Bus cable for the energy chain

Sophisticated bus solution for high data transfer
As automation has expanded over the past few years, data transmission requirements have risen steadily. Distances across which data is moved from sensor to evaluation unit are simple 1:1 connections. Data cables used to handle this. Now they are being replaced, bit by bit, with bus systems, which allow faster, more complex communication within the system. It requires the associated bus cables, which are good at transmitting digital signals with their steep flanks. These cables are, so to speak, special data cables that are built specifically for the requirements of the bus system in question. In the simplest case, this might be colour and core/cross section or certain capacitive or inductive properties that allow the necessary characteristic wave impedance. Today, these cables are the basis for familiar bus systems such as Profibus, Profinet and CAN bus, but also USB and CC-Link. We will show you the features that allow continuously functioning data transmission here.

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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 IT on mainframe computers and PCs. Ethernet is described in categories that cover the frequencies and possible data volumes from 100MBit/s to 10GBit/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, in a 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 cores in red and green is very striking. At igus, you can get 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 here 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 family of bus cables. At this point, however, the striking 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 design: The core cross section and 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?
A design for a bus cable will focus on good data transmission. Data transmission depends on the arrangement of such components as shielding and cores, which determine transmission quality, since they are the basis of the cable's capacitive values. Position changes during movement, which in turn changes data transmission quality. The special design ensures constantly good data transmission properties. Is continuous high-quality data transmission important to you, or have you had difficulties in this area? We would be happy to talk to you. Just send us an e-mail.

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

Our blog post on the topic

Bus cables for long travels and the alternatives

In long travels, our products have to permanently withstand a heavy load. Because as soon as we talk about long travels, the question of the maximum transmission length often arises, e.g. in the case of a bus cable.

In our blog post, we shed light on this topic and show the possibilities associated with it.

Go to blog post

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