Electromagnetic interference shielding of electrical cables and connectors

Abstract

A shielded cable includes a cable body that is surrounded by a vacuum metallized layer. The metallized layer can be grounded with a metallized thermoform connector to prevent the release or impingement of harmful EMI radiation. Optionally, an insulating top coating can be disposed over the metallized layer over the cable body.

1 . A shielded cable comprising: 
 a conductive lead encapsulated within a dielectric;    a polymer layer surrounding the dielectric;    a metallized layer surrounding the polymer layer; and    a insulative coating disposed around the metallized layer.    
   
   
       2 . The shielded cable of  claim 1  wherein the metallized layer is thermally evaporated over the polymer layer so as to create a substantially uniform thickness.  
   
   
       3 . The shielded cable of  claim 1  further comprising a base coating disposed between the metallized layer and the polymer layer, wherein the base coating improves adherence of the metallized layer to the polymer layer.  
   
   
       4 . The shielded cable of  claim 1  wherein the polymer layer comprises a thermoformable material.  
   
   
       5 . The shielded cable of  claim 1  further comprising an electrically conductive connector that is electrically coupled to the metallized layer, wherein the connector can be coupled to ground.  
   
   
       6 . The shielded cable of  claim 5  wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a metallized thermoform.  
   
   
       7 . The shielded cable of  claim 6  wherein the metallized thermoform comprises a first body and a second body.  
   
   
       8 . A cable shield for shielding a cable body, the shield comprising: 
 a thermoform body comprising an inner surface and outer surface, the thermoform body sized and shaped to surround the cable; and    a metal layer disposed along one of the inner surface and outer surface.    
   
   
       9 . The cable shield of  claim 8  further wherein the thermoform body comprises a first body and a second body.  
   
   
       10 . The cable shield of  claim 9  wherein the first body and second body are coupled together with a clamp.  
   
   
       11 . The cable shield of  claim 8  wherein the thermoform body comprises at least one of ribs, cutouts, and corrugation to facilitate flexing of the thermoform body.  
   
   
       12 . The cable shield of  claim 8  wherein the metallized layer is disposed along the outer surface of the thermoform body, the shield further comprising an insulating layer disposed over the metal layer.  
   
   
       13 . The cable shield of  claim 8  wherein the metallized thermoform comprises an integral connector at an end of the thermoform body, wherein the integral connector can shield a connector pin assembly of the cable.