A description of the experimental and theoretical investigations, carried o
ut for the realization of a cryogenic cable termination, is presented. Iden
tification and classification of the partial discharge (PD) patterns obtain
ed on an Hv vacuum bushing and on two types of cable model insulation was a
ttempted. It is shown how a methodological and proper interpretation of exp
erimental data can provide information on the design of cryogenic devices a
s well as indications on their optimal operating conditions.