Example 2: tested, tested, tested! Data specification CAT5

Change in the electrical transmission properties of a CAT5 cable when stressed with the minimum bending radius

Attenuation

Maximum values for individual attenuation are specified in DIN IEC 61156-6 for each pair of cores for the corresponding nominal characteristic impedance in dB/100 m. The cable is divided into several categories according to the intended transmission frequency. The cables are divided into several categories according to the intended transmission frequency. Transmission frequencies of up to 100 MHz, which corresponds to category 5e, are envisaged for the cable analysed.

Test result

The attenuation, as a measure of the reduction of the transmitted electrical energy of a signal on the cable, remains below the prescribed limit value even after more than 1.5 million double strokes under stress of the minimum bending radius. the characteristic electrical transmission parameters such as characteristic wave impedance, return loss and near-end crosstalk are fulfilled, so that the electrical values of the IEC standard for a category 5 cable are complied with despite high mechanical stress.

This test, along with others, is the basis for the standard guarantee of up to 10 million cycles stated in the catalogue.