Electrical interference on data cables

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around concerns about electrical interference in a setup involving USB, Ethernet, and HDMI cables running through a plastic conduit over 8 meters. Participants note that while individual cables are typically shielded, the length may pose challenges, particularly for USB 3.0, which has a practical limit of about 3 meters without signal degradation. Active USB extension cables are suggested as a solution for longer distances, especially for USB 2.0, which can reach up to 10 meters with boosters. Additionally, there are warnings about potential issues with long HDMI cables depending on resolution and equipment. Overall, careful consideration of cable specifications and lengths is advised to avoid performance issues.
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.
 

Thread 'Underwater piezoelectric sensor array receive sensitivity'

Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
View full post »

Thread 'Following up on the recent thread about Earth Resistance measurements'

I have recently moved into a new (rather ancient) house and had a few trips of my Residual Current breaker. I dug out my old Socket tester which tell me the three pins are correct. But then the Red warning light tells me my socket(s) fail the loop test. I never had this before but my last house had an overhead supply with no Earth from the company. The tester said "get this checked" and the man said the (high but not ridiculous) earth resistance was acceptable. I stuck a new copper earth...
View full post »

Thread 'Question about bonding ground and neutral'

I am not an electrical engineering student, but a lowly apprentice electrician. I learn both on the job and also take classes for my apprenticeship. I recently wired my first transformer and I understand that the neutral and ground are bonded together in the transformer or in the service. What I don't understand is, if the neutral is a current carrying conductor, which is then bonded to the ground conductor, why does current only flow back to its source and not on the ground path...
View full post »

Similar threads

Questions about data wire shielding
Replies
9
Views
5K
Parallel Equipment Grounding Conductors, Short Circuit
Replies
4
Views
4K
Four wires transmission line for data
Replies
4
Views
3K
Will Magnets interfere with Electric Signal?
Replies
2
Views
8K
Considering Earth ground vs floating ground in off grid solar
Replies
13
Views
6K
Possible alternatives to Power-Over-Fiber?
Replies
8
Views
8K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
Replies
21
Views
4K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
Replies
4
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top