Patent Publication Number: US-8981216-B2

Title: Cable assembly for communicating signals over multiple conductors

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to cable assemblies and, more particularly, to cable assemblies configured to communicate data signals. 
     Some known cable assemblies include two or more conductors that extend along the length of the cable assembly. The conductors may be arranged in pairs and configured to communicate a differential pair signal along the length of the cable assembly. In order to reduce electromagnetic interference caused by communication of the differential pair signals along the conductors, the conductors may be twisted around one another at a twist rate. For example, the conductors may be twisted around a longitudinal axis of the cable assembly such that each conductor encircles the longitudinal axis multiple times along the length of the cable assembly. Twisting the conductors about one another may cancel out both external and internal electromagnetic interference in the conductors that is caused by an external source. 
     The conductors may be enclosed in insulative jackets, which are then encased in a shield. The shield may be a tape that is wound around the conductors and the jackets. The shield includes a conductive material and is electrically coupled with an electric ground reference to shield the conductors from electromagnetic interference. In some known cable assemblies, a drain wire is located within the shield along the length of the cable assembly. The drain wire is electrically joined with the shield and with the ground reference to communicate the electromagnetic interference to the ground reference. In order to shield the conductors from electromagnetic interference, typically the drain wire is carefully located between the conductors, or is aligned with the midpoint between central axes of the conductors in a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable assembly and perpendicular to the lateral distance between the central axes of the conductors. Displacing the drain wire off-center from this midpoint of the conductors may reduce the effectiveness of the drain wire and shield in shielding the conductors from electromagnetic interference. 
     Additionally, some known cable assemblies include a shield that is helically wound around the conductors and insulative jackets as a tape. The wrapping of the tape around the conductors and insulative jackets may result in gaps between adjacent windings of the tape. For example, the tape may not be wrapped in such a way that the tape overlaps itself as the tape is wound around the conductors and insulative jackets along the length of the cable assembly. The gaps may cause non-linear performance of the cable assemblies in the relationship between frequency domain of the signals communicated using the cable assemblies and power losses in the signals. For example, the gaps may cause significantly larger losses in one or more bands or subsets of frequencies relative to the losses incurred at other frequencies or frequency bands. Moreover, the power loss in low frequency signals communicated using some known cable assemblies may be relatively large. 
     Some known cable assemblies position the conductors too close to the shields of the assemblies. Positioning the conductors too close to the shield may result in electrical coupling between the conductors and shield. The coupling may cause a time skew in the signals communicated using the conductors. The time delay skew includes the difference in propagation delay along the length of the conductors between the faster and slower of the two conductors in the differential pair. An increase in the time delay skew can adversely impact the integrity of the signal. 
     There is still a need for a cable assembly that reduces electromagnetic interference leakage both into and out from the cable assembly. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a cable assembly includes elongated conductors, primary dielectric layers, a secondary dielectric layer, a conductive shield layer and a drain wire. The conductors communicate a signal. The primary dielectric layer is circumferentially disposed around each of the conductors. The secondary dielectric layer surrounds the primary dielectric layers. The conductive shield layer is disposed around the secondary dielectric layer. The drain wire is provided along an outer surface of the conductive shield layer and is electrically coupled with the conductive shield layer. The conductive shield layer communicates electromagnetic interference to an electric ground reference via the drain wire. 
     In another embodiment, another cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes elongated conductors, primary dielectric layers, a secondary dielectric layer and a conductive shield layer. The conductors communicate signals. The primary dielectric layer is circumferentially disposed around each of the conductors. The secondary dielectric layer surrounds the primary dielectric layers. The conductive shield layer is disposed around the secondary dielectric layer. The conductive shield layer includes a tube shaped sheath extending between opposite outer ends. The conductors, the primary dielectric layer, and the secondary dielectric layer are twisted around the longitudinal axis within the conductive shield layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cable assembly in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a shield shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cable assembly in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly shown in  FIG. 4  along line A-A in  FIG. 4  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly in accordance with another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cable assembly  100  in accordance with one embodiment. The cable assembly  100  is a twisted pair cable capable of communicating differential pair signals in the illustrated embodiment. The cable assembly  100  may be a cable that is multiple from other cable assemblies  100 , or may be one of multiple cable assemblies  100  in a cable, or may be one of multiple similar or dissimilar cable assemblies in a cable. The cable assembly  100 , which also may be referred to as a cable, is elongated along a longitudinal axis  104 . The cable assembly  100  and longitudinal axis  104  may extend along linear paths as shown in  FIG. 1  or may extend along a tortuous path that includes one or more bends and undulations. The cable assembly  100  extends along a length dimension  102  oriented along the longitudinal axis  104  between opposite outer ends  106 ,  108  of the cable assembly  100 . Each of the outer ends  106 ,  108  may be coupled with peripheral connectors or devices (not shown) to permit the communication of signals between the connectors or devices along the cable assembly  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cable assembly  100  includes a pair of conductors  110 ,  112 . The conductors  110 ,  112  may be elongated wires that are oriented along the longitudinal axis  104 . Alternatively, the cable assembly  100  may include a greater number of conductors  110 ,  112 . For example, the cable assembly  100  may include multiple pairs of the conductors  110 ,  112 . The conductors  110 ,  112  include or are formed from conductive materials. For example, the conductors  110 ,  112  may include or be formed from a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. Each of the conductors  110 ,  112  is enclosed by a primary dielectric layer  114 . For example, each conductor  110 ,  112  may be circumferentially surrounded by a different primary dielectric layer  114  over the length dimension  102  or a fraction of the length dimension  102 . The primary dielectric layers  114  include or are formed from one or more dielectric materials. By way of example only, the primary dielectric layers  114  may be insulative jackets formed from one or more polymers such as polyethylene. The primary dielectric layers  114  may be extruded jackets that encase the conductors  110 ,  112 . Portions of the primary dielectric layers  114  may be removed or stripped from the conductors  110 ,  112  at the outer ends  106 ,  108  to expose the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
     The conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  104  at a twist rate. The twist rate represents the number of times one of the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layer  114  encircles the longitudinal axis  104  per unit length. For example, the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  may have a twist rate of approximately 50/meter, which means that the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  104  fifty times per meter of length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . The twist rate of the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  may be substantially maintained throughout the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100  or may vary along the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . For example, the twist rate near the outer end  106  may be greater than the twist rate near the other outer end  108 . 
