overlapping the edges of the segmented tape  125  in the cable  100 . 
     At Step  335 , the slitting machine unwinds the roll and passes the sheet through the slitting blades, thereby slitting the wide sheet into narrow strips, ribbons, or tapes  125  that have widths corresponding to the circumferences of one or more cables  100 . The slitting machine winds each tape  125  unto a separate roll, reel, or spool, thereby producing the segmented tape  125  as a roll or in some other bulk form. 
     While the illustrated embodiment of Process  300  creates conductive patches on a wide piece of film and then slits the resulting material into individual segmented tapes  125 , that sequence is merely one possibility. Alternatively, a wide roll of dielectric film can be slit into strips of appropriate width that are wound onto individual rolls. A metallization machine can then apply conductive patches  175  to each narrow-width roll, thereby producing the segmented tape  125 . Moreover, a cable manufacturer might purchase pre-sized rolls of the dielectric film  150  and then apply the conductive patches  175  thereto to create corresponding rolls of the segmented tape  125 . 
     At Step  340 , the material handling system transports the roll of sized segmented tape  125 , which comprises the conductive patches  175  or some form of isolated segments of electrically conductive material, to a cabling system. The material handling system loads the roll of the segmented tape  125  into the cabling system&#39;s feed area, typically on a designated spindle. The feed area is typically a facility where the cabling machine receives bulk feedstock materials, such as segmented tape  125  and conductors  105 . 
     At Step  345 , the material handling system loads rolls, reels, or spools of conductive wires onto designated spindles at the cabling system&#39;s feed area. To produce the cable  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  as discussed above, the cabling system would typically use four reels, each holding one of the four pairs of conductors  105 . 
     At Step  350 , the cabling system unwinds the roll of the segmented tape  125  and, in a coordinated or synchronous fashion, unwinds the pairs of conductors  105 . Thus, the segmented tape  125  and the conductors  105  feed together as they move through the cabling system. 
     A tapered feed chute or a funneling device places the conductors  105  adjacent the segmented tape  125 , for example as illustrated in  FIG. 2C  and discussed above. The cabling system typically performs this material placement on the moving conductors  105  and segmented tape  125 , without necessarily requiring either the conductors  105  or the segmented tape  125  to stop. In other words, tape-to-conductor alignment occurs on a moving steam of materials. 
     At Step  355 , a curling mechanism wraps the segmented tape  125  around the conductors  105 , typically as shown in  FIG. 2C  and as discussed above, thereby forming the core  110  of the cable  100 . The curling mechanism can comprise a tapered chute, a narrowing or curved channel, a horn, or a contoured surface that deforms the segmented tape  125  over the conductors  105 , typically so that the long edges of the segmented tape  125  overlap one another. 
     As will be discussed in further detail below with reference to  FIG. 7 , the conductive patches can be oriented so as to spiral in an opposite direction to pair and/or core twist of the cable  100 . 
     At Step  360 , an extruder of the cabling system extrudes the polymer jacket  115  over the segmented tape  125  (and the conductors  105  wrapped therein), thereby forming the cable  100 . Extrusion typically occurs downstream from the curling mechanism or in close proximity thereof. Accordingly, the jacket  115  typically forms as the segmented tape  125 , the conductors  105 , and the core  110  move continuously downstream through the cabling system. 
     At Step  365 , a take-up reel at the downstream side of the cabling system winds up the finished cable  100  in preparation for field deployment. Following Step  365 , Process  300  ends and the cable  100  is completed. Accordingly, Process  300  provides an exemplary method for fabricating a cable comprising an electrically discontinuous shield that protects against electromagnetic interference and that supports high-speed communication. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the electrically discontinuous shield comprises a pattern of conductive patches disposed substantially against an insulating substrate that includes a corresponding pattern of holes. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , this figure illustrates segmented tapes  400 ,  425 ,  475  comprising conductive patches  175 A,  175 B disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric film  150  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The tapes  400 ,  425 , and  475  are alternative embodiments to the segmented tape  125  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The tape  400  of  FIG. 4A  comprises conductive patches  175 A attached to the tape side  150 A with isolating spaces  450 A between adjacent conductive patches  175 A. In other words, the conductive patches  175 A are separated from one another to avoid patch-to-patch electrical contact. Additional conductive patches  175 B are disposed on the tape side  150 B, and isolating spaces  450 B likewise provide electrical isolation between and/or among those conductive patches  175 B. 
