At higher data transfer frequencies, stranding can cause up to ________ more signal attenuation.

At higher data transfer frequencies, stranding can cause up to ________ more signal attenuation.

• A. 5%
• B. 20%
• C. 0%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

At higher data transfer frequencies, the way current flows in conductors changes due to skin and proximity effects, and stranding adds extra surface area and inter-strand interactions. This increases the effective resistance and impedance of the conductors, leading to greater signal loss per unit length. The combined effect of these frequency-dependent losses in stranded conductors is typically around a 20% increase in attenuation, making that option the best fit. A 0% increase ignores realistic high-frequency losses, 5% is too small to account for the buildup from skin/ proximity effects, and 100% would imply a doubling of attenuation, which isn’t consistent with standard cable behavior.

At higher data transfer frequencies, the way current flows in conductors changes due to skin and proximity effects, and stranding adds extra surface area and inter-strand interactions. This increases the effective resistance and impedance of the conductors, leading to greater signal loss per unit length. The combined effect of these frequency-dependent losses in stranded conductors is typically around a 20% increase in attenuation, making that option the best fit. A 0% increase ignores realistic high-frequency losses, 5% is too small to account for the buildup from skin/ proximity effects, and 100% would imply a doubling of attenuation, which isn’t consistent with standard cable behavior.