June 2024
Connectors User Congress: EMC of SPE-Connectors and Assemblies – Simulation and Measuring
The structure of an unshielded single-pair Ethernet cable, SPE cable for short, which is intended for a special application (10Base-T1, 100Base-T1, 1000Base-T1) was analysed with regard to its shielding properties. The cable and the test setup, which was intended for later evaluation, were modelled as a digital twin in a 3D simulation programme for electromagnetic waves.
simulation programme for electromagnetic waves.
By simulating the test setup in accordance with the IEC 62153-4-9 standard, it was possible to simulate the required properties of the radiation behaviour and symmetry in accordance with the relevant standards and compare them with the required limit values. In addition to observing the behaviour of the cable with nominal dimensions, a tolerance analysis was also carried out using the permissible electrical tolerances.
By visualising the electric fields, the causes of the measured radiation behaviour could be identified. After creating a prototype, the characteristic values of the SPE cable were measured in the laboratory using the triaxial method. The result of the measurement was between the simulated values of the nominal and worst-case geometry. This confirmed the simulated shielding behaviour.
In the following script and PowerPoint presentation, the results of the analysis of symmetry and shielding behaviour in SPE cables and connectors are presented. The use of simulation and measurements as well as the advantages of the triaxial method are emphasised. The methods enable an efficient design process and provide important insights into the quality of the simulation.
Authors:
- Dipl.-Ing. Ralf Damm, bda connectivity GmbH
- Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Mund, bda connectivity GmbH
- Dr. Thomas Gneiting, AdMOS GmbH
- Dipl.-Ing. Ralf Tillmanns, Weidmüller GmbH & Co KG.