     A secondary dielectric layer  116  surrounds the primary dielectric layers  114  along the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . For example, the secondary dielectric layer  116  may circumferentially surround the primary dielectric layers  114  along the length dimension  102  or a fraction of the length dimension  102 . A portion of the secondary dielectric layer  116  is removed from the view shown in  FIG. 1  in order to more clearly illustrate the primary dielectric layers  114  and the conductors  110 ,  112 . The secondary dielectric layer  116  alternatively may be referred to as a buffer layer. Similar to the primary dielectric layers  114 , the secondary dielectric layer  116  includes or is formed from a dielectric material. For example, the secondary dielectric layer  116  may be an insulative jacket formed from one or more polymers such as polyethylene. The secondary dielectric layer  116  may be an extruded jacket that surrounds the primary dielectric layers  114  and conductors  110 ,  112 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary dielectric layer  116  is formed as a tape that is helically wound around the twisted pair of conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114 . Alternatively, the secondary dielectric layer  116  may be a tape that is helically wound around the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  prior to twisting the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  around one another. The secondary dielectric layer  116  may be wound around the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layer  114  such that the secondary dielectric layer  116  at least partially overlaps itself with each wind around the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114 . For example, as the secondary dielectric layer  116  is wound around the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114 , an edge portion  118  of the secondary dielectric layer  116  may partially overlap a previously wound section of the secondary dielectric layer  116 . Overlapping the secondary dielectric layer  116  onto itself may assist in sealing the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  within the secondary dielectric layer  116 . An adhesive may be applied to the secondary dielectric layer  116  and/or between the secondary dielectric layer  116  and the primary dielectric layers  114  to assist in securing the secondary dielectric layer  116  to the primary dielectric layers  114 . 
     A shield  120  is disposed around the secondary dielectric layer  116 . For example, the shield  120  may circumferentially enclose the secondary dielectric layer  116  along the length dimension  102  or a fraction of the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . A portion of the shield  120  has been removed from the illustration shown in  FIG. 1  to more clearly illustrate the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the conductors  110 ,  112 . The shield  120  includes or is formed from a conductive material. For example, the shield  120  may include a metal film or layer, such as an aluminum (Al) layer. In another example, the shield  120  may include stacked several films or layers coupled with one another. For example, the shield  120  may include an inner layer  304  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that includes or is formed from a dielectric material and an outer layer  306  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that includes or is formed from a conductive material. One example of a dielectric inner layer  304  of the shield  120  includes Mylar®. An example of a conductive outer layer  306  includes an aluminum layer or foil. Alternatively, the shield  120  may include a conductive inner layer  304  and a dielectric outer layer  306 . The shield  120  may include additional or fewer layers or films in addition to or in place of the inner and outer layers  304 ,  306 . For example, the shield  120  may include a single conductive layer or a multi-layer stack of several films. 
     The shield  120  is a conductive shield that shields the conductors  110 ,  112  from electromagnetic interference. For example, electromagnetic interference may be generated from differential pair signals communicated along the conductors  110 ,  112  and/or by external devices or sources. The shield  120  may be coupled with an electric ground reference to ground the electromagnetic interference and reduce or eliminate the impact of the electromagnetic interference on the integrity of the signals communicated along the cable assembly  100 . For example, the shield  120  may reduce electromagnetic interference and thereby lessen the time delay skew in differential signals communicated along the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the shield  120  in accordance with one embodiment. The shield  120  is shown in  FIG. 2  as separate from the cable assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and prior to affixing the shield  120  to the secondary dielectric layer  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The shield  120  is formed as a tube-shaped sheath in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the shield  120  may be a longitudinal tube  200  that extends from one outer end  202  to an opposite outer end  204 . The tube  200  may be formed by encircling an approximately flat sheet of one or more layers (such as the inner and outer layers  304 ,  306  shown in  FIG. 3 , for example) around a longitudinal axis  206 . For example, opposite edges  208 ,  210  of the sheet may be brought toward one another to form the tube  200 . The outer ends  202 ,  204  are separated by a length dimension  214  measured along the longitudinal axis  206 . In one embodiment, the length dimension  214  of the shield  120  is approximately the same as the length dimension  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the cable assembly  100 . Alternatively, the length dimension  214  of the shield  120  may be longer or shorter than the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the edges  208 ,  210  may overlap one another to form the shield  120 . For example, the edge  208  may be placed adjacent to an overlap line  212  extending along the tube  200  from one outer end  202  to the other outer end  204 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , placing the edge  208  adjacent to the overlap line  212  causes the edge  208  to at least partially overlap the edge  210 . Overlapping the edges  208 ,  210  may enable the shield  120  to seal the conductors  110 ,  112  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the primary dielectric layers  114  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the secondary dielectric layer  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) within the shield  120  between the outer ends  202 ,  204  of the shield  120 . Sealing the conductors  110 ,  112  within the tubular shield  120  may reduce or eliminate gaps in the shield  120  and reduce or eliminate non-linear deviations from the relationship between the frequency domain and power losses of signals communicated using the conductors  110 ,  112 . Additionally, sealing the conductors  110 ,  112  within the shield  120  may reduce power loss in lower frequency signals communicated along the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
     Returning to the discussion of the cable assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , the edges  208 ,  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the shield  120  are brought together or close to one another to form a seam  122 . The seam  122  extends along the length dimension  214  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the shield  120  from one outer end  202  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to the other outer end  204  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the seam  122  may be formed in a helical path that repeatedly wraps around the longitudinal axis  104  of the cable assembly  100 . For example, the seam  122  may encircle the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the conductors  110 ,  112  at a twist rate along the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100 . The twist rate of the seam  122  is approximately the same as the twist rate of the conductors  110 ,  112  and primary dielectric layers  114  in one embodiment. Alternatively, the twist rate of the seam  122  differs from the twist rate of the conductors  110 ,  112  and the primary dielectric layers  114 . 
