Ground pour removal around Ethernet & USB traces

Anyone know why Asus removed their (not really needed, IMO, and sometimes much more of a hassle than it's worth) ground pour around their Ethernet and USB connectors as shown here -->

formatting link
? Is it possibly a UL/CE "safety" thing in that, at least for Ethernet, there could be a largish common mode voltage kicking around?

Reply to
Joel Koltner
Loading thread data ...

Given that they're using separate isolation transformers (the LFE8731 part), perhaps it's to provide (or ensure) high-voltage isolation between the ground plane and the "public" ethernet wires?

Reply to
DJ Delorie

There is only a removal around the 1+4 ethernet connectors - and so it should be. The ethernet cabling should be isolated up to 1500 V peak. See the IEEE 802 standards (freely downloadable at

formatting link

The USB connector is galvanically connected to the internal signal ground and supply, and needs no isolation.

Regards, Arie de Muynck

Reply to
Arie

Ah, thanks for the correction, Arie -- I mistook the "1" of the "1+4" Ethernet connectors for a USB connector.

Reply to
Joel Koltner

ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.