Twisted pair cable designs are used in many of the custom cable products designed and manufactured at Quadrangle Products Inc. Twisted pairs are used to transfer data at high speeds and the design is utilized in many types of display cables in a variety of industries. The use of twisted pairs reduces electromagnetic interference which allows signals to travel longer distances at higher transmission rates. Using a twisted pair is typically more cost effective than using a coax wire, making it a popular choice for display cables.
What is a Twisted Pair Cable?
A twisted pair is a type of cable made by putting two separate insulated wires together in a twisted pattern and running them parallel to each other. This type of cable is widely used in different types of data and voice infrastructures.
What Cable Types Utilize Twisted Pair Cables?
Twisted pair design can be found in many different types of cables and wires, including:
- LVDS cables
- eDP cables
- DVI cables
- Displayport cables
- Telecommunications cables such as ethernet cabling
- USB type cables including USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB-C
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Vs Shielded Twisted Pair Cable
Experts typically cite that twisted pair cabling is often used to help avoid certain kinds of signal interference. There are two different types of twisted pairs, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP), which are used in different kinds of installations.
Shielded twisted pairs have an individual shield wrapped around the twisted pair. The shield is generally made of foil with a drain wire running through it. An unshielded twisted pair has no shield. UTP is common in ethernet installations, while STP is used in various kinds of networks to prevent crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. STP cable can also help to provide grounding.
Advantages of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Using an unshielded twisted pair over the shielded twisted pairs is often a cost saving decision. Unshielded twisted pairs also allow for more flexibility in a cable jacket.
Advantages of Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Shielded twisted pairs help further reduce electrometric interference especially at longer cable distances and faster transmission rates.
What Type of Twisted Pair is Used in LVDS Cables?
Some good pre-twisted overall shielded cables are UL20276 and the Low Voltage Zero Halogen (LVZH) UL21104 wire. UL wires such as UL1571 28AWG and UL3767 28 AWG can be twisted for LVDS cables. If you have a custom twisted pair in mind, Quadrangle Products is always happy to work with our clients to design a custom cable that suits their needs.