     The conductive patches  175 A on tape side  150 A cover the isolating spaces  450 B of tape side  150 B. Likewise, the conductive patches  175 B on tape side  150 B cover the isolating spaces  450 A of tape side  150 A. In other words, the conductive patches  175 A,  175 B on one tape side  150 A,  150 B block, are in front of, are behind, or are disposed over the isolating spaces  450 A,  450 B on the opposite tape side  150 A,  150 B. 
     When the tape  400  is deployed in the cable  100  with overlapping or abutted tape edges, for example as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the conductive patches  175 A and  175 B cooperate to fully circumscribe the pairs  105 . That is, the pairs  105  are circumferentially covered and encased by the conductive areas of the conductive patches  175 A and  175 B. Such coverage blocks incoming and/or outgoing radiation from passing through the isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4B , a dielectric film  430  covers the tape side  150 B of the tape  400 . The resulting dielectric coating provides an electrically insulating barrier to avoid contact of the conductive patches  175 B with one another or with the conductive patches  175 A when the tape  425  is wrapped around the pairs  105 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the dielectric film  430  and/or the dielectric film  150  can comprise holes that are organized or oriented with respect to the conductive patches  175 A and/or the conductive patches  175 B. Such embodiments will be further described below with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     Typically, the tape  425  is disposed in the cable  100  such that the exposed conductive patches  175 A face away from the pairs  105 , while the dielectric film  430  and the conductive patches  175 B face towards the pairs  105 . With this orientation, the conductive patches  175 A can have a thickness of about 0.1 to 1.0 mils of aluminum, and the conductive patches  175 B can have a thickness of about 1.0 to 1.6 mils of aluminum. Such geometry, dimension, and materials can provide shielding that achieves beneficial high-frequency isolation. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175 A and the conductive patches  175 B have substantially different thicknesses. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175 A and the conductive patches  175 B have substantially different thicknesses and are formed of essentially the same conductive material. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175 A are thicker than a skin depth associated with signals communicated over the cable  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175 B are thicker than a skin depth associated with signals communicated over the cable  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, each of the conductive patches  175 A and the conductive patches  175 B is thicker than a skin depth associated with signals communicated over the cable  100 . 
     The term “skin depth,” as used herein, generally refers to the depth below a conductive surface at which an induced current falls to 1/e (about 37 percent) of the value at the conductive surface, wherein the induced current results from propagating communication signals in an adjacent wire or similar conductor. This term usage is intended to be consistent with that of one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, performance benefit results from making the conductive patches  175 A and or the conductive patches  175 B with a thickness of about three or more times a skin depth. In certain exemplary embodiments, performance benefit results from making the conductive patches  175 A and or the conductive patches  175 B with a thickness of at least two times a skin depth. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the cable  100  carries signals comprising a frequency component of 100 megahertz (“MHz”), and the skin depth is computed or otherwise determined based on such a frequency. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4C , another dielectric film  435  covers the tape side  150 A of the tape  500 . Thus, the dielectric film  435  insulates the conductive patches  175 A from contact with one another (or some other electrical conductor) when the tape  475  is deployed in the cable  100  as discussed above. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , this figure illustrates, from different viewing perspectives, a segmented tape  500  comprising conductive patches  175 A,  175 B disposed on opposite sides  150 A,  150 B of a dielectric film  150  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of the tape  500 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a view of the tape side  150 A of the tape  500 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a view of the tape side  150 B of the tape  500 .  FIG. 5D  illustrates a view of the tape  500  in which both tape sides  150 A and  150 B are visible, as if the tape  500  was partially transparent. (The dielectric film  435  may be opaque, colored or transparent, while the conductive patches  175 A,  175  may be visibly metallic, nonmetallic, opaque, or partially transparent.) Thus,  FIG. 5D  depicts the tape  500  as transparent to illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the conductive patches  175 A cover the isolating spaces  450 B, and the conductive patches  175 B cover the isolating spaces  450 A. 
