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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: sir_inferno on March 28, 2007, 10:07:39 AM

Title: ribbon cables
Post by: sir_inferno on March 28, 2007, 10:07:39 AM

just curious as to why they are flat...read some conflicting evidence on the interweb...

two major reasons cited are a.) interference, and b.) it was easiest to produce them that way...which one?...or it is both

cheers guys

Title: Re: ribbon cables
Post by: motorollin on March 28, 2007, 10:17:46 AM

Probably to minimise crosstalk.

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moto

Title: Re: ribbon cables
Post by: Oliver on March 28, 2007, 10:35:14 AM

The ribbon configuration doesn't really minimise crosstalk.  I think it's just a cheap and convenient way to make a multiway cable.  Crosstalk in ribbons is reduced by including multiple ground wires between signal lines within the ribbon.  Other forms of reducing EMI in cables are twisted pair, and coaxial shielding.  There are some other EMI differences between the types, but the descriptions can get quite technical.

Title: Re: ribbon cables
Post by: motorollin on March 28, 2007, 10:52:07 AM

Also remember that the connectors are quite wide. It makes more sense for all the cables to be in parallel rather than bunched together, which would require them to be different lengths (or change the shape of the connector).

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moto