     The shield  120  may be assembled in the cable assembly  100  as the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the secondary dielectric layer  116  is twisted around the longitudinal axis  104 . The conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the secondary dielectric layer  116  may be twisted around the longitudinal axis  104  within the shield  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal tube  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the shield  120  is placed around the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  at the same time that the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  104 . The shield  120  may adhere to the secondary dielectric layer  116  and become twisted around the longitudinal axis  104  at the same time that the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  104 . For example, an adhesive may be applied to the shield  120  to assist in securing the shield  120  to the secondary dielectric layer  116 . Applying the tube-shaped shield  120  to the secondary dielectric layer  116  as the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  are twisted may cause the shield  120  to become twisted and the seam  122  of the shield  120  to helically wind around the longitudinal axis  104 . The application of the shield  120  to the secondary dielectric layer  116  and the concurrent twisting of the shield  120  and the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  may cause the shield  120  to have improved coupling to the secondary dielectric layer  116 . For example, the concurrent twisting of the shield  120 , conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  may assist in preventing the shield  120  from separating from the secondary dielectric layer  116 . 
     Alternatively, the shield  120  may be applied to the secondary dielectric layer  116  as a helically wound tape. For example, the length dimension  214  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the shield  120  may be less than the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100  and require multiple windings of the shield  120  to enclose the secondary dielectric layer  116  within the shield  120 . The shield  120  may be wound around and adhered to the secondary dielectric layer  116  as the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  are twisted. Optionally, the shield  120  may be wound around the secondary dielectric layer  116  after the conductors  110 ,  112 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116  are twisted. 
     A drain wire  124  is disposed outside of the shield  120  in the illustrated embodiment. The drain wire  124  may be helically wound around the longitudinal axis  104  along the outer layer  306  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the shield  120 . Alternatively, the drain wire  124  may be located between the shield  120  and the secondary dielectric layer  116 . The drain wire  124  may extend along the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100  or over a fraction of the length dimension  102 . A portion of the drain wire  124  has been removed from the illustration shown in  FIG. 1  to more clearly illustrate the spatial relationships of the underlying layers and components, including the shield  120 , the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the conductors  110 ,  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the drain wire  124  is wound around the shield  120  at a twist rate that is equivalent to, or at least approximately equivalent to, the twist rate of the conductors  110 ,  112 . Alternatively, the drain wire  124  may be wound at a different twist rate. 
     The drain wire  124  includes or is formed from a conductive material, such as a metal. For example, the drain wire  124  may be wire formed from a metal or metal alloy. The drain wire  124  is electrically coupled with the shield  120  to permit communication of electromagnetic interference from the shield  120  to the drain wire  124 . The drain wire  124  may be electrically joined with the shield  120  by wrapping the drain wire  124  around the shield  120  such that the drain wire  124  directly contacts the conductive outer layer  306  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the shield  120 . Alternatively, the drain wire  124  may be terminated to the shield  120  by soldering the drain wire  124  to the shield  120 , for example. 
     In one embodiment, the drain wire  124  is joined to an electric ground reference. For example, the drain wire  124  may be terminated to the electric ground reference of a connector or other device (not shown) to which the cable assembly  100  is electrically coupled. The drain wire  124  may be joined to the electric ground reference at a location at or proximate to one or more of the outer ends  106 ,  108 . Optionally, the drain wire  124  may be joined to the electric ground reference at one or more locations between the outer ends  106 ,  108 . The drain wire  124  communicates electromagnetic interference from the shield  120  to the electric ground reference to reduce interference with signals communicated by the cable assembly  100  and/or to reduce time delay skew of differential signals communicated along the cable assembly  100 . 