     In the exemplary embodiment that  FIG. 5  illustrates, each of the conductive patches  175 A and  175 B has a geometric form of a parallelogram with two acute angles  600  (see  FIG. 6 ) that are opposite one another and two obtuse angles  610  (see  FIG. 6 ) that are opposite one another. The conductive patches  175 A and the conductive patches  175 B are oriented in the same longitudinal direction with respect to each other. Thus, along one edge of the tape  500 , the acute corners (see  FIG. 6  under reference number  600 ) of the patches  175 A and the patches  175 B point in the same tape direction. In certain exemplary embodiments, the conductive patches  175 A and/or the conductive patches  175 B can be disposed over, in, or adjacent holes in the dielectric substrate  150 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , this figure illustrates a geometry for a conductive patch  175 A of a segmented tape  500  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the acute angle  600  facilitates manufacturing, helps the patches  175 A and  175 B cover the opposing isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B, and enhances patch-to-substrate adhesion. 
     The acute angle  600  results in the isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B being oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the pairs  105  and the longitudinal axis of the cable  105 . If any manufacturing issue results in part of the isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B not being completely covered (by a conductive patch  175 A,  175 B on the opposite tape side  150 A,  150 B), such an open area will likewise be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the pairs  105 . Such an opening will therefore spiral about the pairs  105 , rather than circumscribing a single longitudinal location of the cable  105 . Such a spiraling opening is believed to have a lesser impact on shielding than would an opening circumscribing a single longitudinal location. In other words, an inadvertent opening that spirals would allow less unwanted transmission of electromagnetic interference that a non-spiraling opening. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 45 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 35 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 30 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 25 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 20 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is about 15 degrees or less. In certain exemplary embodiments, benefit is achieved when the acute angle  600  is between about 12 and 40 degrees. In certain exemplary embodiments, the acute angle  600  is in a range between any two of the degree values provided in this paragraph. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , this figure illustrates an orientation for conductive patches  175 B of a segmented tape  500  with respect to a twisted pair  105  of conductors according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The pair  105  has a particular twist direction  750  (clockwise or counter clockwise) known as a twist lay. That is, the pair  105  may have a “left hand lay” or a “right hand lay.” 
     When the tape  500  is wrapped around the pair  105  as illustrated in  FIG. 2C  and discussed above, the conductive patches  175 B spiral about the pair in a direction that is opposite the twist lay. That is, if the pair  105  is twisted in a counterclockwise direction, the conductive patches  175 B (as well as the conductive patches  175 A and the isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B) spiral in a clockwise direction. If the pair  105  is twisted in a clockwise direction, the conductive patches  175 B (as well as the conductive patches  175 A and the isolating spaces  450 A and  450 B) spiral in a counterclockwise direction. 
     With this rotational configuration, the edges of the conductive patches  175 B that extend across the tape  500  tend to be more perpendicular to each of the individually insulated conductors of the pair  105 , than would result from the opposite configuration. In most exemplary embodiments and applications, this configuration can provide an enhanced level of shielding performance. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , this figure illustrates a core  110  of a communication cable  100  comprising conductive patches  175 A disposed in a particular geometry with respect to a twist direction  750  of twisted pairs  105  and to a twist direction  865  of the cable core  110  according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7 , the conductive patches  175 A and  175 B have a spiral direction  860  that is opposite the twist direction  750  of the pairs. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the core  110  of the cable  100  is also twisted. That is, the four twisted pairs  105  are collectively twisted about a longitudinal axis of the cable  100  in a common direction  865 . The twist direction  865  of the core  110  is opposite the spiral direction of the conductive patches  175 A. That is, if the core  110  is twisted in a clockwise direction, then the conductive patches  175 A spiral about the core  110  in a counterclockwise direction. If the core  110  is twisted in a counterclockwise direction, then the conductive patches  175 A spiral about the core  110  in a clockwise direction. Thus, cable lay opposes the direction of the patch spiral. In most exemplary embodiments and applications, this configuration can provide an enhanced level of shielding performance. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , this figure illustrates, from different viewing perspectives, an exemplary segmented tape  900  comprising conductive patches  175  disposed over holes  925  in a dielectric substrate  150  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view, while  FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross sectional view, the cross section cutting through one of the conductive patches  175 . 
