Patent Description:
Conventional data cables typically include twisted pairs of insulated conductors that are surrounded by a shield and/or are separated by a separator to alleviate signal interference among adjacent parallel conductors (crosstalk). These conventional arrangements can be bulky and expensive to manufacture.

<CIT> discloses a data transmission cable, comprising at least n pairs, where n is an even multiple of unity, each comprising two insulated conductors, having a screen which is composed of electrically conductive material, for the conductor pairs and an outer cable sheath, with the electrical screen subdividing the cable cross section at least into two screening sectors, and one conductor pair running in each screening sector, so that the two conductor pairs are screened from one another and from the exterior, characterized in that two or four conductor pairs are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another in the cable cross section, and in that the screen comprises two independent screen elements, each of which screen elements is associated with two conductor pairs, thus forming four screening sectors.

<CIT> discloses a communications cable with a matrix tape that attenuates alien crosstalk when cables run near one another. The matrix tape is provided with conductive segments. The conductive segments are preferably provided on two layers of the matrix tape. In one embodiment, the conductive segments are attached to a film with an adhesive. A barrier tape is preferably provided between the cable core and the matrix tape.

In accordance with the invention, a cable comprises a first twisted pair of insulated conductors, a second twisted pair of insulated conductors, a third twisted pair of insulated conductors, a fourth twisted pair of insulated conductors, a first shielding tape, a second shielding tape, and an outer jacket. The first shielding tape extends between the first and second twisted pairs of conductors and between the second and third twisted pairs of conductors. The first shielding tape comprises a first substrate and a plurality of first conductive shielding segments. The plurality of first conductive shielding segments is disposed on the first substrate. Each first conductive shielding segment is spaced from each immediately adjacent first conductive shielding segment in a longitudinal direction and in a radial direction. The second shielding tape extends between the third and fourth twisted pairs of conductors and between the first and fourth twisted pairs of conductors. The second shielding tape comprises a second substrate and a plurality of second conductive shielding segments. The plurality of second conductive shielding segments is disposed on the second substrate. Each second conductive shielding segment is spaced from each immediately adjacent second conductive shielding segment in a longitudinal direction and in a radial direction. The outer jacket surrounds the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs of insulated conductors and the first and second shielding tapes. The first shielding tape and the second shielding tape are joined together at a central location.

In accordance with another example not encompassed by the claims, a cable comprises a first twisted pair of insulated conductors, a second twisted pair of insulated conductors, a substantially flat separator, and an outer jacket that surrounds the first twisted pair of insulated conductors, the second twisted pair of insulated conductors, and the substantially flat separator. The substantially flat separator extends between the first and second twisted pairs of insulated conductors. The substantially flat separator comprises a plurality of first conductive shielding segments and a first substrate. Each first conductive shielding segment is spaced from each immediately adjacent first conductive shielding segment in a longitudinal direction. The first substrate overlies the plurality of first conductive shielding segments. The first substrate is formed of a dielectric material.

It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments according to the invention, while <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments no longer covered by claims.

In connection with the views and examples of <FIG>, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a cable <NUM> comprising a first core <NUM>, a second core <NUM>, and an outer jacket <NUM> surrounding the first and second cores <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer jacket <NUM> can be formed of an electrically insulating material, such as polyvinylchloride, for example. The first core <NUM> includes first insulated conductors 16a, 16b and second insulated conductors 18a, 18b that are twisted into respective first and second pairs <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., twisted pairs). As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the first insulated conductors 16a, 16b can include respective conductive elements 20a, 20b that are coated with respective insulating layers 22a, 22b. Each of the second insulated conductors 18a, 18b can include respective conductive elements 24a, 24b that are coated with respective insulating layers 26a, 26b. The conductive elements 20a, 20b, 24a, 24b can be formed of copper, aluminum, or any of a variety of other suitable conductive materials. In one embodiment, the insulating layers 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b can be formed of a foamed material. The foamed material can provide enhanced insulating characteristics relative to a solid material due to the air voids imparted to the foamed material during manufacture. Foaming the insulating layers 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b can also allow the first core <NUM> to be provided without a separate barrier layer. It is to be appreciated that the insulating layers 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b can be formed of any of a variety of insulating materials and in some cases might not be foamed.

