Electrical interference on data cables

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential electrical interference caused by running USB, Ethernet, and HDMI cables in close proximity within an 8-meter plastic conduit. The USB 3.0 standard specifies a maximum practical length of 3 meters for optimal performance, while USB 2.0 can extend up to 5 meters without issues. Active USB extension cables are available that can extend the length up to 10 meters, albeit at a higher cost. The participants recommend verifying specifications before committing to long cable lengths and suggest avoiding wall-mounted face plates for HDMI connections to minimize signal degradation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 specifications
  • Knowledge of HDMI signal transmission
  • Familiarity with active USB extension cables
  • Basic concepts of electrical interference and shielding
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cable lengths
  • Explore the use of active USB extension cables and their benefits
  • Investigate HDMI cable length limitations and potential signal issues
  • Learn about shielding techniques to reduce electrical interference in data cables
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for IT professionals, network engineers, and anyone involved in setting up data transmission systems who need to understand the implications of cable lengths and potential interference in their installations.

TechTree
Messages
32
Reaction score
10
Hello, I've got two computers that are in separate rooms and I have placed plastic conduit through the small space above the ceiling. Which will have a USB data cable, an Ethernet network cable, and a HDMI cable inside. The conduit length is about 8m long. And I was wondering if this setup could cause any interference on the data cables due to their close proximity.

There are no wires carrying large amounts of power except from the USB cable carrying 5.2v 2A DC. Is there any additional shielding needed between the cables, or will it be okay?

Thanks! :wink:
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I would think that each of those cables is individually shielded given the frequencies they're operating at. But note that according to Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Cabling
"The USB 3.0 standard does not directly specify a maximum cable length, requiring only that all cables meet an electrical specification: for copper cabling with AWG 26 wires the maximum practical length is 3 meters (9 ft 10 in)."

Do you think you can source 8m + long cables?

I suppose if you're going for USB 2 then you might make it. Dunno, haven't checked the specs. I suggest that you do before committing.
 
  • Like
Likes dlgoff, berkeman and TechTree
gneill said:
Do you think you can source 8m + long cables?

I suppose if you're going for USB 2 then you might make it. Dunno, haven't checked the specs. I suggest that you do before committing.
There are types of USB extension cables called "Active USB extension cables" which have a special signal booster chipset, which can go for about 10m. While it is still possible to extend USB 3.0 using signal boosters they come at a much greater price.

Looks like I'm going to go with USB 2.0 just because I don't really need those super fast speeds. :wink:
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman and gneill
A quick Google search shows USB 2.0 max length of 5 meters. It also showed a 10 meter boosted cable for less than USD$10 and a 15 meter for under USD$20.

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes dlgoff, gneill and davenn
Depending on the screen resolution and equipment each end you may also have issues with the long HDMI cable. If possible just use one cable without any wall mounted face plates.
 
I am trying to understand how transferring electric from the powerplant to my house is more effective using high voltage. The suggested explanation that the current is equal to the power supply divided by the voltage, and hence higher voltage leads to lower current and as a result to a lower power loss on the conductives is very confusing me. I know that the current is determined by the voltage and the resistance, and not by a power capability - which defines a limit to the allowable...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
8K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K