Single, hybrid cable for servomotors available with bus element

If there is one trend that seems to be growing larger and larger, it’s the move towards single-cable solutions in motion control applications. Several interview participants earlier this year indicated that 2014 will see this trend continue, and more companies, especially those that provide servo control drives and motors, are using these designs more and more.  So it’s no surprise to see more companies offering single-cable solutions, such as the latest from igus, East Providence, R.I., with its new hybrid servo cable design. Featuring an integrated hyperface bus element, the design is based on the Chainflex cable series CF270-UL-D.

Traditionally, the servomotor and converter are connected with two cables—one servo cable for the supply of energy for the motor, and an encoder cable to supply data about rotation speed and motor position back to the control. Drive manufacturers are increasingly offering servomotors with single cable technology. This simplified design couples energy and data feedback in one cable. In this case, complex measuring system cables, usually used for the encoder function, are replaced by bus technology. As well as saving space by reducing the number of cables needed, costs are minimized by reducing the number of plugs needed, installation time, and a reduction in other materials needed, such as cable management.

Like most cable designs, shielding is critical, no more so with servo cables as shielding prevents possible disturbances of neighboring cables within the cable bundle. This shielding is even more important in the new hybrid cables, because the sensitive bus signals are directly integrated into the servo cable. Because of this, the element shield as well as the entire shield of the hybrid cable is made of a particularly bend-resistant shield, made of tinned copper wires with an optical covering of 80%. The high-quality shields ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of the cable.

The hybrid servo cable is based on igus’ high-level Chainflex CF270-UL-D series of servo cables. These cables offer high strength and durability under excessive load conditions, thanks to core pairs that are stranded with optimal pitch-length to satisfy the high-mechanic demands of constant movement. A low-adhesion PUR outer jacket covers the cable, customized to the specific demands of Energy Chain Systems.

The new hybrid cable corresponds with relevant standards such as UL/SCA, and CE, and its DESINA conforming orange jacket, flame retardance and freedom of halogen means this cable fulfills the demands in machining centers, in machine tools, conveyor technology, as well as in cryogenic temperatures applications.

igus inc.
www.igus.com