PROFINET cables: the leading cable for every application with movement

What is PROFINET and how does it work?

Transmit data reliably and in real time

PROFINET stands for Process Field Network and, like every Industrial Ethernet standard, uses the TCP/IP and IT standards, allowing end-to-end use in manufacturing and process automation. Generally speaking, Profinet fits into the Industrial Ethernet standard alongside bus systems such as Sercos, EtherCat, and CC-Link IE. The advantage of such networks, apart from potential real-time capability, is the modularly structured concept which allows the user to quickly and easily choose the functionality himself. This makes it possible to design the type of cyclic data exchange across all PROFINET devices to meet the ever-increasing speed requirements and establish countless diagnostic capabilities in real time. The seamless integration of the other field bus systems with a PROFINET interface should not be underestimated.

There is a distinction between Profinet IO (Input Output), which was created to connect decentralised peripherals to a controller, and Profinet CBA (Component-Based Automation). The latter view is used for component-based communication via TCP/IP and real-time communication in modular plant engineering. That is why PROFINET networks are often referred to as IO controllers or IO devices.
 

Where does PROFINET IO appear?

PROFINET IO: Industrial communication system and its application areas

PROFINET IO is primarily used for data exchange in mechanical engineering, drive technology and the manufacturing industry. This open Industrial Ethernet standard is also found in infrastructure constructions and the building industry.

Correspondingly specified cables are available for a wide range of application areas and functions. As with PROFIBUS and EtherCAT, cables in machines and plants are often also used for fixed installation or cabling, so that the conductors contain a solid wire or have a seven-wire structure.

However, for applications in motion, especially in the energy chain, also known as e-chain, it is necessary to use bus cables with eighteen stranded wires. In addition, a cable structure tailored to movement in energy chains is required to guarantee data transmission in the various bus modules over the years. This is why chainflex® PROFINET cables have become established, especially in equipment and machines such as robots, packaging machines, production machines and machine tools.
 

Which cable is suited for your Ethernet application?

chainflex® cables for connecting several fieldbus systems

At igus®, you can choose between nine different cable qualities depending on the requirements and environment. The various bus cable series offer a different structure and various jacket materials in the form of PVC, PUR or TPE, so that the right cable can be selected for every application area to achieve the longest service life in your automation system. However, igus® is not only the right partner for durable and flexible use, it also helps you introduce lean and efficient processes quickly. You can rely on our offer with the best price-performance ratio and take advantage of our support with the price check .

All chainflex® PROFINET cables have one thing in common. All chainflex® cables are subject to the same quality standards. It does not matter whether it you are looking at a cost-effective cable from the CF888 family or a cable for the highest demands and smallest bend radii, as is the case with the CFBUS.LB. Therefore, igus® GmbH also grants a 36-month functional guarantee on all chainflex® cables with service lives of up to 10 million double strokes for bus cables.

For fully integrated automation and engineering systems, igus® also offers readycable® harnessed cables as service from one source. Each PROFINET cable can be supplied with open ends or harnessed. You can choose from a wide range of pre-assembled industrial connectors; whether with injection-moulded standard M12 connectors (D-coded) or field-assembled as RJ45 . This means that your Industry 4.0 solution can be implemented directly, as PROFINET is used by default on many control systems from Siemens, Allen Bradley, Bosch etc.