CAT-2450 AIR (CAT8 Ethernet)
The CAT-2405 AIR is a high-end LAN cable designed for connecting audio components in streaming setups. It is based on our specially developed Air Helix construction, which enables low-loss and interference-resistant signal transmission. For this construction, we have designed a special clip that forms a stable supporting framework inside the cable. Several of these clips hold the signal pairs in a helical shape and at a defined distance freely in the air. The entire arrangement runs within a high-density shield. Two connecting bridges keep the clips evenly spaced and at the same time provide the necessary flexibility in the cable structure.
Digital signal transmission: In mathematics, digital information is represented as binary values, but technically it is transmitted via analog voltage curves. To distinguish between states such as "0" and "1", voltage thresholds and time windows are defined. The transition between these states does not occur abruptly, but continuously—the signal passes through intermediate values, for example, between 0 and 5 volts. Capacitive loads, dielectric losses, noise, and external electromagnetic influences can distort these transitions. This results in timing shifts in the signal, known as jitter. Jitter makes it harder to assign data precisely in time and impairs the reconstruction of digital audio signals.
Advantages of the Air Helix construction: The overall shielding made of dense braid, as well as additional foil shields for each pair of wires, effectively protect against external interference. The Air Helix construction uses air as a dielectric and ensures a constant distance between the wire pairs. This arrangement reduces crosstalk and capacitive losses, contributing to unadulterated signal transmission. Streaming components and integrated digital-to-analog converters (DACs) benefit from the improved signal quality and can process data more precisely.
CAT connector with rotation mechanism: Conventional RJ45 connectors can only be plugged in at a fixed orientation. Depending on the position of the socket, this can result in unfavorable cable routing and mechanical stress on the connector, cable, and socket. To counteract this, we use rotatable RJ45 connectors with a 180° mechanism. Each connector can be rotated by about ±45°, resulting in a total adjustability of about ±90° between both connectors. This allows the cable to be routed without tension and in a space-saving manner.
Sound Advantages at a Glance:
- Air Helix construction: Signal pairs arranged helically in air—minimal capacitive losses
- Air as dielectric: Reduces crosstalk and improves signal purity
- High-density shielding (tinned): Overall and pair shielding against electromagnetic interference
- RJ45 connector with 180° rotation mechanism: Flexible, tension-free cable routing
- Optimized for high-end streaming: Supports precise clocking in digital audio transmission
- Conductor material: High-purity OFC copper for stable, low-loss transmission
- Technical specification: CAT 8.1—up to 2000 MHz bandwidth
- Made in Germany: Development, manufacturing, and quality assurance on site
Technical Specifications
Application: High-end streaming | AV network Bandwidth: 2000 MHz Cable diameter: 25 mm Conductor cross-section: 26 AWG Conductor material: High-purity OFC copper Conformity: CE, REACH, RoHS Connector assembly: IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) Contact enhancement: Gold-plated Contact material: Brass Customized assembly: On request Data rate: 40 Gbit/s Design: 4-fold twisted pair Dielectric: Air HD audio support: Yes Individual inspection: Bandwidth, Continuity and short circuit testing of all conductors Jacket: PE network jacket Length: 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m Shielding: Dense copper braid, tin-plated (oxidation protection)