     A protective jacket  126  is provided around the shield  120  and the drain wire  124 . The protective jacket  126  may enclose the shield  120  and the drain wire  124  within the protective jacket  126  along the length dimension  102  of the cable assembly  100  or along a portion of the length dimension  102 . The protective jacket  126  protects the underlying components, including the drain wire  124 , the shield  120 , the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114 , and the conductors  110 ,  112  from external factors, such as environmental conditions and the like. A portion of the protective jacket  126  has been removed in the illustration shown in  FIG. 1  to more clearly reveal the underlying layers and components, including the drain wire  124 , the shield  120 , the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the conductors  110 ,  112 . The protective jacket  126  may include or be formed from a dielectric material. For example, the protective jacket  126  may be formed from one or more polymers such as polyesters. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the protective jacket  126  is one or more tapes helically wound around the shield  120  and drain wire  124 . An adhesive may be applied to the protective jacket  126  to assist in securing the protective jacket  126  to the shield  120  and drain wire  124 . The protective jacket  126  may partially overlap itself as the protective jacket  126  is wound around the shield  120  and drain wire  124  in a manner similar to the secondary dielectric layer  116 . For example, the protective jacket  126  may overlap itself to seal the underlying layers and components within the protective jacket  126 . Alternatively, the protective jacket  126  may be extruded around the drain wire  124 , the shield  120 , the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the conductors  110 ,  112 . In another embodiment, the protective jacket  126  is a longitudinal tube similar to the tube  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). For example, the protective jacket  126  may be a tube that is enclosed around the drain wire  124 , the shield  120 , the secondary dielectric layer  116 , the primary dielectric layers  114  and the conductors  110 ,  112  in a manner similar to as described above with respect to the tube  200 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly  100  taken along line  3 - 3  shown in  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. The conductors  110 ,  112  each include a center axis  308 . The center axes  308  extend along the length of the conductors  110 ,  112  from one outer end  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the opposite outer end  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the cable assembly  100 . The conductors  110 ,  112  are approximately centered about the center axes  308 . For example, the material forming each of the conductors  110 ,  112  may be substantially centered about the corresponding center axis  308 . The center axes  308  twist around and encircle the longitudinal axis  104  of the cable assembly  100  along the length dimension  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the center axes  308  may encircle the longitudinal axis  104  along a helical path. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the primary dielectric layers  114  circumferentially surrounds a separate conductor  110 ,  112 . For example, the primary dielectric layers  114  surround the outside surface of the conductors  110 ,  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the primary dielectric layers  114  directly contact the conductors  110 ,  112 . Alternatively, one or more gaps or voids are present between the primary dielectric layers  114  and the conductors  110 ,  112 . The primary dielectric layers  114  may directly engage one another in a position that is at or proximate to the longitudinal axis  104  of the cable assembly  100 . In another embodiment, the primary dielectric layers  114  do not contact one another. 
     The secondary dielectric layer  116  circumferentially surrounds the primary dielectric layers  114 . For example, the secondary dielectric layer  116  encloses the primary dielectric layers  114  within the secondary dielectric layer  116 . The secondary dielectric layer  116  may directly engage a portion of the outer surfaces  300  of the primary dielectric layers  114 . One or more internal voids  302  may be present between the primary dielectric layers  114  and the secondary dielectric layer  116 . 
     The shield  120  circumferentially surrounds the secondary dielectric layer  116 . For example, the shield  120  encloses the secondary dielectric layer  116  around an outer perimeter of the secondary dielectric layer  116 . The shield  120  may directly engage the secondary dielectric layer  116  around the outer periphery of the secondary dielectric layer  116 . For example, the inner layer  304  may directly contact the secondary dielectric layer  116 . Alternatively, one or more gaps or voids may be disposed between the shield  120  and the secondary dielectric layer  116 . As described above, the inner layer  304  of the shield  120  may be an electrically insulative dielectric layer and the outer layer  306  may be an electrically conductive layer. The outer layer  306  is engaged by the drain wire  124  to electrically couple the shield  120  and the drain wire  124 . The seam  122  of the shield  120  extends through the inner and outer layers  304 ,  306  in the illustrated embodiment. The protective jacket  126  circumferentially surrounds the shield  120 . For example, the protective jacket  126  encloses the shield  120  around an outer perimeter of the shield  120 . The protective jacket  126  also encloses the drain wire  124  between the shield  120  and the protective jacket  126 . 
     The conductors  110 ,  112  are separated from one another by a separation gap  310 . The separation gap  310  may be measured in an angled direction with respect to the longitudinal axis  104 . For example, the separation gap  310  may be measured in a direction oriented along a lateral axis  320  that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  104 . In one embodiment, the separation gap  310  defines the minimum separation distance between the conductors  110 ,  112  in a plane that intersects the cable assembly  100  and that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  104 . For example, in the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 3 , the separation gap  310  represents the minimum distance between the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
     The drain wire  124  may be aligned with the separation gap  310  between the conductors  110 ,  112 . For example, with respect to the view shown in  FIG. 3 , the drain wire  124  is vertically aligned with the separation gap  310 . The drain wire  124  is located between the conductors  110 ,  112  in a vertical direction  312  that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  104  and the lateral axis  320 . The drain wire  124  may be aligned with the separation gap  310  when a center axis  314  of the drain wire  124  is located within the separation gap  310  along the vertical direction  312 . The drain wire  124  and conductors  110 ,  112  may be twisted around the longitudinal axis  104  at approximately the same twist rate such that the drain wire  124  is aligned with the separation gap  310  throughout the length dimension  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the cable assembly  100 . 
     Although the drain wire  124  is shown as being centered with respect to the longitudinal axis  104  along the vertical direction  312 , the drain wire  124  may be horizontally offset from the position shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, the drain wire  124  may be located in another position that is offset in either of lateral directions  316 ,  318  with respect to the illustrated position of the drain wire  124 . Placing the drain wire  124  outside of the shield  120  may increase the manufacturing tolerances involved in locating the drain wire  124  with respect to the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
     The conductors  110 ,  112  are separated from the shield  120  by a first distance d 1 . The first distance d 1  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  110 ,  112  and the shield  120 . Alternatively, the first distance d 1  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  110 ,  112  and the conductive layer of the shield  120 . For example, if the outer layer  306  includes or is formed of a conductive material, then the first distance d 1  extends from each conductor  110 ,  112  to the outer layer  306 . The conductors  110 ,  112  are separated from the longitudinal axis  104  by a second distance d 2 . The second distance d 2  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  110 ,  112  and the longitudinal axis  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second distances d 1  and d 2  are measured in a direction oriented along the lateral axis  320 . In another embodiment, the first and second distances d 1  and d 2  may be measured in a direction that is angled with respect to the lateral axis  320 . 
