Cable interference basics: If a printer cable runs too close and parallel to a power cable, what problem is most likely to occur?

Introduction / Context:
Signal cables placed near power conductors can pick up noise. Understanding interference mechanisms helps with practical cabling and troubleshooting printer communication errors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Printer cable (parallel or USB) runs alongside AC mains cable.
• Cables are in close proximity for a meaningful length.
• Symptoms may include data retries or garbled output.

Concept / Approach:

Alternating current in power cables produces time-varying electromagnetic fields. Parallel routing with small separation increases inductive and capacitive coupling into signal lines, creating EMI that degrades signal integrity. Cross at right angles or separate physically to reduce coupling.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

EMC best practices and cabling standards recommend physical separation and perpendicular crossings to limit EMI. Ferrite beads on cables often help suppress common-mode noise.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• ESD: sudden discharge events, not sustained coupling from nearby power lines.
• Parity error from RAM: unrelated to printer cabling.
• No effect: contradicted by well-known EMI coupling mechanisms.

Common Pitfalls:

Bundling power and signal cables together for neatness; ignoring ferrite cores; using excessively long, unshielded cables.

Final Answer:

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)