A thorough look into anti-interference cables and technical requirements

1.1 What are anti-interference signal cables?

An anti-interference signal cable is a type of electrical cable designed to transmit signals, sounds, and images between various points and mechanical devices within an electrical system. The primary purpose of these cables is to ensure continuous and accurate data transmission, maintaining the quality of information without interference.

Structurally, anti-interference signal cables bear a strong resemblance to standard electrical cables, comprising key components such as a conducting core, an insulating sheath, and an outer sheath. However, to meet the demands of high-accuracy signal transmission, these cables are equipped with an additional anti-interference layer. This layer protects against environmental interference, ensuring the integrity and performance of the entire system.

>>See more: HELUKABEL's control and signal cables

1.2 Characteristics of anti-interference signal cables

Anti-interference signal cables exhibit several notable features, including:

• Shielding: is applied to the outer sheath of the cable to minimize the impact of signal interference during data transmission.
• Insulating sheath: The insulating sheath of the anti-interference cables are made from high-quality insulating materials such as rubber and PVC, offering high elasticity and the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, depending on specific application requirements, signal cables can be equipped with features such as oil resistance, fire resistance, and high-pressure resistance.
• Temperature resistance: The cables can withstand temperatures up to 70°C.

2.2 Sources of interference

Basically, there are four types of signal interference:

• Static noise: This occurs when electric fields distort the signal, but it can be minimized by using continuous foil shields that provide 100% shielding efficiency and by employing proper grounding techniques.
• Magnetic noise: originates from large AC motors, transformers, and knife switches, and can induce currents in nearby devices. The simplest and most effective way to eliminate this interference is to use twisted pair signal wires.
• Common mode noise: This issue results from current flowing between points with different potentials within the system. Addressing this problem requires a carefully designed and properly installed electrical and grounding system.
• Crosstalk: This refers to the excessive occurrence of pulsed DC signals or standard AC signals between two or more nearby wires or cables. The most effective mitigation method is the use of individually shielded twisted pairs.

After identifying the source of interference, users can select the appropriate types of shields. Basic types of shields include:

• Al foil
• Tinned copper braid
• Multiple filaments wrapped around spirals

3.2 Practical considerations for choosing anti-interference signal cables

When selecting anti-interference signal cables, consider the following factors:

• Matching shielding to application needs: Ensure the anti-interference shielding suits the application's requirements. In moderately disturbed environments, a single layer of aluminum foil may provide adequate protection. In areas with higher interference, use more robust anti-interference covers.
• Cable suitability: Choose a cable appropriate for the application. Signal cables subjected to repeated bending often use spirally wound shields instead of braided ones. Avoid aluminum foil shielding for flexible cables, as continuous bending can cause it to tear.
• Proper grounding: Ensure equipment connected by cables is properly grounded. Use grounding whenever possible and check the connection between the ground point and the device. Effective elimination of interference depends on a low-resistance path to ground.
• Single-end grounding: Ground the cable at one end to eliminate the possibility of ground loops.
• Cable connectors: Tinned copper braid shielding can provide 70-95% protection from EMI. While aluminum foil wraps offer 100% protection, they can be more challenging to use, especially with cable connectors. Ensure that the connector design maintains consistent interference protection with the cable.

4.1 SUPERTRONIC®-C-PVC signal cable

Outstanding features of SUPERTRONIC®-C-PVC cable include:

• Copper wire bare, extra finely stranded
• Screen: braided screen of tinned copper, approx. coverage 85%
• The outer sheath is made from special PVC
• Oil-resistant
• Low adhesion

These cables are ideal for the use in drag chain applications; for frequent lifting and bending stress in machine and tool construction, in robotics and on permanently moving machine parts. A long service life also guarantees reliable function and high efficiency.

Datasheet of SUPERTRONIC®-C-PVC cable

4.2 SUPERTRONIC®-C-PURö cable

The SUPERTRONIC®-C-PURö cable is characterized by the following features:

• Highly abrasion-resistant, notch-resistant, tear-resistant, cut-resistant, wear-resistant, low adhesion
• For outdoor use
• Halogen free

This cable is suitable for installation in dry, damp and wet rooms, as well as outdoors. With free movement, without tensile stress and without forced motion control capabilities, these cables have proven their reliable performance in drag chain applications, for frequent lifting and bending stress in machine and tool construction, in robotics and on permanently moving machine parts.

Data sheet of SUPERTRONIC®-C-PURö cable

4.3 SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR® cable

SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR® cable exhibits the following characteristics:

• Resistant to oil, UV radiation, ozone, oxygen, weathering effects, hydrolysis, microbes, coolants, hydraulic fluids, acids, alkalis, greases, seawater, and wastewater
• For outdoor use
• Highly resistant to alternate bending strength
• Halogen free

Drag chain compatible cable SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR® is suitable for permanent flexible operations in machinery, machine tools, robot technics, for movable automated machinery parts and multi-shift-operation as a transmission-cable. This highly flexible cable with enhanced sliding capabilities by using PP-core insulation and an adhesion-low and cut-resistant PUR-outer sheath, guarantees optimum durability and is highly economic.

Datasheet of SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR® cable