     The inclusion of the secondary dielectric layer  116  may increase the first distance d 1  such that the first distance d 1  between the conductors  110 ,  112  and the shield  120  is greater than the second distance d 2  between the conductors  110 ,  112  and the longitudinal axis  104 . Increasing the first distance d 1  to be greater than the second distance d 2  may reduce the time delay skew in differential pair signals communicated using the conductors  110 ,  112 . Increasing the distance between the conductors  110 ,  112  and the shield  120  to be greater than the distance between the conductors  110 ,  112  and the longitudinal axis  104  also may reduce the electromagnetic interference on the signals communicated along the conductors  110 ,  112 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cable assembly  400  in accordance with another embodiment. The cable assembly  400  is a twisted pair cable capable of communicating differential pair signals in the illustrated embodiment. The cable assembly  400  may be a cable that is multiple from other cable assemblies  400 , or may be one of multiple cable assemblies  400  in a cable, or may be one of multiple similar or dissimilar cable assemblies in a cable. The cable assembly  400 , which also may be referred to as a cable, is elongated along a longitudinal axis  404 . The cable assembly  400  and longitudinal axis  404  may extend along linear paths as shown in  FIG. 4  or may extend along a tortuous path that includes one or more bends and undulations. The cable assembly  400  extends along a length dimension  402  oriented along the longitudinal axis  404  between opposite outer ends  406 ,  408  of the cable assembly  400 . Each of the outer ends  406 ,  408  may be coupled with peripheral connectors or devices (not shown) to permit the communication of signals between the connectors or devices along the cable assembly  400 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cable assembly  400  includes a pair of conductors  410 ,  412 . The conductors  410 ,  412  may be elongated wires that are oriented along the longitudinal axis  404 . Alternatively, the cable assembly  400  may include a greater number of conductors  410 ,  412 . For example, the cable assembly  400  may include multiple pairs of the conductors  410 ,  412 . The conductors  410 ,  412  include or are formed from conductive materials. For example, the conductors  410 ,  412  may include or be formed from a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. Each of the conductors  410 ,  412  is enclosed by a primary dielectric layer  414 . For example, each conductor  410 ,  412  may be circumferentially surrounded by a different primary dielectric layer  414  over the length dimension  402  or a fraction of the length dimension  402 . The primary dielectric layers  414  include or are formed from one or more dielectric materials. By way of example only, the primary dielectric layers  414  may be insulative jackets formed from one or more polymers such as polyethylene. The primary dielectric layers  414  may be extruded jackets that encase the conductors  410 ,  412 . Portions of the primary dielectric layers  414  may be removed or stripped from the conductors  410 ,  412  at the outer ends  406 ,  408  to expose the conductors  410 ,  412 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  404  at a twist rate. The twist rate represents the number of times one of the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layer  414  encircles the longitudinal axis  404  per unit length. For example, the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  may have a twist rate of approximately 50/meter, which means that the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  are twisted around the longitudinal axis  404  fifty times per meter of the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400 . The twist rate of the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  may be substantially maintained throughout the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400  or may vary along the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400 . For example, the twist rate near the outer end  406  may be greater than the twist rate near the other outer end  408 . 
     A secondary dielectric layer  416  surrounds the primary dielectric layers  414  along the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400 . For example, the secondary dielectric layer  416  may circumferentially surround the primary dielectric layers  414  along the length dimension  402  or a fraction of the length dimension  402 . A portion of the secondary dielectric layer  416  is removed from the view shown in  FIG. 4  in order to more clearly illustrate the primary dielectric layers  414  and the conductors  410 ,  412 . The secondary dielectric layer  416  alternatively may be referred to as a buffer layer. Similar to the primary dielectric layers  414 , the secondary dielectric layer  416  includes or is formed from a dielectric material. For example, the secondary dielectric layer  416  may be an insulative jacket formed from one or more polymers such as polyethylene. The secondary dielectric layer  416  may be an extruded jacket that surrounds the primary dielectric layers  414  and conductors  410 ,  412 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary dielectric layer  416  is formed as a tape that is helically wound around the twisted pair of conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414 . Alternatively, the secondary dielectric layer  416  may be a tape that is helically wound around the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  prior to twisting the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  around one another. The secondary dielectric layer  416  may be wound around the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layer  414  such that the secondary dielectric layer  416  at least partially overlaps itself with each wind around the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414 . For example, as the secondary dielectric layer  416  is wound around the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414 , an edge portion  418  of the secondary dielectric layer  416  may partially overlap a previously wound section of the secondary dielectric layer  416 . Overlapping the secondary dielectric layer  416  onto itself may assist in sealing the conductors  410 ,  412  and primary dielectric layers  414  within the secondary dielectric layer  416 . An adhesive may be applied to the secondary dielectric layer  416  and/or between the secondary dielectric layer  416  and the primary dielectric layers  414  to assist in securing the secondary dielectric layer  416  to the primary dielectric layers  414 . 
