In small signal applications it is essential to utilize transmission lines which limit noise. This is particularly difficult in applications where a cable experiences mechanical shock, vibration, or repeated flexing during use. To combat these concerns, New England Wire Technologies offers several low noise options designed to maintain signal integrity.
The Triboelectric Effect & Voltage Generation in Flexing Cables
The triboelectric effect is a process by which dissimilar materials can acquire an electric charge through contact. In wire and cable this effect can alter baseline voltage levels, or the insulation can act as a capacitor temporarily storing the charge until it is released as a voltage spike. Careful material selection, special manufacturing techniques and the addition of conductive layers to dissipate the charge can reduce noise and significantly improve performance.
NEWtral® Technology: Reducing Voltage Spikes to Microvolts
With traditional cable, simply flexing or twisting can generate voltage spikes with magnitudes in the tens of millivolts. Cables utilizing our NEWtral® low noise extrusions and coatings typically see voltage spikes decreased to the microvolt range. New England Wire will work with you to select the low noise option best suited to your application.
NEWtral® Design Considerations
NEWtral® Low Noise Options
- Extrusion
- Conductive extrusion options include: Polyolefin, ETFE, PVC and Silicone Rubber
- Easy to strip mechanically
- Increases cable diameter
- Coating
- Must be stripped chemically – citrus, MEK, isopropyl alcohol
- Minimal increase in diameter
Custom Features
- High temperature
- Ultra Flexible
- Miniaturization
- Mechanically Strippable
Learn more about the triboelectric effect here, and why you might need a low noise cable here.
Engineers Ask: Low Noise Cable FAQs
What situations should indicate I need a low-noise cable?
If your application has mechanically induced triboelectric noise in the millivolt (mV) range and that interference is ruining signal accuracy, a low-noise cable might be the solution. With careful low-noise design and appropriate material selection, electrostatic charges can be reduce from tens to hundreds of millivolts (mV) down to a desired microvolt (µV) range, offering performance improvements.
Can shielding alone eliminate this type of noise?
Unfortunately, no, it isn’t possible for a standard shield to eliminate or significantly reduce triboelectric noise. The issue arises because small charges are generated as the conductor and dielectric layer rub together internally in the cable, and the shield alone is designed to block external interference.
What applications benefit most from NEWtral® technology?
In short, any application that requires precise signal measurement where triboelectric or microphonic interference impacts signal integrity. A few such applications include electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), fetal heart monitoring, professional microphones, instrument hookups, high-impedance probes, radar systems, diagnostic imaging, and piezoelectric sensors, to name a few.