The first core <NUM> includes a first shielding tape <NUM> that surrounds the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> such that the first shielding tape <NUM> defines a first passage <NUM> (<FIG>) through which the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> are routed. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first shielding tape <NUM> comprises a first substrate <NUM> and a plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed on the first substrate <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> can be formed of one or more nonconductive materials, and the plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the first substrate <NUM> can be formed of one or more layers of biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be formed of an aluminum alloy (e.g., an aluminum/PET tape). In some embodiments, the PET tape can be MYLAR.

It is to be appreciated that the first substrate <NUM> can be formed of any of a variety of suitable additional or alternative insulating materials, such as, for example, an olefin (e.g., a polypropylene or polyvinylchloride), and/or a fluoropolymer, such as FEP, ECTFE, MFA, PFA and PTFE. The first substrate <NUM> can, additionally or alternatively, include fibrous filler strands, such as, for example, woven or non-woven strands of fiberglass. These fibrous filler strands can be included in the first substrate <NUM> to enhance the flame and smoke properties of the first shielding tape <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that the first substrate <NUM> can be formed of a single layer of material or a plurality of the same or different materials.

Although the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are described as being formed of aluminum, it is to be appreciated that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be formed of any of a variety of suitable additional or alternative conductive materials, such as, for example, pure aluminum or copper. In one embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can have a thickness between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. Each of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> is spaced from each immediately adjacent conductive shielding segment <NUM> in a longitudinal direction (i.e., parallel to a longitudinal centerline C1 of the cable <NUM>) such that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are separated by gaps <NUM> to form a discontinuous shield. In one embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> have a substantially rectangular shape such that each conductive shielding segment <NUM> is spaced from each immediately adjacent conductive shielding segment <NUM> in each of a longitudinal direction and a radial direction (i.e., parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline C1 of the cable <NUM>). In one embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be sized to overlie at least about <NUM>% of the first substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be formed by laser cutting the gaps <NUM> into a continuous sheet of conductive material (e.g., aluminum). In such an embodiment, the gaps <NUM> can be between about <NUM> microns and about <NUM> microns thick.

It is to be appreciated that the overall configuration of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> (e.g., the shape, length, and/or width) can be selected to achieve effective shielding properties for the cable <NUM> and to alleviate alien crosstalk among the twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> in the absence of a dedicated ground wire. The conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be configured to be any of a variety of shapes, such as, for example, square, rectangular, parallelogram, trapezoidal, chevron, diamond, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance and/or the radial distance between the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be consistent among the conductive shielding segments <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more of the length, the width, and the shape of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be random which can alleviate resonance between the conductive shielding segments <NUM> as well as adverse interactions between the twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be adhered to the first substrate <NUM> with an adhesive. In another embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be applied to the first substrate <NUM> via an application process such as, for example, heat pressing, laser ablation, vapor deposition, or by spraying conductive particles onto the first substrate <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be conductive particles which are embedded in the first substrate <NUM>. These conductive particles can be formed of aluminum, iron oxides, nickel, zinc, silver, carbon nano-fibers, or any of a variety of suitable alternative conductive particulates.

Referring now to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the first substrate <NUM> is shown to include a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> that is opposite from the first surface <NUM> (e.g., opposing surfaces). In such an embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be disposed only on the first surface <NUM>, such that the second surface <NUM> is devoid of conductive shielding segments. In another embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be disposed on each of the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the first shielding tape <NUM> can be helically wound around the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> with the conductive shielding segments <NUM> facing inwardly towards the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>. A portion of the first shielding tape <NUM> can therefore overlap itself such that some portions of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are in contact with the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and other portions of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are sandwiched between overlapped portions of the first shielding tape <NUM>. With the first shielding tape <NUM> helically wound around the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, the first substrate <NUM> can overlie each of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> relative to the first passage <NUM> such that a substantial portion of the second surface <NUM> of the first substrate <NUM> that is devoid of conductive shielding segments <NUM> defines an exterior surface of the first shielding tape <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first shielding tape <NUM> can be helically wound such that an exposed edge <NUM> of first shielding tape <NUM> can lie at a wrap angle of about <NUM> degrees relative to the centerline C1 with about a <NUM>% overlap with adjacent portions of the first shielding tape <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that, although the first shielding tape <NUM> is described as being helically wound around the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, the first shielding tape <NUM> can surround the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> in any of a variety of suitable alternative arrangements. For example, the first shielding tape <NUM> can surround the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> in a cuffed arrangement such that the exposed edge <NUM> is substantially parallel with the longitudinal centerline C1 of the cable <NUM>.

