Twisted Pair Cable
1. Definition
A twisted pair cable is a type of communication cable made of two individually insulated copper conductors twisted together at a specific pitch. The twisting helps reduce external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, ensuring stable signal transmission.
2. Function
• Transmits data, voice, or video signals.
• Suppresses external electromagnetic interference to improve signal quality.
• Minimizes crosstalk between adjacent conductors, maintaining signal integrity.
3. Materials
Conductor: Typically oxygen-free copper or tinned copper; some low-cost cables may use copper-clad aluminum (CCA).
Insulation: Usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) for electrical insulation and mechanical protection.
Outer Jacket: A durable, flame-retardant plastic sheath that protects the internal conductors from physical damage.
4. Applications
• Local Area Network (LAN) cabling, such as Ethernet.
• Telephone communication lines.
• Video transmission for surveillance systems.
• Industrial control signal transmission.
5. Differences Between Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
|
Feature |
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) | Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) |
| Structure | Includes an additional metallic shielding layer (aluminum foil or braided copper) around the twisted pairs. | Consists only of insulation and an outer jacket, with no metallic shielding. |
| Interference Resistance | High, suitable for environments with strong electromagnetic interference. | Moderate, suitable for low-interference environments. |
| Signal Stability | More stable, ideal for high-speed and long-distance transmission. | Slightly less stable than STP but sufficient for most networking needs. |
| Flexibility & Installation | Less flexible, more difficult to install, requires proper grounding. | More flexible, easy to install, no grounding required. |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
