A Category 6A shielded data cable with visualized operating temperature status.
By setting a reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer on the outer sheath of the Category 6e shielded data cable, the problem of the lack of real-time temperature control in traditional data cables is solved, realizing real-time visual monitoring of cable temperature and improving transmission stability and security.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG WANMA TIANYI COMM WIRE & CABLE
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Traditional Category 6 shielded data cables lack a real-time temperature control feedback mechanism, which leads to signal attenuation, bit error rate risk, and fire hazards caused by high temperatures. Furthermore, attached temperature sensors damage the integrity of the shielding layer, and distributed fiber optic temperature measurement is costly and difficult to promote.
A reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer is installed on the outer sheath of the Category 6e shielded data cable. The color of the reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer changes with temperature. The cable temperature is monitored in real time through the matching color card, realizing a visual temperature status display.
It enables real-time visual monitoring of cable temperature, improves transmission stability and safety performance, prevents fire hazards caused by high temperatures, and enhances cable safety and anti-interference capabilities.
Smart Images

Figure CN224582049U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a communication cable, specifically a Category 6 shielded data cable with a visual operating temperature status. Background Technology
[0002] Driven by the combined factors of high-density data transmission scenarios requiring heat dissipation and safety, the potential for cable structure upgrades, and the development of intelligent monitoring technologies, Category 6 (Cat 6A) shielded cables, supporting 10Gbps transmission rates and also utilizing PoE technology for power transmission, experience a significant increase in power consumption and heat generation during operation. When bundled together, they are more prone to localized high temperatures, exacerbating signal attenuation and increasing the risk of bit error rates. Furthermore, in high-density deployment scenarios such as AI server clusters and cloud computing nodes, cable heat dissipation efficiency directly impacts transmission stability; high temperatures can lead to pyrolysis of the sheath material and even fire hazards.
[0003] However, traditional Category 6a shielded data cables lack a real-time temperature control feedback mechanism, making it difficult to adjust the load in a timely manner. This has gradually exposed their limitations, failing to guarantee transmission stability and providing adequate early warning for safety. Furthermore, attached temperature sensors are prone to damaging the shielding layer, leading to electromagnetic leakage. Distributed fiber optic temperature measurement is also costly and difficult to promote in civilian-grade cables. Therefore, designing a Category 6a shielded data cable that visualizes the cable's operating temperature status is of great significance. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings in the above-mentioned background technology and provide a Category 6 shielded data cable that visualizes the working temperature status of the cable. This data cable should have the function of displaying the real-time working temperature and have the characteristics of high transmission stability and high security performance.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is:
[0006] A Category 6 shielded data cable for visualizing the working temperature status of the cable includes a cable core with a cross-shaped skeleton, a shielding layer, and a sheath arranged sequentially from the inside out. The sheath is characterized by having a reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer on its outer surface.
[0007] The cable core structure includes a cross skeleton and four pairs of twisted wires respectively arranged in four independent grooves of the cross skeleton. Each pair of twisted wires is formed by twisting two conductors with an outer insulating layer together.
[0008] The cross-shaped frame is located at the center of the cable core.
[0009] The shielding layer consists of a polyester tape layer and an aluminum foil layer arranged sequentially from the inside out, covering the outside of all stranded wires.
[0010] A ground wire is provided inside the shielding layer. This ground wire is a tinned copper wire arranged parallel to the center of the cable core and is laid between the polyester tape layer and the aluminum foil layer.
[0011] The reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer is evenly distributed on the entire outer circumference of the sheath.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0013] This invention features a reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer outside the sheath layer. By observing the color changes of this reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer and comparing them with a matching color chart, the cable's operating temperature can be monitored in real time. This prevents higher power consumption and heat accumulation caused by high speed and PoE power supply, thereby improving transmission stability. It also prevents fire hazards caused by excessive internal cable temperature, thus improving cable safety performance. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the color chart used for comparison.
[0016] Figure label:
[0017] 1. Conductor; 2. Insulation layer; 3. Cross skeleton; 4. Polyester tape layer; 5. Ground wire; 6. Aluminum foil layer; 7. Sheath; 8. Reversible thermosensitive color developing ink layer. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, a Category 6 shielded data cable with visualized operating temperature status includes a conductor 1, an insulation layer 2, a cross-shaped frame 3, a polyester tape 4, a ground wire 5, an aluminum foil layer 6, and a sheath 7; the above structure is similar to the prior art.
[0020] The improvement of this utility model is that a reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer 8 is provided on the outer surface of the sheath.