The conductive shielding segments <NUM> of the first shielding tape <NUM> are electrically discontinuous along the longitudinal centerline C1 of the cable <NUM> which can provide more effective shielding of the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> than certain conventional grounded arrangements. For example, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can reduce capacitive coupling between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> which can enhance the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance and can provide more consistent high frequency impedance. Additionally, the physical characteristics of each conductive shielding segment <NUM> (e.g., the shape, the length, and/or the width) as well as the relationship between the conductive shielding segments <NUM> (e.g., the gaps therebetween) can be selected to enhance the capacitive coupling between the conductive shielding segments <NUM> thereby enhancing the overall magnitude of the longitudinal impedance of the cable <NUM>. As a result, the first shielding tape <NUM> can provide reduced signal attenuation at high frequencies along the twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> which can reduce (e.g., flatten) the insertion loss curve as compared to a conventional unshielded arrangement. In addition, the first shielding tape <NUM> can enhance the shielding between the twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby improving near end crosstalk (NEXT), alien crosstalk (ANEXT), and high frequency attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio (ACR).

Still referring to <FIG>, the second core <NUM> is similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the first core <NUM>. The second core <NUM> includes third insulated conductors 42a, 42b and fourth insulated conductors 44a, 44b that are twisted into respective third and fourth pairs <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., twisted pairs). As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the third insulated conductors 42a, 42b can include respective conductive elements 46a, 46b that are coated with respective insulating layers 48a, 48b. Each of the fourth insulated conductors 44a, 44b can include respective conductive elements 50a, 50b that are coated with respective insulating layers 52a, 52b.

The second core <NUM> also includes a second shielding tape <NUM> that surrounds the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> such that the second shielding tape <NUM> defines a second passage <NUM> (<FIG>) through which the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> are routed. The second shielding tape <NUM> is the same as, or similar to, the first shielding tape <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second shielding tape <NUM> comprises a second substrate <NUM> and a plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed on the second substrate <NUM>.

However, the second shielding tape <NUM> can be helically wound around the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> with the conductive shielding segments <NUM> facing outwardly such that they are not in contact with the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>. A portion of the second shielding tape <NUM> can overlap itself such that portions of some of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are sandwiched between overlapped portions of the second shielding tape <NUM>. With the second shielding tape <NUM> helically wound around the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> in this manner, the second substrate <NUM> can underlie each of the conductive shielding segments <NUM> relative to the second passage <NUM> such that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> at least partially define an exterior surface of the second shielding tape <NUM>, and a substantial portion of a surface <NUM> of the second substrate <NUM> that is devoid of any conductive shielding segments <NUM> contacts the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that by isolating the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> from the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> with the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, crosstalk between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> is suppressed such that the use of certain conventional supplement shielding arrangements, such as a barrier layer and/or separator, can be avoided. This can result in a less complex, less time consuming, and more cost effective cable than conventional arrangements. It is also to be appreciated that since the conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced from each other (i.e., discontinuous) in each of the longitudinal and radial directions, the cable <NUM> will have less coupling of internal noise factors, as well as better electrical characteristics from the lack of electrical continuity across the cable <NUM> from phenomena (e.g., "antenna" effects) than conventional cables. These enhancements can allow the cable <NUM> to maintain sufficient data transmission properties to be rated as a TIA Category 6A (Cat <NUM>) cable. Additionally, with the conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM> facing inwardly and outwardly, respectively, (e.g., in a "foil in-foil out" arrangement), electrical discontinuity integrity can be maintained between the first and second cores <NUM>, <NUM> and throughout the length of the cable <NUM>.

An alternative embodiment of a shielding tape <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The shielding tape <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the shielding tape <NUM> can include a substrate <NUM> and a plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed on the substrate <NUM>. However, the shielding tape <NUM> can include a protective layer <NUM> that overlies the conductive shielding segments <NUM> relative to the substrate <NUM> such that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are sandwiched between the substrate <NUM> and the protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> can be similar or the same as the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the protective layer <NUM> can be formed substantially of biaxially-oriented polyvinylchloride terephthalate. It is to be appreciated that the shielding tape <NUM> can be used in cable <NUM> in lieu of the first shielding tape <NUM> and/or the second shielding tape <NUM>.

