Patent Publication Number: US-9847154-B2

Title: Communication cable including a helically-wrapped shielding tape

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/045,396, filed on Sep. 3, 2014 and having the same title. The above application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to a communication cable that includes a plurality of insulated conductors and a helically-wrapped shielding tape that surrounds the insulated conductors. 
     Communication cables include insulated conductors that extend alongside each other for a length of the communication cable. For instance, a communication cable may include a pair of the insulated conductors extending parallel to each other. Examples of such communication cables include twin-axial cables, which are also referred to as Twinax or twin-axial cables. The insulated conductors may be surrounded by a shielding tape that, in turn, is surrounded by a cable jacket. The shielding tape includes a conductive foil that functions to shield the insulated conductors from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and generally improve performance. 
     In a conventional twin-axial cable, the shielding tape is a composite tape that includes a plastic backing and a conductive foil. The plastic backing increases the strength of the shielding tape and protects the conductive foil from tearing or other damage. Like other types of tape, the shielding tape includes a lateral edge at an end of the shielding tape and a pair of longitudinal edges that extend parallel to each other along a length of the shielding tape. When the shielding tape of the conventional twin-axial cable is wrapped around the insulated conductors, the conductive foil typically faces radially-inward and engages the insulated conductors. The shielding tape is helically wrapped around the insulated conductors such that the longitudinal edges repeatedly wrap around the insulated conductors in a helical manner. 
     In the conventional twin-axial cable described above, the shielding tape has numerous “wraps” around the insulated conductors in which each wrap is moved further along the length of the cable with respect to the prior wrap. Each subsequent wrap extends partially over the prior wrap such that a portion of the conductive foil from the subsequent wrap overlaps with a portion of the plastic backing from the prior wrap. Consequently, the conductive foil from the subsequent wrap is electrically isolated from the conductive foil of the prior wrap along this overlapped region. More specifically, the conductive foil of the subsequent wrap and the conductive foil of the prior wrap are separated from each other by the plastic backing of the prior wrap. It is suspected that this electrical isolation along the overlapped region, which also extends around the insulated conductors in a helical manner, causes a “suck-out” effect that limits the data transmission speed of the cable. For example, conventional twin-axial cables having a wrapped shielding tape may have a maximum data transmission speed of 14 Gigabits/second (Gbps). 
     An alternative twin-axial cable has been used in which the shielding tape is not repeatedly wrapped around the insulated conductors. Instead, the shielding tape is folded over the insulated conductors such that one longitudinal edge of the shielding tape overlaps the opposite longitudinal edge. In this configuration, the longitudinal edges extend generally parallel to the insulated conductors (or a centerline of the cable). Although the folded configuration reduces the suck-out effect, this alternative cable has a limited flexibility compared to the communication cables having shielding tapes that are helically wrapped. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a communication cable having a helically-wrapped shielding tape that reduces the suck-out effect. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In an embodiment, a communication cable is provided that includes insulated conductors and a composite tape having an insulative layer and a conductive layer. The composite tape includes first and second lateral sections that are folded over each other to form a shielding tape. The shielding tape includes opposite inner and outer sides that are formed from the first and second lateral sections, respectively, and a folded edge that joins the inner and outer sides. The conductive layer defines the inner side, the outer side, and the folded edge. The shielding tape is wrapped helically about the insulated conductors a plurality of times along a length of the communication cable to form a plurality of wraps. The inner side faces the insulated conductors, and the folded edge leads the shielding tape when the shielding tape is wrapped helically about the insulated conductors. The inner side of a subsequent wrap of the shielding tape overlaps a portion of the outer side of a prior wrap of the shielding tape. The folded edge of the prior wrap extends between and electrically couples the inner side of the prior wrap to the inner side of the subsequent wrap. 
     In some embodiments, the composite tape is folded along a fold line. The insulative layer provides a flex force that biases the first and second lateral sections away from each other proximate to the fold line. The flex force facilitates electrical contact between the outer side of the prior wrap and the inner side of the subsequent wrap. Optionally, the composite tape does not include an adhesive along an exterior of the insulative layer proximate to the fold line. 
