Bus cable for the energy chain

Sophisticated bus solution for high data transfer
With increasing automation, the need for data transfer has risen steadily in recent years. Routes on which data is transferred from the sensor to the evaluation unit are simple 1:1 connections. These used to be realised with data cables. Now they are being replaced piece by piece by bus systems. This enables faster and more complex communication in the system. This requires the corresponding bus cables, which transmit the digital signals well with their steep edges. These bus cables are special data cables, so to speak, which are built precisely for the respective requirements of the bus system. In the simplest case, this can be colour and core cross section or certain capacitive or inductive specifications that enable the required characteristic wave impedance. Nowadays, these cables are the basis for the reliable availability of well-known bus systems such as Profibus, Profinet and CAN Bus, as well as USB and CC Link. Here we show you the special features that enable permanently functioning data transmission.

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Ethernet

There are many Ethernet-based bus systems. Well-known brand names include Profinet, CC-Link IE, EtherCat and Sercos. All are based on a structure that has been used for many years in mainframe computers and PCs. Ethernet is described in categories that cover the frequencies and possible data volumes from 100 MBit/s to 10 GBit/s. The terms CAT5, CAT5e or even CAT6A and CAT7 are often used directly. These cables contain two or four pairs, which are designed with a pair shield or overall shield as required. We have created an overview matrix that takes into account the mechanical parameters as well as the electrical parameters just described.

chainflex® Ethernet

Here you have the opportunity to experience the CFBUS bus cable as a virtual, three-dimensional model

Experience the CFBUS.045 for yourself

Profinet

Profinet is one of the most popular bus cables for use in industry. The real-time capability option and modular concept makes it eminently well-suited to a large majority of applications. igus has nine different mechanical qualities of Profinet cable, from PVC cables to PUR cables to cables for extraordinary applications such as those involving torsional movement or requiring great strength. Profinet fits into the Industrial Ethernet standard, alongside bus systems such as Sercos, EtherCat and CC-Link IE. igus is a member of the Profinet user organisation and conforms to all required market standards.

chainflex® Profinet

SPE

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), the latest addition to the group of bus systems. The new bus technology was introduced in 2019 and has been steadily conquering the market ever since. This new development offers new opportunities for the rapidly growing IIoT market. The special feature here is the new design of the cable, single-pair but still able to transmit a CAT5e signal. Together with the SPE association, we are constantly working on the further development and standardisation of this technology. This technological leap offers remarkable possibilities, especially for applications with small installation spaces.

chainflex® Single Pair Ethernet

Profibus

Profibus is one of the most important industrial buses of our time. It was developed in the 1990s and very quickly became the benchmark for reliability and high data volumes. The Profinet User Organisation (PNO) is responsible for the technical development and coordination of the various member companies, such as igus®. The cable with its foamed core in red and green is very striking. At igus® you can obtain the chainflex® Profinet cable in PVC, PUR and TPE versions for every application of a moving e-chain®.

chainflex® Profibus

CAN-Bus

The CAN bus is an extremely robust bus that is characterised by its insensitive network protocol. It has its origins in the automotive industry and is now also frequently found in industrial systems. The special thing about these bus cables is that they are available with different cross sections depending on requirements and are used for different applications with one or two pairs. Just as for other bus systems, chainflex® also offers cables for linear chains and torsion.

chainflex® CAN bus

Other bus cables

bus cables are used in a variety of applications, with the industry often utilising bus systems from the IT or consumer sector. One example of this is USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, which are very conspicuous with their distinctive connector and are often found in industrial cameras. The situation is similar with DVI, which is a typical monitor interface. chainflex also offers® solutions for these bus cables. Some applications require prominent bus systems such as Interbus or Device Net, which are included in the CFBUS bus cable family. At this point, however, the eye-catching ASI bus cable should be mentioned, which catches the eye in any installation with its yellow colour and angular shape.

Why is a bus cable a special data cable?

The function of a bus cable with the transmission of low-energy signals is similar to that of a data cable. It is therefore not the high current flow that is important, but the long-term good signal transmission. The difference to the data cable lies in the electrical structure, which is precisely matched to the bus system. This affects the electrical values to the same extent as the mechanical construction: the core cross section and the wire colour. A bus cable is a special data cable, so to speak

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Expert's tip

bus cable in motion - what's different?
When designing a bus cable for movement, the focus is naturally on good data transmission. Data transmission depends on the arrangement of components such as the shield and core. They determine the quality of the data transmission, as they determine the capacitive values of the cable. The position changes due to the movement and therefore the quality of the data transmission. The special design ensures permanently good data transmission properties. Is high-quality and constant data transmission important to you or have you already experienced difficulties in this area? We would be happy to talk to you. Simply send us an e-mail.

You can find out more about our cables in the chainflex® Wiki

Our blog post on the topic

bus cable for long travel distances and the alternatives

Our products must be able to withstand a high load over long distances. Because as soon as we talk about long travel distances, the question of the maximum transmission length often arises, e.g. with a bus cable.

In our blog post, we shed light on this topic and highlight the associated options.

Go to blog post

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