Another alternative embodiment of a shielding tape <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The shielding tape <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the shielding tape <NUM> can include a substrate <NUM> and a plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed on the substrate <NUM>. However, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be chevron shaped segments that are spaced longitudinally from each other by substantially V-shaped gaps <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that the shielding tape <NUM> can be used in cable <NUM> in lieu of the first shielding tape <NUM> and/or the second shielding tape <NUM>. In one embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be formed by laser cutting the gaps <NUM> into a continuous sheet of conductive material (e.g., aluminum) during manufacturing of the cable. In such an embodiment, laser cutters can be provided along an assembly line for the cable and the laser cutters can cut the gaps <NUM> as the shielding tape <NUM> is being drawn into place within the cable.

An alternative example of a cable <NUM> not encompassed by the claims is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the cable <NUM> can include first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of insulated conductors. An outer shielding tape <NUM> with conductive shielding segments <NUM> can surround the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. An outer jacket <NUM> can surround the outer shielding tape <NUM> such that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> are sandwiched between a substrate <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>. However, the cable <NUM> can include a flat separator <NUM> that is substantially flat and extends between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>. The flat separator <NUM> can include an interior substrate <NUM> that is formed of any of a variety of suitable dielectric materials such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyvinylchloride, or fluoropolymers, such as FEP, ECTFE, MFA, and PFA. In one example, the flat separator <NUM> can be formed of a foamed dielectric material.

The flat separator <NUM> can include a plurality of conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed on the interior substrate <NUM> that are similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the conductive shielding segments <NUM> of <FIG>. An upper substrate <NUM> can overlie the conductive shielding segments <NUM> and can be formed of a dielectric material. A lower substrate <NUM> can underlie the conductive shielding segments <NUM> and can be formed of a dielectric material. In another example, the shielding tape <NUM> can be arranged in a reverse orientation on the flat separator <NUM> such that the conductive shielding segments <NUM> contact with the flat separator <NUM> and the side that is devoid of conductive shielding segments <NUM> is exposed. In yet another embodiment, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be applied to both sides of the substrate <NUM>. In still yet another example, the interior substrate <NUM> can be formed of conductive shielding segments (e.g., <NUM>) which can be sandwiched between upper and lower substrates (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) that are each formed of a dielectric material.

The upper and lower substrates <NUM>, <NUM> can be applied to the flat separator <NUM> with adhesive or any of a variety of other suitable alternative application processes. In some example, conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be applied directly to the flat separator <NUM>, as described in <CIT>.

An alternative example of a cable <NUM> not encompassed by the claims is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the cable <NUM> can include first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of insulated conductors. A shielding tape <NUM> having a substrate <NUM> with conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed thereon can surround the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. An outer jacket <NUM> can surround the shielding tape <NUM> and the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, the shielding tape <NUM> can be routed around the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in an S-shape. The shielding tape <NUM> can have a first end portion <NUM>, a second end portion <NUM>, and a central portion <NUM> that extends between the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The first end portion <NUM> can be routed between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> can be routed between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>. The second end portion <NUM> can be routed between the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one example, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be applied to only one side of the substrate <NUM> such that the other side of the substrate <NUM> is devoid of conductive shielding segments. In another example, conductive shielding segments can be applied to both sides of the substrate <NUM>.

Another alternative example of a cable <NUM> not encompassed by the claims is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the cable <NUM> can include first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of insulated conductors. A shielding tape <NUM> with conductive shielding segments <NUM> disposed thereon can surround the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. An outer jacket <NUM> can surround the shielding tape <NUM> and the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, the shielding tape <NUM> can be provided in a cloverleaf shape and can have first, second, third, and fourth overlapping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For each of the overlapping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a substrate <NUM> can be folded together and can extend inwardly towards a centerline C2 of the cable <NUM>. The first overlapping portion <NUM> can be disposed between the first twisted pair <NUM> and the second twisted pair <NUM>. The second overlapping portion <NUM> can be disposed between the second twisted pair <NUM> and the fourth twisted pair <NUM>. The third overlapping portion <NUM> can be disposed between the third twisted pair <NUM> and the fourth twisted pair <NUM>. The fourth overlapping portion <NUM> can be disposed between the third twisted pair <NUM> and the first twisted pair <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one example of a cable not encompassed by the claims, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> can be applied to only one side of the substrate <NUM> such that the other side of the substrate <NUM> is devoid of conductive shielding segments. In such an example, the shielding tape <NUM> can be arranged with the conductive shielding segments <NUM> facing inwardly (as shown) or outwardly (not shown). When the conductive shielding segments <NUM> face inwardly, they can be in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. When the conductive shielding segments (e.g., <NUM>) face outwardly, they can be in contact with the outer jacket <NUM>. In another example, the conductive shielding segments (e.g., <NUM>) can be applied to both sides of the substrate <NUM>.