     The tape  900  can be an exemplary embodiment of the segmented tape  125  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Accordingly, the segmented tape  900  can be deployed and/or utilized as described above. In certain exemplary embodiments, better burn, smoke, or flame characteristics of the cable  100  can be achieved by including holes  925  in the dielectric substrate  150 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Many dielectric materials that can be used to produce the dielectric substrate  150  are flammable or produce smoke at high temperatures. Creating open areas, windows, apertures, or holes in the dielectric substrate  150  reduces the amount of flammable material in the cable  100 , thereby improving smoke, flame, and/or burn performance. 
     The tape  900  comprises holes  925  that provide openings through the dielectric substrate  150 , extending from tape side  150 A to tape side  150 B. Each of the conductive patches  175  covers a respective opening of a hole  925  on tape side  150 A. In certain embodiments, the conductive patches  175  completely cover the openings of the holes  925  on tape side  150 A, for example overlapping the regions  930  and  935  on tape side  150 A. 
     The conductive patches  175  can be attached to tape side  150 A by applying an adhesive between the tape side  150 A and the area of the conductive patches  175  that overlaps the tape side  150 A. As discussed above, with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the conductive patches  175  can be attached to the dielectric substrate  150  via gluing, bonding, adhesion, printing, painting, welding, coating, heated fusion, melting, vapor deposition, or another suitable method. 
     Although the holes  925  and conductive patches  175  in the illustrated embodiment are both square-shaped, the holes  925  and conductive patches  175  can be any appropriate shape, including parallelograms as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , circles, triangles, etc. Furthermore, the shape of the holes  925  and the shape of the conductive patches  175  can be different or distinct with respect to one another. For example, a triangular conductive patch might be disposed over a round hole. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the dielectric substrate  150  comprises a plastic or a polymer, such as polyester. In certain exemplary embodiment, the conductive patches  175  are attached to a thin ribbon or tape of paper, such as boric acid coated kraft paper or a gossamer material. In certain exemplary embodiments, the dielectric substrate  150  can be a paper tape comprising holes. Alternatively, a paper substrate may be substantially free of holes or apertures. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , this figure illustrates an exemplary segmented tape  1000  comprising conductive patches  175  inlayed in holes  925  in a dielectric substrate  150  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the conductive patches  175  are disposed substantially below the surface of tape side  150 . More specifically, a conductive patch  175  is disposed in each of the holes  925  of dielectric substrate  150 , between tape side  150 A and tape side  150 B. For clarity of illustration, the cross sectional view of  FIG. 10  does not illustrate features of the segmented tape  1000  that are behind the viewing plane. 
     The edges of each conductive patch  175  can be longer than the edges of the hole  925  in which the conductive patch  175  is inlayed. Accordingly, the conductive patch  175  can completely fill the area of the hole  925  and extend into the dielectric substrate  150 . The perimeter of the conductive patch  175  can be embedded in the dielectric substrate  150 . The sides of the conductive patch  175  that extend into the dielectric substrate  150  can be attached to the dielectric substrate  150  via gluing, bonding, adhesion, printing, painting, welding, coating, heated fusion, melting, vapor deposition, dovetailing, friction, pinching, force, or another suitable method. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , this figure illustrates, in cross section, an exemplary segmented tape  1100  comprising conductive patches  175  attached to two film rails  1105  that extend lengthwise. The segmented tape  1100  can be an exemplary embodiment of the segmented tape  125  discussed above. Thus, the segmented tape  1100  illustrated in  FIG. 11  can be incorporated in cables, configured, used, and/or applied as described above. 
     Each of the film rails  1105  can be structurally analogous to a rail of a ladder, with the conductive patches  175  disposed like ladder rungs. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the conductive patches  175  spans between and attaches to the two film rails  1105 . The conductive patches  175  can be attached to the film rails  1105  via gluing, bonding, adhesion, welding, heated fusion, melting, or another suitable method. So attached, the two film rails  1105  support the conductive patches  175  to facilitate cable assembly and to maintain patch orientation in an assembled cable, such as the cable  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and discussed above. The segmented tape  1100  can comprise a frame having an open area with conductive patches  175  attached to the frame and disposed across the open area. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the film rails  1105  comprises a thin strip or ribbon of dielectric film. In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the film rails  1105  comprises one or more filaments of fiberglass or other material with suitable electrically insulating or dielectric properties. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the present invention will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the claims that follow.