CF211 data cable with a shielded jacket and colored conductors.

Flexible data cable as information carrier

A data cable is a multi-core cable used for simple transmission of dataand information.It is important that the information moves securely from the sender to the receiver.To ensure that this happens, there are special shielding requirements. igus data cables are used wherever large amounts of data must be safely transmitted in motion. They are usually shielded and carry a wide variety of application signals. Their cores are very thin and have coloured insulation to distinguish them.In the past, these cables were used much more frequently – they are gradually being replaced by bus cables in applications.Of course, they still have their uses, and our customers often deploy them. They are an inexpensive solution for transmitting simple data and are available in various mechanical and electrical designs. The cables are available in three different jacket materials.This selection provides additional savings opportunities.

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Why DIN 47100, and what is it?

DIN 47100 contains a colour code for identifying cores in cables. The coding is known throughout all industries, is considered standard and yet not all our cables have coloured cores. Why is that? Coloured cores are standard, but only for very thin cores. At igus we are talking about cores from 0.75mm² and smaller. For thicker cores, black cores with white numbering are used, which are considerably more cost-effective to produce. However, the numbering is difficult to read and sometimes impossible to produce if the core has a very thin cross section. This is why the colour code was introduced to identify the core. For larger quantities of core, additional markings are made on the core using rings, as the quantity of colours is also limited.

More about DIN47100

CF12 data cable in cross-section with multi-core structure and shielded jacket in front of network panels.

More about DIN47100

Layered design/TP/pair shield

Our data cables are not only available in different mechanical qualities, but also in three different electrical designs.We offer our customers three different assemblies because electrotechnical parameters must often be observed when data is transmitted. These special parameters are maintained with the twisted pair construction and the integration of pair shields. The twisted pair construction helps minimize crosstalk between the cores.Stranded core pairs also offer better protection than parallel cores to counteract electrical and magnetic interference fields. The stranding causes disturbances due to magnetic fields inside the cable to largely cancel each other out.If you need a higher level of protection, we recommend cables with paired shields. They provide additional protection against electromagnetic interference between the individual pairs.

More about cores wound in layers

Comparison of three data cables with different designs: layered twisting, twisted pair and twisted pair with pair shielding.

More about cores wound in layers

Star quad and near-end crosstalk

What is a star quad structure?
In a four-core cable, this structure describes the arrangement of the cores within the cable. As a rule, coloured cores are in the data cable, but we use the designation 1-4 here to make it easier to explain. In a conventional cable, the cores are labelled in a clockwise direction. This means, for example, that 1 is at the top left, 2 at the top right, 3 at the bottom right and finally 4 at the bottom left. In star quad stranding, the cores are in the order 1, 3, 2, 4 in the cable. The pairs 1-2 and 3-4 are perpendicular to each other in their magnetic fields, which prevents signal overlaps. This avoids near-end crosstalk. You can find more information on this in our blog.

Limited space? - We have the solution!

A system that has to function under high pressure around the clock requires the highest standards - also for the suppliers of the individual components of the machine. An example of this would be the 'Speedmounter' system from IPTE GmbH. By using our energy chains and chainflex data cables, maintenance intervals are reduced and the company can save considerable costs. In addition, our cables have a special design with a gusset-filling extruded inner jacket and therefore retain their transmission properties after many millions of double cycles.

Cables and energy chains for circuit board assemblers

Data cable in a machine with cable chain and connected cables.

University project 'e-kart' supported by igus products

A team of students at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences has set itself the goal of converting a kart with a combustion engine and road licence into an 'e-kart' with maximum driving pleasure. The students have been optimising and converting the electric kart for years. Until recently, a new battery was integrated for fast charging, whereby many of our products were also used. Among other things, shielded cables that can withstand the high speeds and accelerations.

Electric kart