     In an embodiment, a cable assembly is provided that includes a cable bundle of communication cables and a cable connector including a plurality of contact modules that form a two-dimensional contact array of the cable connector. The contact modules are electrically coupled to corresponding communication cables of the cable bundle. At least one of the communication cables including insulated conductors and a shielding tape wrapped helically about the insulated conductors. The shielding tape includes a composite tape that has an insulative layer and a conductive layer. The composite tape includes first and second lateral sections that are folded over each other to form the shielding tape. The shielding tape includes opposite inner and outer sides that are formed from the first and second lateral sections, respectively, and a folded edge that joins the inner and outer sides. The conductive layer includes the inner side, the outer side, and the folded edge. The folded edge leads the shielding tape when the shielding tape is wrapped helically about the insulated conductors. The inner side of a subsequent wrap of the shielding tape overlaps a portion of the outer side of a prior wrap of the shielding tape. The folded edge of the prior wrap electrically couples the inner side of the prior wrap to the inner side of the subsequent wrap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cable assembly formed in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary contact module that may be used with the cable assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the contact module of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of a composite tape in accordance with an embodiment that may be used to form a shielding tape. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates end views of the composite tape during a folding operation to form the shielding tape. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a communication cable as the shielding tape of  FIG. 5  is wrapped about insulated conductors. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the communication cable illustrating one wrap of the shielding tape overlapping another wrap of the shielding tape. 
         FIG. 8  includes a graph that shows a relationship between insertion loss and transmission frequency for a conventional communication cable and for the communication cable of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an end view of a shielding tape in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an end view of a shielding tape in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an end view of a shielding tape in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments set forth herein may include communication cables having insulated conductors and shielding tapes wrapped about the insulated conductors. Embodiments may also include cable assemblies (or components thereof) that include one or more of the communication cables. The shielding tapes set forth herein may include opposite inner and outer sides that are conductive. The shielding tapes may also include at least one edge surface that is conductive and electrically couples the inner and outer sides. When the shielding tape is wrapped about the insulated conductors, the inner side of a subsequent wrap of the shielding tape may overlap and engage the outer side of a prior wrap of the shielding tape. The inner side of the subsequent wrap and the outer side of the prior wrap are electrically coupled to each other. 
     In particular embodiments, the shielding tape is folded over itself to form a shielding tape. More specifically, the shielding tape may include an insulative layer and a conductive layer, such as a conductive foil. The shielding tape may be folded such that the insulative layer is folded over itself. In this manner, the conductive layer may include at least portions of the inner and outer sides. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one end of a cable assembly  100  that includes a cable connector  101  and a cable bundle  103  of communication cables  110 . The cable connector  101  includes a plurality of contact modules  102  formed in accordance with one embodiment. Each of the contact modules  102  includes a signal assembly  104  and a shield assembly  106  coupled to the signal assembly  104 . Each of the communication cables  110  is electrically coupled to a corresponding signal assembly  104  and to a corresponding shield assembly  106 . As shown, the contact modules  102  may be positioned in a two-dimensional contact array  118  along a mating face  115  of the cable connector  101 . The cable connector  101  is configured to be mated with a mating connector (not shown), wherein each of the contact modules  102  may engage a corresponding module (not shown) of the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the signal assemblies  104  includes first and second signal contacts  112 ,  114 . The signal contacts  112 ,  114  are at least partially surrounded by the shield assembly  106 . 
     Also shown, the cable connector  101  includes a housing  116  that supports the contact modules  102 . The housing  116  holds the contact modules  102  in parallel such that the contact modules  102  are aligned in rows and columns in the contact array  118 .  FIG. 1  shows one exemplary embodiment, but any number of contact modules  102  may be held by the housing  116  in various arrangements depending on the particular application. 
