Shielding of signal cable is primarily used to achieve which of the following?

The primary purpose of shielding in signal cables is to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Shielding works by surrounding the inner conductors of the cable with a conductive layer, which can be made from materials such as foil or braided metal. This layer acts as a barrier against external electromagnetic fields that could induce unwanted noise or signals within the cable, thus helping to maintain the integrity of the transmitted signal.

Minimizing EMI is particularly critical in environments where multiple electrical devices operate simultaneously, as their electromagnetic fields can interfere with the signals transmitted through unshielded cables. By employing shielding, the potential for signal degradation is significantly reduced, making it essential for reliable performance in electronic communications, instrumentation, and control systems.

Choosing shielding to minimize EMI supports the successful transmission of electrical signals without corruption, which is vital in instrumentation and control applications found in a variety of industries.