Communication cable having electrically isolated shield providing enhanced return loss

Abstract

A tape can comprise a strip of dielectric material, with adhering patches of electrical conductive material. The patches can be substantially electrically isolated from one another. The strip can be disposed in a communication cable to provide a shield that is electrically discontinuous or has high resistance between opposite cable ends. Each patch can interact with electromagnetic radiation associated with electrical signals transmitting over the cable. The patches can collectively interact with the transmitting electrical signals in a cumulative or resonant manner to produce a spike in return loss at a particular frequency of the transmitting signals. The frequency location of the spike can depend upon the sizes of the patches, with size impacting manufacturability. The patches can be sized such that the spike falls within an operating frequency of the transmitting signal but is suppressed, so the cable meets return loss specifications while offering manufacturing advantage.