<Ribbon Assembly Knowledge Base>

Reducing Crosstalk

When required, crosstalk can be reduced by incorporating some of the following guidelines:

1. Pulse Rise Time: By reducing the signal rise time you can reduce the far end crosstalk.

2. Cable Length: Generally speaking, the longer your transmission length, the more crosstalk. Therefore, reduce your cable length to the shortest achievable distance.

3. Termination Impedance: Crosstalk can be better or worse as compared to the way the cable is terminated. Matching the cable's impedance (both input and output) not only reduces crosstalk, but also minimizes pulse reflections

4. Configurations: Various cable styles and transmitting modes can be utilized and combined to reduce crosstalk. Shown below are a few suggestions which can help solve your crosstalk needs.

The suggestions below are just that. As required, you may want to combine the various techniques to achieve the lowest possible crosstalk results.

Listed below is a chart rating the unbalanced modes as they relate to crosstalk. This should help in selecting the proper cable for your application.

Crosstalk Rating	Unbalanced (Single-ended)	Balanced (Differential)
Fair	Gray Ribbon & Rainbow
Good	Ground Plane	Vari-Twist®
Excellent	Shielded Jacketed	Shielded Jacketed Vari-Twist
Outstanding	Ribbon Coax