     A shield  420  is disposed around the secondary dielectric layer  416 . For example, the shield  420  may be adhered to the secondary dielectric layer  416  by an adhesive and circumferentially enclose the secondary dielectric layer  416  along the length dimension  402  or a fraction of the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400 . A portion of the shield  420  has been removed from the view shown in  FIG. 4 . The shield  420  includes or is formed from a conductive material. For example, the shield  420  may include a metal film or layer, such as an aluminum (Al) layer. In another example, the shield  420  may include stacked several films or layers coupled with one another, similar to the shield  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The shield  420  is a conductive shield that shields the conductors  410 ,  412  from electromagnetic interference. For example, electromagnetic interference may be generated from differential pair signals communicated along the conductors  410 ,  412  and/or by external devices or sources. The shield  420  may be coupled with an electric ground reference to ground the electromagnetic interference and reduce or eliminate the impact of the electromagnetic interference on the integrity of the signals communicated along the cable assembly  400 . For example, the shield  420  may reduce electromagnetic interference and thereby lessen the time delay skew in differential signals communicated along the conductors  410 ,  412 . 
     The cable assembly  100  includes elongated filler bodies  422  that are oriented along the longitudinal axis  404 . Alternatively, the cable assembly  400  may include a greater number of filler bodies  422 . The filler bodies  422  include or are formed from dielectric materials. For example, the filler bodies  422  may include or be formed from a polymer material. The filler bodies  422  are formed as elongated cylindrical bodies in the illustrated embodiment. The filler bodies  422  may be twisted around the longitudinal axis  404  at a twist rate that is approximately the same as or the same as the twist rate of the conductors  410 ,  412 . 
     The filler bodies  422  are wound around the longitudinal axis  404  within the secondary dielectric layer  416  to provide the cable assembly  400  with a more rounded cross-sectional shape. For example, without the filler bodies  422 , the cross-sectional shape of the cable assembly  400  may be an oval shape or other shape that is elongated in one direction relative to another direction. The filler bodies  422  add to the cross-sectional shape of the cable assembly  400  such that the cable assembly  400  has an approximately circular cross-sectional shape. 
     A drain wire  424  is disposed outside of the shield  420 . The drain wire  424  may be helically wound around the longitudinal axis  404  outside of the shield  420 . Alternatively, the drain wire  424  may be located between the shield  420  and the secondary dielectric layer  416 . The drain wire  424  may extend along the length dimension  402  of the cable assembly  400  or over a fraction of the length dimension  402 . A portion of the drain wire  424  has been removed from the view shown in  FIG. 1 . The drain wire  424  may be wound around the shield  420  at a twist rate that is equivalent to, or at least approximately equivalent to, the twist rate of the conductors  410 ,  412 . Alternatively, the drain wire  424  may be wound at a different twist rate. 
     The drain wire  424  includes or is formed from a conductive material, such as a metal. For example, the drain wire  424  may be wire formed from a metal or metal alloy. The drain wire  424  is electrically coupled with the shield  420  to permit communication of electromagnetic interference from the shield  420  to the drain wire  424 . The drain wire  424  may be electrically joined with the shield  420  by wrapping the drain wire  424  around the shield  420  such that the drain wire  424  directly contacts the shield  420 . Alternatively, the drain wire  424  may be terminated to the shield  420  by soldering the drain wire  424  to the shield  420 . The drain wire  424  may be joined to an electric ground reference at a location at or proximate to one or more of the outer ends  406 ,  408 . Optionally, the drain wire  424  may be joined to the electric ground reference at one or more locations between the outer ends  406 ,  408 . The drain wire  424  communicates electromagnetic interference from the shield  420  to the electric ground reference to reduce interference with signals communicated by the cable assembly  400  and/or to reduce time delay skew of differential signals communicated along the cable assembly  400 . 
     A protective jacket  426  is provided around the shield  420  and the drain wire  424 . The protective jacket  426  may be adhered to the shield  420  by an adhesive and enclose the shield  420  and the drain wire  424  within the protective jacket  426  along the length dimension  402  or along a portion of the length dimension  402 . The protective jacket  426  protects the underlying components, including the drain wire  424 , the shield  420 , the secondary dielectric layer  416 , the filler bodies  422 , the primary dielectric layers  414 , and the conductors  410 ,  412  from external factors, such as environmental conditions and the like. The protective jacket  426  may include or be formed from a dielectric material. For example, the protective jacket  426  may be formed from one or more polymers such as polyesters. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the protective jacket  426  is a tape that is helically wound around the shield  420  and drain wire  424 . The protective jacket  426  may partially overlap itself as the protective jacket  426  is wound around the shield  420  and drain wire  424  in a manner similar to the secondary dielectric layer  416 . Alternatively, the protective jacket  426  may be extruded around the drain wire  424 , the shield  420 , the secondary dielectric layer  416 , the filler bodies  422 , the primary dielectric layers  414  and the conductors  410 ,  412 . In another embodiment, the protective jacket  426  is a longitudinal tube similar to the tube  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The circular cross-sectional shape of the cable assembly  400  that is provided by the filler bodies  422  may assist in securing the secondary dielectric layer  416  to the filler bodies  422  and the primary dielectric layers  414 , the shield  420  to the secondary dielectric layer  416 , and/or the protective jacket  426  to the shield  420 . The secondary dielectric layer  416  may