     The cable connector  101  is configured to engage the mating connector, which may be board-mounted to a printed circuit board or may be another cable connector. In some embodiments, the cable connector  101  is a high speed cable connector including a number of signal pathways that are configured for differential signaling. For example, the communication cable  110  may be configured to transmit data signals at a data rate or speed of 15 Gigabits per second (Gbps), 20 Gbps, 25 Gbps, or more. As described below, signal wires of the differential pairs are shielded along the communication cables  110  to reduce noise, crosstalk, and other interference. 
       FIG. 2  is an isolated perspective of one of the contact modules  102 , and  FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the contact module  102 . As shown, the contact module  102  includes the shield assembly  106  and the signal assembly  104 . The shield assembly  106  may include a first ground shield (or cover shield)  120  and a second ground shield (or base shield)  122  that are configured to be coupled to each other. The signal assembly  104  is located between the first and second ground shields  120 ,  122  when the contact module  102  is assembled. In other embodiments, the shield assembly  106  may include only a single ground shield or, alternatively, the shield assembly  106  may include more than two ground shields. 
     With respect to  FIG. 3 , the signal assembly  104  includes a mounting block  130  that is configured to hold the signal contacts  112 ,  114 . The mounting block  130  has a leading end  152  and a loading end  154  and extends therebetween along a longitudinal axis  156  of the contact module  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block  130  has contact channels  140 ,  142  that are configured to hold the signal contacts  112 ,  114 , respectively. The contact channels  140 ,  142  are generally open along a top side of the mounting block  130  to receive the signal contacts  112 ,  114  therein, but may have other configurations in alternative embodiments. The mounting block  130  may include features to secure the signal contacts  112 ,  114  in the respective contact channels  140 ,  142 . For example, the signal contacts  112 ,  114  may be held by an interference fit therein. In some embodiments, the mounting block  130  and the contact channels  140 ,  142  are designed for impedance control of the signal contacts  112 ,  114 . 
     The mounting block  130  is positioned forward of the communication cable  110 . Signal wires from the communication cable  110 , such as signal wires  250  shown in  FIG. 6 , are configured to extend into the mounting block  130  for termination to the signal contacts  112 ,  114 , respectively. The mounting block  130  is shaped to guide or position the signal wires therein for termination. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal wires are terminated to the signal contacts  112 ,  114  in-situ after being loaded into the mounting block  130 . For example, the mounting block  130  may position the signal contacts  112 ,  114  and the signal wires in direct physical engagement. The signal contacts  112 ,  114  may be terminated to respective signal wires, such as through welding or soldering. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the signal contacts  112 ,  114  extend forward from the mounting block  130  beyond the leading end  152 . The mounting block  130  includes locating posts  158 ,  160  extending from opposite sides of the mounting block  130 . The locating posts  158 ,  160  are configured to position the mounting block  130  with respect to the ground shield  120  when the ground shield  120  is coupled to the mounting block  130 . 
     The signal contacts  112 ,  114  may be stamped and formed from conductive sheet material or may be manufactured by other processes. Each of the signal contacts  112 ,  114  extends lengthwise between a corresponding mating end  172  and a corresponding terminating end (not shown). The signal contacts  112 ,  114  are configured to be terminated to the signal wires at the terminating ends. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal contacts  112 ,  114  have pins  166  that include the mating ends  172 . The pins  166  extend forward from the leading end  152  of the mounting block  130 . The pins  166  are configured to be mated with corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the mating connector (not shown). 
     The ground shield  120  has a plurality of walls  181 ,  182 ,  183  that define a first chamber  176  that is configured to receive the signal assembly  104 . The ground shield  120  extends between a mating end  178  and a terminating end  180 . The mating end  178  is configured to be mated with the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end  178  of the ground shield  120  is positioned either at or beyond the mating ends  172  of the signal contacts  112 ,  114  when the contact module  102  is assembled. The terminating end  180  of the ground shield  120  is positioned either at or beyond the terminating ends of the signal contacts  112 ,  114 . The ground shield  120  may provide shielding along an entire length of the signal contacts  112 ,  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the contact module  102  includes a ground ferrule  196  that is coupled to a terminating end of the communication cable  110 . The ground ferrule  196  is configured to be electrically coupled to a drain wire (not shown) and/or a conductive foil (not shown) of the communication cable  110 . For example, the ground ferrule  196  may be laser-welded to the drain wire. The ground ferrule  196 , in turn, may be coupled to the shield assembly  106 . The ground shield  120  may be coupled to the ground ferrule  196 . For example, the terminating end  180  of the ground shield  120  may be electrically connected to the ground ferrule  196  through soldering or welding. 
