Reduced crosstalk modular plug and patch cord incorporating the same

Abstract

Patch cords suitable for Category 6 data transmission applications terminated at the two ends by first and second modular plugs that differ from each other in a complementary manner such that relative positioning of wire pairs is maintained at both ends of the patch cord, and without any crossing of any wire of one pair over a wire of another pair within either modular plug. Within each plug, wire-receiving passages receive the ends of the cable wires. Within one of the modular plugs, the wire-receiving passages corresponding to position numbers and (Pair P ) are offset from the remaining wire-receiving passages in a direction relatively farther from the terminal side of the plug. Within the other of the modular plugs, the wire-receiving passages corresponding to position numbers and (Pair P ) are offset from the remaining wire-receiving passages in a direction relatively closer to the terminal side of the plug. The offsets allow the conductors of each of the Pairs P , P , P and P to remain paired as much as possible to maintain characteristic impedance so as to improve return loss characteristics. In addition, the wires are separated as pairs from other pairs as much as possible to reduce crosstalk couplings.