Grounding in Wiring Circuits and Cable Shields

Abstract

This chapter provides reasoning and guidance specific to grounding techniques for wiring harnesses and signal cables grounding. Without a clear understanding of the function of the shield, a flawed shielded cable configuration may result, counteracting the desired shielding action. The discusses the performance of a cable shield in balanced and unbalanced wiring circuits for preclusion of electric and magnetic field interactions. In higher frequency circuits, multipoint shield grounding is mandatory, for ensuring acceptable high frequency performance. The chapter explores the question of signal grounding vs. shield termination and provides guidance to the manner of the signal circuit grounding in various situations. An especially challenging situation related to grounding in signal interfaces and wiring is concerned with high-resolution measurement and data acquisition systems. Such systems consist of transducers, measurement instrumentation, and the associated wiring and interconnect. The chapter addresses grounding considerations in measurements transducers and instrumentation systems.