     The ground shield  122  has a plurality of walls  185 ,  186 ,  187  that define a second chamber  188  that receives the signal assembly  104 . The ground shield  122  extends between a mating end  190  and a terminating end  192 . The mating end  190  is configured to be mated with the mating connector (not shown). Similar to the ground shield  120 , the ground shield  122  may provide shielding along the length of the signal contacts  112 ,  114 . When the ground shields  120 ,  122  are coupled together to form the shield assembly  106 , the chambers  176 ,  188  overlap each other and/or occupy the same space to become a contact cavity of the contact module  102 . The signal assembly  104  is configured to be positioned within the contact cavity such that the shield assembly  106  peripherally surrounds the signal assembly  104 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an end view of a composite tape  200 . The composite tape  200  is configured to be folded over itself to form a shielding tape  205  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) that is then helically wrapped about insulated conductors  244 ,  246  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the composite tape  200  includes a lateral edge  202  that extends between first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  of the composite tape  200 . The lateral edge  202  defines an end of the composite tape  200 . The first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  extend for a length of the composite tape  200 , which extends into the page in  FIG. 4 . The lateral edge  202  extends between the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  for a width  208  of the composite tape  200 . The width  208  may be, for example, between about 4 millimeters (mm) and about 20 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  extend parallel to each other throughout the length of the composite tape  200 . 
     The composite tape  200  includes an insulative layer  210  and a conductive layer  212 . The insulative layer  210  includes a side surface  216  of the composite tape  200 , and the conductive layer  212  includes a side surface  218  of the composite tape  200 . The insulative layer  210  includes a dielectric material that provides structural integrity to the composite tape  200  and protects the conductive layer  212  from damage through, for example, tearing. By way of example, the insulative layer  210  may include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyester. In some embodiments, the side surface  216  of the insulative layer  210  may be devoid of an adhesive. However, in other embodiments, the insulative layer  210  may include an adhesive along at least a portion of the side surface  216 . For example, the side surface  216  may include an adhesive along an entirety of the side surface  216 . In other configurations, the side surface  216  may be devoid of an adhesive proximate to a fold line  217 . For example, the fold line  217  may be located approximately halfway between the longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  or, in other words, at a midpoint between the longitudinal edges  204 ,  206 . The side surface  216  may be devoid of an adhesive for a designated area on either side of the fold line  217 . 
     In some embodiments, the conductive layer  212  may be characterized as a conductive foil. The conductive layer  212  may include aluminum, copper, or the like. In particular embodiments, the conductive layer  212  is devoid of an adhesive along the side surface  218 . As shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 4 , the insulative layer  210  and the conductive layer  212  have respective layer thicknesses  211 ,  213 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an end view  220  of the composite tape  200  in a partially folded state and an end view  222  of the shielding tape  205 , which is the composite tape  200  after being folded about the fold line  217 . The composite tape  200  (or the shielding tape  205 ) includes a first lateral section  224  and a second lateral section  226 . The first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  include the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206 , respectively, and extend laterally from the fold line  217  to the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206 , respectively. Each of the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  includes a portion of the lateral edge  202 . The fold line  217  and the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  extend lengthwise along the composite tape  200 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  may be portions of the composite tape  200  that are not readily identified within the composite tape  200  prior to folding the composite tape  200  to form the shielding tape  205 . For example, the composite tape  200  may have a continuous composition and uniform cross-section as the composite tape  200  extends laterally between the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206 . The first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  may be designated only after determining the fold line  217  that the composite tape  200  is folded along. 
