What is a hybrid cable?

Jan Arnoldy | 3. February 2021

For some time now, we have been able to observe a strong trend towards hybrid cables in the field of servo drives. Due to this development, we are constantly expanding our range of hybrid cables. This is the only way we can fulfil the constantly changing requirements of our customers.

But what is a hybrid cable and what is this type of cable actually needed for? That’s exactly what we’re looking at in today’s post.

What is a hybrid?

“Hybrid” comes from Latin and means “of two origins”.  In general, hybrid means the combination of two different drive principles or energy sources.

Both technologies in themselves are already considered independent solutions. However, the combination results in new specifications again.

Hybrid in everyday life

When it comes to hybrids, we inevitably think of cars. A hybrid drive is more attractive than ever. In this alternative drive, the combustion engine is combined with an electric motor. The vehicle automatically switches between the two energy sources. With this practical example, one can easily explain and understand the parallels to hybrid technology in the cable sector.

What is a hybrid cable?

For some years now, the trend has been clearly observable. More and more drive manufacturers and companies are turning to hybrid technology.

A hybrid cable is a cable that is usually used in servo drive systems. It supplies the servo drive with energy and also sends important information back to the control system.

Similar to the hybrid drive in a passenger car, which combines two different types of engines, the hybrid cable combines two different types of cable.

Hybrid cables are a combination of servo and measuring system or feedback cable for drive technology.

A servo cable is already a combined cable, because here a motor cable is extended by one or two control pairs. These control pairs are used to operate a brake or a temperature sensor in addition to supplying the motor.

The classic measuring system cable, also called the encoder cable, on the other hand, takes over the data transmission back to the control system. It informs, for example, about the speed and position of the engine.

Why hybrid cables?

The so-called single cable technology, or “One Cable Technology”, is becoming increasingly popular. This future-oriented system not only saves time, but also money. Due to the combination of two cables, not only material can be saved in production, but also space and working time during assembly and harnessing, as well as during installation.

Where are hybrid cables used?

Basically, hybrid cables are used wherever servo motors are used. Many, fast but precise movements require a fail-safe cable. The field of application is accordingly diverse.

A good example is the use of our hybrid cables in the woodworking machines of a customer. These machines also work at high speed. By using the latest servo technology, high dynamics in combination with positional accuracy and fast feedback are implemented.

The up to 50 servo axes used are supplied with energy and signals via chainflex® hybrid cables.

The customer’s requirement from the outset was: “We needed a hybrid cable that ensured a long service life and dependability with high dynamics. ” Our customer has to supply his own customers and has to meet new requirements all the time. A solution was needed that would save costs and installation effort. Our hybrid cables have done the trick.

By passing the test, which we carried out together, we were able to offer our customers the technology of a hybrid cable even for extremely demanding applications and ensure the service life. You can read the detailed report again here.
 
If you have any questions about our chainflex hybrid cables or other cables for moving applications, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to meeting you.