Abstract: A parallel data transmission system (20) comprises a cable (40) which is capable of balanced mode transmission but which is driven in an unbalanced mode. The cable includes a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors (42--42) enclosed by a metallic shield (54). The twist lengths are relatively short to cause the pairs to be decoupled sufficiently from one another to allow substantially error-free, parallel transmission over relatively long distances. Interposed between the core and the shield is a spacing member (52) which has a relatively low dielectric constant. Receiving facilities are provided for detecting whether the level of transmitted signals is above or below predetermined threshold values and for converting the received signals into one of two or more logic levels. Advantageously, this system increases substantially the distances over which substantially error-free transmission in an unbalanced mode can be accomplished.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and resulting package which provide an optical fiber seal. One or more fibers are fed through a housing utilizing an apertured insert with a fiber located in each aperture. The housing preferably includes adjacent openings having unequal diameters. A sealing material, such as epoxy is deposited in the larger opening, and/or in the apertures, and the insert is pushed into that opening. The sealing material is thereby forced through the small opening and also into the apertures of the insert to seal the fibers.