     In other embodiments, the composite tape  200  may include a structural change and/or a change in composition that defines the fold line  217 . In such embodiments, the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  may be identifiable prior to the folding operation. For example, a linear indentation may be pressed into the insulative layer  210  of the composite tape  200  to define the fold line  217  prior to folding the composite tape  200 . Alternatively, the composite tape  200  may be manufactured with an included recess or indentation in the insulative layer  210  defining the fold line  217 . The recess or indentation may facilitate folding the composite tape  200 . 
     The first lateral section  224  has a section width  225 , and the second lateral section  226  has a section width  227 . In an exemplary embodiment, the section widths  225 ,  227  are substantially equal such that the first and second longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  are located adjacent to each other and extend alongside each other throughout the length of the shielding tape  205 . More specifically, the longitudinal edges  204 ,  206  may combine to form a stacked edge  236  of the shielding tape  205 . In other embodiments, the section widths  225 ,  227  are not equal such that either the first lateral section  224  or the second lateral section  226  extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the other lateral section. Such embodiments are described below. 
     When the shielding tape  205  is formed, the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  are folded over each other. When fully folded, the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  extend along an interior interface  229  of the shielding tape  205 . In some embodiments, one or more air gaps may exist between the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  for at least a portion of the interior interface  229 . For example, an air gap  231  may exist proximate to the fold line  217  within the shielding tape  205 . In some embodiments, the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  may be secured to each other along at least a portion of the interior interface  229 . For example, the insulative layer  210  may include an adhesive. When the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  are folded over each other, the adhesive may secure the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  to each other along the interior interface  229 . 
     When the shielding tape  205  is formed, the side surface  218  of the conductive layer  212  forms nearly an entirety of an exterior or skin of the shielding tape  205 . More specifically, the conductive layer  212  defines an outer side  230  of the shielding tape  205 , an inner side  232  of the shielding tape  205 , and a folded edge  234  of the shielding tape  205 . The folded edge  234  is formed when the composite tape  200  is folded about the fold line  217 . The folded edge  234  is opposite the stacked edge  236 . As shown, the inner and outer sides  232 ,  230  face in generally opposite directions. The inner side  232  is configured to face the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     The shielding tape  205  is electrically conductive along the inner and outer sides  232 ,  230  and along the folded edge  234 . More specifically, the conductive layer  212  extends continuously from the first longitudinal edge  204  to the folded edge  234  along the inner side  232  and extends continuously from the folded edge  234  to the second longitudinal edge  206  along the outer side  230 . In an exemplary embodiment, the inner and outer sides  232 ,  230  and the folded edge  234  are electrically conductive throughout the length of the shielding tape  205 . Accordingly, the exterior of the shielding tape  205  is electrically conductive, except for a portion of the stacked edge  236 . As described below, however, embodiments may include shielding tapes in which both edges of the corresponding shielding tape are electrically conductive. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a communication cable  240  that includes the shielding tape  205 . The communication cable  240  is configured to electrically couple to a contact module, such as the contact module  102  ( FIG. 1 ), and may be used with a cable connector, such as the cable connector  101  ( FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the communication cable  240  includes a cable jacket  242 , the shielding tape  205 , and the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . The cable jacket  242 , the shielding tape  205 , and the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  may extend along a length of the communication cable  240  and may extend along a central or longitudinal axis  290  of the communication cable  240 . It should be understood that the communication cable  240  may be a flexible cable and, as such, the central axis  290  is not required to be linear for an entire length of the communication cable  240 . Instead, the central axis  290  may extend through a geometric center of a cross-section of the communication cable  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis  290  extends along a tangent line where the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  interface or contact each other. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  includes a signal wire  250  that is surrounded by a corresponding insulation layer or jacket  252 . In alternative embodiments, the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  may share the insulation layer  252 . For instance, the signal wires  250  may be spaced apart and the insulation layer  252  may be formed around both of the signal wires  250 . The signal wires  250  are configured to be terminated to electrical contacts, such as the signal contacts  112 ,  114  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In some embodiments, the communication cable  240  may also include at least one ground conductor that extends along the length of the communication cable  240 . For example, the communication cable  240  may include an inner drain wire  254  and/or an outer drain strip  256 . The inner drain wire  254  is surrounded by the shielding tape  205 . On the other hand, the outer drain strip  256  extends along an exterior of the shielding tape  205  and is located between the shielding tape  205  and the cable jacket  242 . The cable jacket  242  may be a plastic tape that is wrapped about the shielding tape  205 . Alternatively, the cable jacket  242  may be extruded in a manner such that the cable jacket  242  surrounds the shielding tape  205 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the shielding tape  205  immediately surrounds and engages the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 , and the cable jacket  242  immediately surrounds and engages the shielding tape  205 . In alternative embodiments, other layers and/or material may be disposed between the cable jacket  242  and the shielding tape  205  or between the shielding tape  205  and the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . 