be coupled to the filler bodies  422  and the primary dielectric layers  414  by winding or wrapping the secondary dielectric layer  416  around the filler bodies  422  and the primary dielectric layers  414 . The filler bodies  422  and primary dielectric layers  414  provide support to the secondary dielectric layer  416  in directions that are obliquely or transversely oriented with respect to each other. The filler bodies  422  and the primary dielectric layers  414  may make the cross-sectional area of the cable assembly  400  more circular than a cable assembly that does not include the filler bodies  422 . As the cross-sectional area of a cable assembly becomes less circular, adhesion between abutting components in the cable assembly may be decreased and result in the components separating from each other. For example, if the cable assembly  400  had a less circular cross-sectional shape, then the secondary dielectric layer  416  may separate from the primary dielectric layers  414  and the filler bodies  422 , the shield  420  may separate from the secondary dielectric layer  416 , and/or the protective jacket  426  may separate from the shield  420 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly  400  along line A-A shown in  FIG. 4  according to one embodiment. The conductors  410 ,  412  each include a center axis  500 . The center axes  500  extend along the length of the conductors  410 ,  412  from one outer end  406  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to the opposite outer end  408  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the cable assembly  400 . The conductors  410 ,  412  are approximately centered about the center axes  500 . For example, the material forming each of the conductors  410 ,  412  may be substantially centered about the corresponding center axis  500 . The center axes  500  twist around and encircle the longitudinal axis  404  of the cable assembly  400  along the length dimension  402  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). For example, the center axes  500  may encircle the longitudinal axis  404  along a helical path. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , each of the primary dielectric layers  414  circumferentially surrounds a separate conductor  410 ,  412 . For example, the primary dielectric layers  414  surround the outside surface of the conductors  410 ,  412 . In the illustrated embodiment, the primary dielectric layers  414  directly contact the conductors  410 ,  412 . Alternatively, one or more gaps or voids are present between the primary dielectric layers  414  and the conductors  410 ,  412 . The primary dielectric layers  414  may directly engage one another in a position that is at or proximate to the longitudinal axis  404  of the cable assembly  400 . In another embodiment, the primary dielectric layers  414  do not contact one another. 
     The secondary dielectric layer  416  circumferentially surrounds the primary dielectric layers  414 . For example, the secondary dielectric layer  416  may enclose the primary dielectric layers  414  within the secondary dielectric layer  416 . The secondary dielectric layer  416  may directly the primary dielectric layers  414 . One or more internal voids  502  may be present between the secondary dielectric layer  416  and the primary dielectric layers  414  and filler bodies  422 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four internal voids  502  in the cable assembly  400 , with each void  502  being bounded by the secondary dielectric layer  416 , the primary dielectric layer  414  of one of the conductors  410 ,  412 , and one of the filler bodies  422 . Alternatively, a different number of voids  502  may be present and/or bounded by different components of the cable assembly  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the filler bodies  422  are positioned to provide an approximate circular cross-sectional shape of the cable assembly  400 . Each filler body  422  may directly engage the primary dielectric layers  414  of the conductors  410 ,  412  while being separated from the other filler body  422 . The filler bodies  422  shown in  FIG. 5  engage the secondary dielectric layer  416  and the primary dielectric layers  414  of both conductors  410 ,  412 . 
     The shield  420  circumferentially surrounds the secondary dielectric layer  416 . For example, the shield  420  encloses the secondary dielectric layer  416  around an outer perimeter of the secondary dielectric layer  416 . The shield  420  may directly engage the secondary dielectric layer  416  around the outer periphery of the secondary dielectric layer  416 . Alternatively, one or more gaps or voids may be disposed between the shield  420  and the secondary dielectric layer  416 . The drain wire  424  is disposed between the shield  420  and the protective jacket  426 . The protective jacket  426  extends around the shield  420  and the drain wire  424  to enclose the drain wire  424  and shield  420  within the protective jacket  426 . 
     The conductors  410 ,  412  are separated from one another by a separation gap  504 . The separation gap  504  may be measured in an angled direction with respect to the longitudinal axis  404 . For example, the separation gap  504  may be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  404 . In one embodiment, the separation gap  504  defines the minimum separation distance between the conductors  410 ,  412  in a plane that intersects the cable assembly  400  and that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  404 . For example, in the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 5 , the separation gap  504  represents the minimum distance between the conductors  410 ,  412 . 
     The conductors  410 ,  412  are separated from the shield  420  by a first distance d 1 . The first distance d 1  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  410 ,  412  and the shield  420 . Alternatively, the first distance d 1  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  410 ,  412  and a conductive layer of the shield  420 . For example, if the shield  420  includes multiple layers, the first distance d 1  may be measured between each conductor  410 ,  412  and the conductive layer of the shield  420 . The conductors  410 ,  412  are separated from the longitudinal axis  404  by a second distance d 2 . The second distance d 2  may represent the minimum distance between each of the conductors  410 ,  412  and the longitudinal axis  404 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second distances d 1  and d 2  are measured in a direction oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  404 . 
