*Question E4E07:
Which of the following can cause shielded cables to radiate or receive interference?*  

*Correct Answer is  B: Common-mode currents on the shield and conductors*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

To understand why common-mode currents on the shield and conductors can cause shielded cables to radiate or receive interference, let's break down the options:

### Correct Answer: B - Common-mode currents on the shield and conductors

- **Explanation**: Common-mode currents occur when there is an imbalance in the current flowing through the conductors and the shield. This can happen due to:
  - External electromagnetic interference (EMI) coupling into the cable.
  - Ground loops or improper grounding.
  
  When these currents flow, they can create a magnetic field that radiates away from the cable, leading to interference. This is why common-mode currents are a significant concern in shielded cables.

### Why the Other Choices are Incorrect:

- **A: Low inductance ground connections at both ends of the shield**  
  - **Explanation**: Low inductance ground connections are generally beneficial as they help to minimize the impedance of the ground path. This reduces the likelihood of common-mode currents. Therefore, this option does not contribute to interference.

- **C: Use of braided shielding material**  
  - **Explanation**: Braided shielding is designed to provide effective shielding against external interference. While the quality of the shield can affect performance, the mere use of braided material does not inherently cause interference. In fact, it typically helps to reduce it.

- **D: Tying all ground connections to a common point resulting in differential-mode currents in the shield**  
  - **Explanation**: While tying ground connections to a common point can lead to differential-mode currents, this is not the same as common-mode currents. Differential-mode currents are typically less problematic in terms of radiating interference, as they are balanced and do not create a net current that can radiate.

### Summary

- **Common-mode currents** are the primary concern for interference in shielded cables, as they can lead to unwanted radiation or reception of signals.
- **Good grounding practices** and effective shielding materials help mitigate these issues.

### Useful Rule of Thumb

- Always ensure that shielded cables are properly grounded at one end to minimize common-mode currents and reduce the risk of interference.