     In some embodiments, the communication cable  240  may be referred to as a twin-axial cable or Twinax cable. For example, the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  may extend parallel to each other along the length of the communication cable  240 . However, the configuration of the communication cable  240  shown in  FIG. 6  is just one example of the various configurations that the communication cable  240  may have. For instance, the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  may not extend parallel to each other and, instead, may form a twisted pair. In other embodiments, the communication cable  240  may include only a single insulated conductor or more than two insulated conductors. Moreover, the communication cable  240  may include more than one pair of insulated conductors, such as four pairs. 
     The shielding tape  205  is repeatedly wrapped around the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . The shielding tape  205  may be wrapped in a helical manner such that each of the folded edge  234  and the stacked edge  236  forms a corresponding helix that surrounds the central axis  290 . As the shielding tape  205  is wrapped around the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 , the shielding tape  205  overlaps itself. More specifically,  FIG. 6  shows a first wrap  260  and a second wrap  262  that overlaps the first wrap  260 . Relative to each other, the first wrap  260  may be referred to as the prior wrap and the second wrap  262  may be referred to as the subsequent wrap. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the folded edge  234  is the leading edge of the shielding tape  205  such that the folded edge  234  leads the shielding tape  205  as the shielding tape  205  is wrapped helically about the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . The stacked edge  236  is the trailing edge. By way of example, as the second wrap  262  of the shielding tape  205  is wrapped around the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 , a leading portion  264  of the second wrap  262  surrounds the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . The leading portion  264  includes the folded edge  234 . The folded edge  234  may immediately surround the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  such that the folded edge  234  engages the insulted conductors  244 ,  246  or a nominal gap exists therebetween. In addition, as the second wrap  262  of the shielding tape  205  is wrapped around the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 , a trailing portion  266  of the second wrap  262  extends over and covers the first wrap  260 . The trailing portion  266  includes the stacked edge  236 . The stacked edge  236  extends over and engages the first wrap  260 . 
     The shielding tape  205  has a shield width  268 . In some embodiments, the subsequent wrap, such as the second wrap  262  shown in  FIG. 6 , overlaps at most one-half of the shield width  268  of the prior wrap. In an exemplary embodiment, the subsequent wrap overlaps less than one-half the shield width  268 . For example, the subsequent wrap may overlap about one-third of the shield width  268 . However, in other embodiments, the subsequent wrap may overlap less than one-third of the shield width  268  or more than one-half of the shield width  268  of the prior wrap. 
       FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the communication cable  240 . Only the insulated conductor  244  is shown in  FIG. 7 , but the insulated conductor  246  ( FIG. 6 ) is positioned adjacent to the insulated conductor  244  and is also surrounded by the shielding tape  205 . The shielding tape  205  is wrapped a plurality of times about the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  such that a plurality of wraps  271 ,  272 ,  273  of the shielding tape  205  are formed. Only a portion of each of the wraps  271 - 273  is shown in  FIG. 7 . Relative to each other, the wrap  271  is the prior wrap and the wrap  272  is the subsequent wrap. Relative to each other, the wrap  272  is the prior wrap and the wrap  273  is the subsequent wrap. The shielding tape  205  is helically wrapped about the insulated conductors  244 ,  246  such that the inner side  232  faces the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . In particular embodiments, the inner side  232  directly engages the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . 
