Flexible Data Cable

Abstract

A multi-layered cable consisting of three or more conductive layers separated by layers of dielectric and/or adhesive material. The bottom layer and the top layer may act as return path for the transmitted signals and as a shield to prevent interference between these and external electrical signals. Located between the bottom layer and the top layer, the middle layer may transmit desired signals through the flexible cable. The material selection and specifics of each of the layers should be selected so as to achieve a balance in which the desired electrical impedance and mechanical flexibility requirements are met. The cable may also include one or more vias connecting the bottom layer to the top layer, providing shielding all the way around the flex cable. An additional conductive sock may be used to improve shielding effectiveness of the top and bottom layer and to connect to I/O connector shells and the system Faraday cage.

1 . A flexible data cable comprising:
 a bottom layer;   a top layer;   a middle layer located between the top layer and bottom layer;   at least one data transmission line located adjacent to the middle layer; and   at least one via, the via comprising;
 a hole in the cable from the top layer to the bottom layer; and 
 a conductive filling, wherein the conductive filling electrically couples the bottom layer and the top layer. 
   
     
     
         2 . The data cable of  claim 1  wherein the bottom layer and the top layer provide ground planes for the cable. 
     
     
         3 . The data cable of  claim 1  wherein the via is located near the edge of the cable. 
     
     
         4 . The data cable of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first conductive sock placed above the top layer; and 
 a second conductive sock placed below the bottom layer. 
 
     
     
         5 . The data cable of  claim 4  wherein the first conductive sock and the second conductive sock extend past the edge of the cable to surround the cable. 
     
     
         6 . The data cable of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a metal pad that surrounds the cable and electrically couples to the top layer and the bottom layer. 
 
     
     
         7 . The data cable of  claim 6  wherein the first conductive sock and the second conductive sock are electrically coupled to the metal pad. 
     
     
         8 . A method for forming a flexible data cable comprising:
 providing a bottom layer;   providing a top layer;   placing a middle layer between the top layer and bottom layer;   placing at least one data transmission line on the middle layer;   drilling a hole in the cable from the top layer to the bottom layer; and   filling the hole with a conductive material such that the bottom layer and the top layer are electrically coupled.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising:
 locating the hole near the edge of the cable. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising:
 soldering a first conductive sock above the top layer; and 
 soldering a second conductive sock below the bottom layer.