Monitor VGA-Style Cable

A

Ascii2

n00b
Joined
Jan 12, 2009
Messages
4
I was examining specifications of some VGA cables sold by vendors and noticed that the VGA/SVGA cables are sold with or without ferrites and some that are rated CL2.

My understanding of ferrites is that they are magnetic components. Are ferrites something else?

Are VGA/SVGA cables with ferrites superior to VGA/SVGA cables without ferrites?

What is the CL2 Rating and how does it affect the quality of cable?

An example of a vendor's offerings with VGA/SVGA cables is the following:

 
Ferrite is iron. Iron is magnetic. So yes the ferrites are magnetic things that help keep the cable noise free (block out EMI and such).

Not 100% sure about the CL2. Beleive it stands for Class 2 which in terms of cabling means it can by run in wall. Has to do with the construction of the cable for strength and building fire codes. Though dont quote me on that.
 
Ferrite beads are ceramic, infused with some ferrous metals, usually some form of iron-oxide I think. They absorb RF energy and convert it into heat. For those cables, they are only absorbing uW's of energy so the heat output is not going to be perceivable. There are federal limits on how much unintended RF energy can radiated from devices, to maintain a reasonable level of compatibility, so manufacturers are often legally obligated to include such suppression devices.

The RF energy radiated out of your computer cables, could be enough to interfere with radio/television/handheld RF receivers, maybe your wireless mouse? But probably not. In my experience the chance for interference with home equipment is pretty low. I wouldn't pay extra for a cable with the beads.

As for your question on CL2 rating:
http://www.letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=CL2+rating
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top