signaalcrosstalk

Signaalcrosstalk, also known as signal crosstalk, is an undesired coupling of electrical signals between adjacent conductors or channels. This leakage causes part of the signal in one path to appear in another, reducing signal integrity, increasing error rates, and complicating demodulation or data recovery.

Crosstalk arises primarily through mutual capacitance and mutual inductance among neighboring conductors, but can also result from shared return paths, ground impedance, crosstalk in connectors, or inadequate shielding. It is influenced by frequency, edge rates of digital signals, and the physical layout of cables and traces.

Common forms include near-end crosstalk (NEXT), where leakage is detected near the transmitter, and far-end crosstalk (FEXT), observed at the distant end. Capacitive (electric) and inductive (magnetic) coupling underlie these effects, while crosstalk can also be modeled as channel interference in analog audio and RF systems.

Crosstalk is quantified as the ratio of interfering signal power to original signal power, often expressed in decibels (dB). Standards for measurement specify test conditions, frequency ranges, and reference impedance to ensure comparability across systems.

Mitigation strategies include using twisted-pair or differential signaling, shielding, increasing conductor spacing, maintaining controlled impedance, separating signal paths, proper grounding and return paths, and selective shielding or termination. In PCBs and interconnects, layout practices and layer stacking reduce coupling.

Signaalcrosstalk is a concern in telecommunication cables, Ethernet, high-speed digital designs, and audio/video systems where clean signal transmission is critical. Related topics include signal integrity and electromagnetic interference.