Data integrity: Cable assemblies for motion control, vision systems

By Control Engineering Staff December 26, 2006

Round and flat cable assemblies from W.L. Gore & Associates are reportedly designed to maintain data integrity and prevent data loss when used in motion control and vision applications.

Elkton, MD —FireWire High Flex round and flat cable assemblies from W.L. Gore Associates are said to provide motion control and vision systems with reliable flex life performance. Products are intended to prevent lost data or data integrity issues.

Most cables, says Gore, are designed for static environments and fail to meet IEEE 1394 electrical specification when put in motion environments, and attenuation increases when the cables are flexed. FireWire High Flex assemblies are reportedly designed for the demands of motion control and vision systems and will flex with no bit errors or data loss.

Maximum use length is calculated from the attenuation value of the cable during flex and come in four stock lengths: 2, 3, 4.5, and 7.7 m. Custom assemblies are available to meet special needs. Round assemblies have been tested to achieve 5 million cycles in rolling flex motions on bend radius of 50 mm. Flat assemblies have been tested to achieve 20 million cycles in rolling flex motions on bend radius of 20 mm. Both are reported to have shown minimal change in insertion loss and impedance during the tests.