Cable shield termination system using clamps and ferrules

Abstract

The invention provides EMI cable shield termination apparatus. The apparatus includes (a) a cable exit panel coupled to a first electronic system and (b) one or more clamps coupled to the exit panel. The exit panel serves as an interface for one or more cables coupled to the first electronic system; the clamps provide mechanical coupling, and EMI shielding, for the cables to that interface. The exit panel couples to electrical ground such as through connection to the chassis of the first electronic system. The clamps also couple to ground through connection with the exit panel. Preferably, one end of the cables attaches to the clamps, at the interface formed by the exit panel, and the other end of the cables attach to respective ferrules coupled to a second electronics system. Beneficially, the apparatus reduces EMI effects generated from the first electronic system and coupled into the second electronic system. In preferred aspects of the invention, the first and second electronic systems are computers; and each of the clamps forms at least one aperture (“clamp aperture”) to affix to a cable coupled to the first electronic system. The invention facilitates configurable cable shield terminations to meet mechanical requirements of a given installation; that is, a single cable construction permits multiple optional clamp attachment locations to accommodate different separations of the attached equipment.