     Similar to the cable assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the inclusion of the secondary dielectric layer  416  may increase the first distance d 1  such that the first distance d 1  between the conductors  410 ,  412  and the shield  420  is greater than the second distance d 2  between the conductors  410 ,  412  and the longitudinal axis  404 . Increasing the distance between the conductors  410 ,  412  and the shield  420  to be greater than the distance between the conductors  410 ,  412  and the longitudinal axis  404  may reduce or eliminate the time skew imparted on signals communicated using the conductors  410 ,  412  that may otherwise be imparted if the first distance d 1  were not greater than the second distance d 2  in one embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly  600  in accordance with another embodiment. The cable assembly  600  may be similar to the cable assembly  400  shown in  FIG. 4 . The cable assembly  600  may be a cable that is multiple from other cable assemblies  600 , or may be one of multiple cable assemblies  600  in a cable, or may be one of multiple similar or dissimilar cable assemblies in a cable. The view shown in  FIG. 6  may be a cross-sectional view taken along a similar line as the cross-sectional view of the cable assembly  400  that is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Similar to the cable assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), the cable assembly  600  includes conductors  602 ,  604  enclosed in primary dielectric layers  606 . The conductors  602 ,  604  may be similar or identical to the conductors  410 ,  412  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The primary dielectric layer  606  may be similar or identical to the primary dielectric layer  414  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). A secondary dielectric layer  608  encloses the primary dielectric layers  606  and conductors  602 ,  604 . The secondary dielectric layer  608  may be similar or identical to the secondary dielectric layer  416  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     Elongated filler bodies  610  and interstitial elongated filler bodies  612  are positioned within the secondary dielectric layer  608  between the primary dielectric layers  606  and the secondary dielectric layer  608 . The filler bodies  610  may be similar or identical to the filler bodies  422  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The interstitial filler bodies  612  are elongated dielectric bodies that are positioned within the secondary dielectric layer  608  between the filler bodies  610 , the primary dielectric layers  606 , and the secondary dielectric layer  608 . For example, the interstitial filler bodies  612  may be positioned in the voids  502  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the cable assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the interstitial filler bodies  612  are located in volumes of the cable assembly  600  that are bounded by the secondary dielectric layer  608 , the primary dielectric layers  606 , and the filler bodies  610 . Each of the interstitial filler bodies  612  may engage one of the primary dielectric layers  606 , one of the filler bodies  610 , and the secondary dielectric layer  608 . The interstitial filler bodies  612 , filler bodies  610 , primary dielectric layers  606 , and conductors  602 ,  604  may be helically wound around a longitudinal axis  614  of the cable assembly  600  in a manner that is similar to the winding of the conductors  410 ,  412  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), primary dielectric layers  414  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), and filler bodies  422  around the longitudinal axis  404  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the cable assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) 
     The interstitial filler bodies  612  provide additional support to the secondary dielectric layer  608  to ensure that the cross-sectional shape of the cable assembly  600  is more circular than non-circular. For example, the interstitial filler bodies  612  are placed to fill the voids  502  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the cable assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to prevent the secondary dielectric layer  608  from inwardly sagging between the filler bodies  610  and the primary dielectric layers  606 . 
     A shield  616  is located around the secondary dielectric layer  608 . The shield  616  may be similar or identical to the shield  420  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). A drain wire  618  is wound around the outside of the shield  616 . The drain wire  618  may be similar or identical to the drain wire  424  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). A protective jacket  620  is wrapped around the outside of the shield  616  and the drain wire  618 . The protective jacket  620  may be similar or identical to the protective jacket  426  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The protective jacket  620  encloses the drain wire  618  between the shield  616  and the protective jacket  620 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly  700  in accordance with another embodiment. The cable assembly  700  may be similar to the cable assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The cable assembly  700  may be a cable that is multiple from other cable assemblies  700 , or may be one of multiple cable assemblies  700  in a cable, or may be one of multiple similar or dissimilar cable assemblies in a cable. The view shown in  FIG. 7  may be a cross-sectional view taken along a similar line as the cross-sectional view of the cable assembly  100  that is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Similar to the cable assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the cable assembly  700  includes conductors  702 ,  704  enclosed in primary dielectric layers  706 . The conductors  702 ,  704  may be similar or identical to the conductors  110 ,  112  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The primary dielectric layers  706  may be similar or identical to the primary dielectric layers  114  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A secondary dielectric layer  708  encloses the primary dielectric layers  706  and conductors  702 ,  704 . The secondary dielectric layer  708  may be similar or identical to the secondary dielectric layer  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Elongated filler bodies  710  are positioned within the secondary dielectric layer  708  between the primary dielectric layers  706  and the secondary dielectric layer  708 . The filler bodies  710  substantially fill in the voids between the primary dielectric layers  706  and the secondary dielectric layer  708 . For example, in comparison to the cable assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the filler bodies  710  may fill in all or substantially all of the voids  302  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to provide the cable assembly  700 . The filler bodies  710  include or are formed from a dielectric material. The filler bodies  710  may be provided as relatively thin fibers that are helically wrapped around a longitudinal axis  712  of the cable assembly  700 . For example, the filler bodies  710  may be relatively thin strings or yarns that are helically wrapped around the longitudinal axis  712  with the conductors  702 ,  704  and primary dielectric layers  706 . Alternatively, the filler bodies  710  may be molded bodies that are formed around the primary dielectric layers  706 . For example, the filler bodies  710  may be polymers that are extruded around the primary dielectric layers  706 . 
     The filler bodies  710  provide the cable assembly  700  with a circular cross-sectional shape. A shield  714  is wrapped around the filler bodies  710 . The shield  714  may be similar or identical to the shield  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the cable assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A drain wire  716  is wrapped around the outside of the shield  714 . The drain wire  716  may be similar or identical to the drain wire  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A protective jacket  718  is wrapped around the outside of the shield  714  and the drain wire  716 . The protective jacket  718  may be similar or identical to the protective jacket  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the cable assembly  100 . The protective jacket  718  is wrapped around the outside of the drain wire  716  and the shield  714  such that the drain wire  716  is enclosed between the protective jacket  718  and the shield  714 . 
     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 disclosed subject matter 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 scope of the subject matter described herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 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, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.