Hybrid plug-in connector for single-cable interfaces between drives and motors

Hybrid plug-in connectors save space and are easier to install. When they are designed and used correctly their EMC properties are just as good as dedicated cables. Circular connectors have already become established on the motors side. Weidmüller has developed the OMNIMATE^® hybrid plug-in connector for single-cable interfaces on drives in the control cabinet. The article describes the technical background, and the considerations that went into the design.

Example of a hybrid connector on a drive in which the arrangement of PE contact and red locking flange was designed to ensure the greatest possible distance between motor and encoder connection

Typical cable structure for single cable interfaces

Just five years ago, a motor with encoder and the associated drive (used here as a general term to describe drive control, drive, servo controller, servo drive, frequency converter etc.) were usually connected using two cables. This allowed for the reliable separation of data and power. However, this also involved increased space and material requirements, as well as some additional costs during production and installation. Single-cable installations are the more cost-effective alternative. This development was also accelerated by the HIPERFACE DSL^® and SCS open link protocols, which are based on the RS485 transmissions standard. The cable manufacturers developed suitable hybrid shield-in-shield motor cables with one external shield and multiple internal shields.

Single cable solutions between motor and drive controller

Consequently, it follows that a cable is fitted with one plug-in connector or connection on the motor and one on the drive. M23 circular connectors have proven effective on the motor side, unlike on the drive side where the cable has often been split and routed to two plug-in connectors. A logical solution here is of course hybrid plug-in connectors.