     Each subsequent wrap of the shielding tape  205  overlaps a portion of the prior wrap. For example, the inner side  232  of the wrap  272  overlaps an underlapped portion  284  of the wrap  271 . The inner side  232  of the wrap  272  engages the outer side  230  of the wrap  271 . The portion of the wrap  272  that overlaps the wrap  271  may be referred to as the overlapped portion  286  of the wrap  272 . In certain embodiments, the shielding tape  205  is constantly overlapping with itself as the shielding tape  205  is helically wrapped about the insulated conductors  244 ,  246 . Each of the inner side  232  and the outer side  230  are portions of the conductive layer  212  and, as such, are electrically conductive. Accordingly, the shielding tape  205  electrically couples to itself along an overlapped area  275 . 
     Unlike conventional shielding tapes, the folded edge  234  does not electrically separate overlapping wraps from each other. The conductive layer  212  includes the folded edge  234 . As such, an electrically conductive path  280  (illustrated by a series of arrows) may extend continuously along the length of the communication cable  240 . In particular embodiments, the electrically conductive path  280  includes the inner side  232  of the prior wrap, at least a portion of an edge surface  282  of the folded edge  234  of the prior wrap, and, optionally, a portion of the outer side  230  of the prior wrap. The electrically conductive path  280  then extends into a portion of the inner side  232  of the subsequent wrap. Although the arrows that designate the conductive path  280  point in one direction, it should be understood that the conductive path  280  may convey electrical energy in the opposite direction. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the insulative layer  210  that is located proximate to the fold line  217  provides a flex force  292  (indicated by the double-headed arrow) that biases or flexes the first and second lateral sections  224 ,  226  of the prior wrap away from each other. In some embodiments, the flex force  292  may cause the air gap  231  and effectively increase a shield thickness  294  of the shielding tape  205  along the underlapped portion  284  and/or proximate to the folded edge  234 . The flex force  292  may be a function of properties of the insulative layer  210 . For example, the insulative layer  210  may resist being folded onto itself. The resistance is the flex force  292 , which may be greatest near the fold line  217  thereby providing the air gap  231 . In such embodiments, the flex force  292  may facilitate electrical contact between the outer side  230  of the prior wrap and the inner side  232  of the subsequent wrap along the overlapped area  275 . 
       FIG. 8  includes a graph  400  that shows a relationship between insertion loss and transmission frequency for a conventional communication cable (indicated by line  406 ) and for the communication cable  240  ( FIG. 6 ), which is indicated by line  408  in  FIG. 8 . The conventional communication cable is a twin-axial cable that is helically wrapped with a conventional shielding tape. As described above, the conventional shielding tape separates the conductive foil of a subsequent wrap from the conductive foil of a prior wrap thereby producing the suck-out effect. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the insertion loss of the conventional communication cable increases significantly at frequencies above 16 gigahertz (GHz). The insertion loss of the communication cable  240 , however, does not increase significantly after 16 GHz. As such, the communication cable  240  may provide an improved electrical performance over the conventional communication cable. For example, the insertion loss of the communication cable  240  at 25 GHz is less than the insertion loss of the conventional communication cable at 16 GHz. In some embodiments, the communication cable  240  is capable of transmitting at a data rate of at least 20 GHz with an insertion loss of less than about 25 decibels. In more particular embodiments, the communication cable  240  is capable of transmitting at a data rate of at least 25 GHz with an insertion loss of less than about 25 decibels. 
     Accordingly, embodiments set forth herein may reduce the suck-out effect to enable greater data rates than conventional cables that include helically-wrapped shielding. Moreover, embodiments set forth herein include helically-wrapped shielding. As such, embodiments may have a flexibility that is similar to the flexibility of the conventional cables that also have helically-wrapped shielding. 
       FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of a shielding tape  300 . The shielding tape  300  may be formed from a composite tape  301 , which may be similar or identical to the composite tape  200  ( FIG. 4 ). The composite tape  301  (or the shielding tape  300 ) includes first and second lateral sections  302 ,  304  folded over each other and joined along a folded edge  306 . The shielding tape  300  includes an insulative layer  310  and a conductive layer  312 . After the shielding tape  300  is folded, the first and second lateral sections  302 ,  304  form an inner side  314  and an outer side  316 , respectively, of the shielding tape  300  and the folded edge  306 . The conductive layer  312  defines the inner side  314 , the outer side  316 , and the folded edge  306 . 
     The first and second lateral sections  302 ,  304  include first and second longitudinal edges  320 ,  322 , respectively, of the composite tape  301 . The first and second lateral sections  302 ,  304  have unequal section widths  303 ,  305 , respectively, that are measured from the folded edge  306  to the respective longitudinal edges  320 ,  322 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the section width  303  may be greater than the section width  305  such that the first and second longitudinal edges  320 ,  322  are offset with respect to each other. More specifically, the first longitudinal edge  320  extends beyond the second longitudinal edge  322  by a distance or clearance  324 . The second longitudinal edge  322  is located closer to the folded edge  306  than the first longitudinal edge  320 . 
     Similar to the shielding tape  205  ( FIG. 5 ), the shielding tape  300  is configured to be helically wrapped about insulation conductors (not shown) such that the subsequent wrap overlaps with a prior wrap. In some embodiments, the shielding tape  300  includes an overlapped portion  311  that corresponds to the distance  324 . The distance  324  may be configured relative to a distance of the underlapped portion (not shown) of the prior wrap. For example, the distance  324  may be slightly greater than the distance of the underlapped portion. In such embodiments, a total thickness of the shielding tape  300  may be reduced. 
       FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of a shielding tape  350  that is formed from a composite tape  354 . The composite tape  354  may be similar or identical to the composite tape  200  ( FIG. 4 ). The composite tape  354  includes first, second, and third lateral sections  351 ,  352 ,  353  that are folded with respect to one another. The composite tape  354  comprises an insulative layer  360  and a conductive layer  362 . As shown, the first and second lateral sections  351 ,  352  are folded over each other to form a first folded edge  356 . The first and third lateral sections  351 ,  353  are folded over each other to form a second folded edge  358 . The conductive layer  362  defines the first and second folded edges  356 ,  358 . Also shown, the second lateral section  352  includes a longitudinal edge  364 , and the third lateral section  353  includes a longitudinal edge  366 . The longitudinal edges  364 ,  366  are located above the first lateral section  351  and are separated from each other by a gap  368 . 
       FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of a shielding tape  370  that is formed from a composite tape  374 . The composite tape  374  may be similar or identical to the composite tape  200  ( FIG. 4 ). The composite tape  374  includes first, second, and third lateral sections  371 ,  372 ,  373  that are folded with respect to one another. The shielding tape  370  comprises an insulative layer  380  and a conductive layer  382 . As shown, the first and second lateral sections  371 ,  372  of the shielding tape  350  are folded over each other to form a first folded edge  376 . The first and third lateral sections  371 ,  373  are folded over each other to form a second folded edge  378 . The conductive layer  382  defines the first and second folded edges  376 ,  378 . Also shown, the second lateral section  372  includes a longitudinal edge  384 , and the third lateral section  373  includes a longitudinal edge  386 . The longitudinal edge  384  is located above the first lateral section  371 . However, the third lateral section  373  overlaps with the second lateral section  372  such that the longitudinal edge  386  is located above the second lateral section  372 . 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The patentable scope should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used in the description, the phrase “in an exemplary embodiment” and the like means that the described embodiment is just one example. The phrase is not intended to limit the inventive subject matter to that embodiment. Other embodiments of the inventive subject matter may not include the recited feature or structure. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.