By Eileen Harvey
PROFINET has emerged as the backbone of automation and control networks across various industries, including manufacturing, robotics and packaging. As businesses strive to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain high standards of precision and safety, the demand for seamless data communication has never been more critical. PROFINET facilitates real-time data exchange between devices, enabling smooth coordination and control of complex systems.
However, while the focus is often placed on the capabilities of the PROFINET protocol itself, one crucial aspect that warrants greater attention is the selection of the appropriate PROFINET cables. These cables serve as the physical medium through which data travels, making their role essential in ensuring optimal system performance.
Understanding PROFINET Cables
PROFINET is an industrial Ethernet standard designed for real-time communication in automation systems. Unlike standard Ethernet cables, PROFINET cables must withstand harsh environments and mechanical stress while delivering reliable, high-speed data.
There are three main types of PROFINET cables. Type A is for fixed installations; it has solid conductors and stable performance. Type B is flexible, with stranded conductors and limited movement. Type C is continuous flex, suited for robotics, drag chains and high-motion areas.
Key features that make PROFINET cables unique include their 100 Ω impedance, high shielding for EMI/EMC protection, mechanical strength for industrial environments and jacket options like PVC, PUR and TPE for durability.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a PROFINET Cable
When selecting a PROFINET cable, it is important to evaluate several key factors that influence performance, reliability and longevity in industrial environments.
Application Type: The choice of cable depends heavily on how it will be used. For fixed installations inside control cabinets, along walls or within cable ducts, Type A cables with solid conductors provide the most dependable performance. In flexible applications where machinery requires limited motion, Type B cables are better suited because they can tolerate some movement without compromising data integrity. For robotics and motion control systems that involve continuous bending and torsion, Type C cables with stranded conductors and PUR jackets deliver superior flexibility and durability, making them ideal for high-motion use cases.
Environmental Conditions: Industrial settings expose cables to a wide range of environmental challenges. It is essential to consider potential oil exposure in automotive or machining industries, ultraviolet radiation in outdoor installations, chemical exposure in food and beverage plants and extreme temperatures in steel or glass manufacturing facilities. Selecting a cable designed to withstand these specific conditions helps ensure long-term reliability and safety.
Cable Construction: The internal structure of a PROFINET cable directly affects its performance. Solid conductors provide excellent stability for stationary installations, while stranded conductors offer greater flexibility for moving equipment. Shielding types such as SF/UTP or S/FTP protect against electromagnetic interference in electrically noisy environments. Jacket material also plays a critical role: PVC is suitable for general-purpose, cost-effective applications; PUR offers flexibility along with abrasion and oil resistance; and TPE provides exceptional durability in extreme environmental conditions.
Performance Requirements: A cable’s performance specifications must align with the system’s operational demands. Standard PROFINET networks typically operate at 100 Mbps, but anticipating future upgrades may require higher bandwidth capacity. Proper shielding is vital to maintain electromagnetic compatibility and prevent communication interruptions. Mechanical durability is another key factor, especially in drag chain and robotic applications where cables experience frequent movement and physical stress.
PROFINET Cable Types and Use Cases
Type A – Fixed Installation: Type A PROFINET cables feature solid copper conductors that provide maximum stability and consistent signal transmission. They are best suited for fixed installations such as control cabinets, wall-mounted systems or cable ducts where cables remain stationary throughout their service life.
Type B – Flexible Applications: Type B PROFINET cables use stranded conductors that allow for moderate bending and limited movement. They are commonly found in machinery and automation systems where motion occurs occasionally but not continuously. This construction provides a balance between flexibility and durability for semi-mobile applications.
Type C – Continuous Flex Applications: Type C PROFINET cables are engineered for environments that involve constant motion, such as drag chains and robotic systems. These cables feature stranded conductors and are highly flexible, with robust PUR or TPE jackets that resist abrasion, oil and mechanical stress. Their construction ensures reliable data transmission and long service life under continuous bending and torsion.
Choosing PROFINET Cables for Harsh Environments
Harsh conditions demand specialized jackets. Oil-resistant PUR jackets are suitable for automotive and manufacturing lines. UV-resistant jackets are for outdoor installations. Flame-retardant cables assist with safety compliance. And chemical-resistant cables are ideal for food processing and pharma plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practices to avoid include using Type A cables for robotics, which leads to premature failure. Also, ignoring shielding can lead to EMI, causing data loss and downtime. Finally, overlooking jacket type, such as using PVC in oily environments, causes cables to degrade quickly.
TKD Kabel and L-com PROFINET Solutions
TKD Kabel, available through L-com, is known for industrial-grade reliability. Whether you need fixed installation or extreme flexibility, TKD Kabel has solutions tailored to your needs.
Tips and Best Practices
Let’s look at four best practices. First, match cable type to motion requirements. Second, use PUR jackets in areas with oils and chemicals. Third, for outdoor installations, always select UV-resistant jackets. And fourth, plan for scalability; for instance, if your plant is upgrading to Industry 4.0, choose higher-grade cables now to avoid costly replacements later
FAQs Regarding PROFINET Cable
Q1: What is the difference between Type A, B and C PROFINET cables?
A: Type A is for fixed installation, Type B is for flexible applications and Type C is for continuous motion in robotics and drag chains.
Q2: Which jacket type is best for harsh environments?
A: PUR jackets are ideal for oil, chemical and abrasion resistance. TPE is also excellent for extreme conditions.
Q3: Can I use a Type A cable in robotic applications?
A: No. Type A is not designed for bending. Use Type C for continuous flex.
Q4: How do I ensure my PROFINET installation is future-proof?
A: Choose cables with higher shielding and durability and consider jacket types that withstand harsh environments.
Selecting the right PROFINET cable is crucial for ensuring not just basic connectivity but also the overall efficiency and reliability of your industrial network. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, where downtime can lead to significant losses, the choice of cable can make all the difference. PROFINET, the Industrial Ethernet standard, offers three main types of cables—Types A, B and C—each designed to meet specific requirements.
Explore the full range of TKD Kabel through L-com. We’ll fill your orders fast, with same-day shipping on all qualified, in stock, online orders received Monday through Friday before 5 p.m. EST. For TKD-related inquiries, connect with our U.S-based TKD expert Eileen Harvey at eharvey@infiniteelectronics.com.