[0021] The cable cores are arranged in parallel along the length of the data cable; the shielding layer covers the cable cores, improving their anti-interference capability. The shielding layer consists of a polyester tape layer 4 and an aluminum foil layer 6 (preferably single-sided aluminum foil, i.e., PET film and aluminum foil are bonded together), with the metal side of the aluminum foil facing the sheath and covering the outside of all stranded wires.
[0022] The cable core includes four pairs of twisted wires. Each pair of twisted wires is formed by twisting two conductors 1 with an outer insulation layer 2 according to a set twist pitch. A cross skeleton 3 is set in the middle of the cable core to separate the four pairs of twisted wires into four independent grooves, avoiding direct contact between the wire pairs, so as to significantly reduce internal crosstalk (NEXT) and signal coupling noise and ensure the stability of high-frequency transmission.
[0023] The ground wire is laid between the polyester tape layer and the aluminum foil layer of the shielding layer, which enhances the grounding and current conduction capability of the data cable; in order to avoid oxidation leading to increased resistance, the ground wire is made of tin-plated copper wire.
[0024] The sheath is located on the outer layer of the shielding layer, providing physical protection, environmental protection, and electrical safety.
[0025] The reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer is a special ink that changes color with temperature. The original color changes to another color when heated, and returns to its original color after cooling. By comparing with the matching color chart, the operating temperature of the cable can be visually understood, allowing for timely cooling measures to avoid the following defects caused by excessively high temperatures:
[0026] 1. Increased conductor resistance (the resistance of metallic conductors increases linearly with temperature, leading to a decrease in current carrying capacity, resulting in more severe heating under the same current, creating a vicious cycle);
[0027] 2. Increased signal attenuation (high temperature accelerates the thermal motion of molecules in insulating materials, increasing dielectric loss and leading to attenuation of high-frequency signals);
[0028] 3. Reduced phase stability (temperature changes cause thermal expansion and contraction of the cable, leading to signal phase drift and affecting high-precision communication systems);
[0029] 4. Increased crosstalk and noise (high temperature damages the stability of twisted pair pitch, reduces anti-interference ability, and aggravates signal crosstalk);
[0030] 5. Decreased insulation resistance (the insulation resistance decreases by about 50% for every 10°C increase in temperature, and the increased leakage current may cause a short circuit);
[0031] 6. Potential for thermal breakdown (operating temperature exceeding the critical value will cause carbonization of the insulation layer, eventually leading to phase-to-phase short circuit or fire).
[0032] This invention adds a layer of reversible thermosensitive color-changing ink to the outer sheath of a traditional Category 6a shielded data cable. This ink, produced by Shenzhen Qianbianse New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (color model 4229), contains a leuco dye and a color developer (such as phenolic compounds). At room temperature, the two are bonded together by hydrogen bonds, maintaining a colorless state. When heated to a threshold temperature, the molecular bonds break, the dye releases electrons, and a color-changing reaction occurs, changing to another color. Upon cooling, the molecular bonds recombine, and the color disappears, achieving a reversible cycle. The color gradually changes to black when the cable approaches 28°C, to orange between 28-35°C, and to yellow above 35°C. By comparing with the accompanying color chart, the operating temperature of the cable can be visually understood, facilitating timely implementation of relevant measures.
[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.
Claims
1. A Category 6 shielded data cable for visualizing the operating temperature status of cables, comprising a cable core with a cross-shaped frame (3), a shielding layer, and a sheath (7) arranged sequentially from the inside out, characterized in that: The outer side of the sheath is provided with a reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer (8); The cable core structure includes a cross skeleton (3) and four pairs of twisted wires respectively arranged in four independent grooves of the cross skeleton. Each pair of twisted wires is formed by twisting two conductors (1) with an outer insulation layer (2) together.
2. The Category 6a shielded data cable with visualized cable operating temperature status according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-shaped frame is located at the center of the cable core.
3. The Category 6a shielded data cable with visualized cable operating temperature status according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shielding layer consists of a polyester tape layer (4) and an aluminum foil layer (6) arranged sequentially from the inside out, covering the outside of all stranded wires.
4. The Category 6a shielded data cable with visualized cable operating temperature status according to claim 3, characterized in that: A ground wire (5) is provided inside the shielding layer. The ground wire is a tinned copper wire arranged parallel to the center of the cable core and is laid between the polyester tape layer and the aluminum foil layer.
5. The Category 6a shielded data cable with visualized cable operating temperature status according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reversible thermosensitive color-developing ink layer is evenly distributed on the entire outer circumference of the sheath.