CC-Link cable for moving applications

Transporting data reliably with CC-Link cables

CC-Link (Control and Communications Link) is a field bus system developed by Mitsubishi, which was designed in 1996 as the company's own field bus network. Due to high customer demand, CC-Link was launched on the market as an open network in 1999, so that the data transmission protocols are also made available to third-party providers to develop their own interfaces. The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) was founded for the continuous further development of the bus system.

There are a total of four different basic versions of CC-Link networks:

• Standard CC-Link, which has a data rate of 10Mbit/s and is based on RS-485. It can be used to transmit both control data and information.
• CC-Link/LT has a transmission speed of 2.5Mbit/s and is a bit-orientated network for implementing actuators and sensors.
• CC-Link Safety is based on the standard CC-Link, but has an additional layer with the safety function in the top layer of the CC-Link protocol. Both standard CC-Link devices and CC-Link Safety devices can be connected here. However, a CC-Link safety master module is required.
• CC-Link IE is based on Industrial Ethernet and is designed for seamless data exchange at all levels of a production plant. The data transfer rate is 1Gbit/s.

Cables for CC-Link applications from igus
The chainflex cable product range from igus offers CC-Link cables with different performance levels. With the CFBUS.PVC.035, a variant with PVC outer jacket is available. For applications where an oil-resistant outer jacket is required, igus offers the PUR coated CFBUS.PUR.035. For high demands on bend radius and travel, as well as an oil and bio-oil resistant cable, a CFBUS.035 with TPE outer jacket is available. All three versions have UL/CSA, EAC and CTP approvals. For CC-Link IE, the CAT5e Ethernet cable from the chainflex product range can also be used.

All chainflex CC-Link cables have been developed for permanent movement in the energy chain. Depending on the requirements, you can choose between different PVC, PUR and TPE outer jackets. The various bus cable series offer different performance levels, so that the right cable can be selected for every application to achieve the longest possible service life.

CC-Link application areas
CC-Link is mainly used in Asia. However, there are also applications in Europe for transferring automation tasks between devices in various machines, even if PROFINET is usually used here.

CC-Link cables are available for different areas of application. In general, CC-Link cables are often permanently installed in machines and systems, so that cables with a solid conductor or a flexible conductor consisting of seven stranded wires can be selected.

For applications in the energy chain, however, it is necessary to use CC-Link cables with fine stranded conductors. In addition, a cable structure adapted to the movement in the energy chain is necessary to ensure reliable data transmission for years to come. Cables from chainflex have therefore become established, especially for systems and machines such as robots, packaging machines, production machines and machine tools.
 
Transmission lengths
The issue of the maximum transmission length of bus cables is often underestimated. Caution is generally advised here, as the maximum cable length can depend heavily on the type of cable. A cable for fixed installation always has a lower attenuation than a flexible cable, which is designed for permanent movements. This means that the transmission length is shorter than with a fixed installation cable.

Depending on the cable family, chainflex CC-Link bus cables are mechanically designed for travels of up to 400 metres and more, but the data rate of the bus system decreases with increasing cable length. With fixed installation, a total cable length of up to 1,200 metres can be achieved with copper cables without repeaters. However, the maximum transmission rate is then 156Kbit/s, while a data transmission rate of 10Mbit/s is still possible with a total cable length of 100 metres. With highly flexible CC-Link cables for the energy chain, however, our experience shows that cable lengths can be significantly shorter. However, this length can vary depending on the environmental conditions and application requirements.
 
Sold by the metre or harnessed
chainflex bus cables can be ordered classically as sold by the metre on drum, or cable ring from 1m order length without cutting charge and minimum quantity surcharges. In addition, igus also offers these cables as ready harnessed readycable. Every chainflex CC-Link cable can also be ordered as a ready-harnessed cable in the desired length from a quantity of one. You can choose between different cables and connectors in the readycable online shop. A filter function helps you to select the right type.