An embodiment of a cable <NUM> according to the present invention is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> is similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. The cable <NUM> includes first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of insulated conductors. A first shielding tape <NUM> and a second shielding tape <NUM> include respective pairs of conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM>. However, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are joined together at a central location <NUM> such that they cooperate to form an X-shape. The first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are routed among the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the first shielding tape <NUM> extends between the first and second twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and between the second and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and such that the second shielding tape <NUM> extends between the first and third twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM> and between the third and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>. Although the conductive shielding segments <NUM> of the first shielding tape <NUM> are shown to be facing the second twisted pair <NUM> and the conductive shielding segments <NUM> of the second shielding tape <NUM> are shown to be facing the third twisted pair <NUM>, the conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided in any of a variety of alternative arrangements. In some embodiments, an outer shielding tape with conductive shielding segments (not shown) that is similar to or the same as in many respects as the outer shielding tape <NUM> shown in <FIG> can surround the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Another alternative example of a cable <NUM> not encompassed by the claims is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> can be similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the cable <NUM> can include a first shielding tape <NUM> and a second shielding tape <NUM> that include respective pairs of conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are not joined together. Additionally, the conductive shielding segments <NUM> of the second shielding tape <NUM> are shown to be disposed on an opposite side of the second shielding tape <NUM>. In some embodiments, an outer shielding tape with conductive shielding segments (not shown) that is similar to or the same as in many respects as the outer shielding tape <NUM> shown in <FIG> can surround the twisted pairs.

Another alternative embodiment of a cable <NUM> according to the present invention is illustrated in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> is similar to, or the same as, in many respects as the cable <NUM> of <FIG>. The cable <NUM> includes first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of insulated conductors. A first shielding tape <NUM> and a second shielding tape <NUM> include respective pairs of conductive shielding segments <NUM>, <NUM> and are joined together at a central location <NUM>. An outer jacket <NUM> surrounds the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> and the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, the first and second shielding tapes <NUM>, <NUM> can be routed among the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that they cooperate to form an S-shape. For example, the first shielding tape <NUM> can extend between the second and fourth twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, between the second twisted pair <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>, and between the fourth twisted pair <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>. The second shielding tape <NUM> can extend between the first and third twisted pairs <NUM>, <NUM>, between the first twisted pair <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>, and between the third twisted pair <NUM> and the outer jacket <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cable (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a first twisted pair (<NUM>; <NUM>) of insulated conductors;
a second twisted pair (<NUM>; <NUM>) of insulated conductors;
a third twisted pair (<NUM>; <NUM>) of insulated conductors;
a fourth twisted pair (<NUM>; <NUM>) of insulated conductors;
a first shielding tape (<NUM>; <NUM>) that extends between the first and second twisted pairs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of conductors and between the second and third twisted pairs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of conductors, the first shielding tape (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a first substrate; and
a plurality of first conductive shielding segments (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed on the first substrate, each first conductive shielding segment being spaced from each immediately adjacent first conductive shielding segment in a longitudinal direction and a radial direction;
a second shielding tape (<NUM>; <NUM>) that extends between the third and fourth twisted pairs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of conductors and between the first and fourth twisted pairs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of conductors, the second shielding tape (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a second substrate; and
a plurality of second conductive shielding segments (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed on the second substrate, each second conductive shielding segment being spaced from each immediately adjacent second conductive shielding segment in a longitudinal direction and a radial direction; and
an outer jacket (<NUM>) surrounding the first, second, third, and fourth twisted pairs (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of insulated conductors and the first and second shielding tapes (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first shielding tape (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the second shielding tape (<NUM>:<NUM>) are joined together at a central location (<NUM>; <NUM>).