PROFIBUS cables transport data reliably

What are profibus cables?

PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) is a widely used fieldbus system in automation technology, which was launched in 1987 in Germany through a network of 21 companies and institutes. A distinction is made between PROFIBUS DP (decentralised peripherals) and PROFIBUS PA (process automation). The original variant PROFIBUS FMS (Fieldbus Message Specification) is no longer part of the international fieldbus standard, as it was replaced in 1993 by PROFIBUS DP.

In the manufacturing industry, PROFIBUS DP is used for fast communication between control systems and sensors, as well as actuators with data rates of up to 12 Mbps. With 43.8 million devices worldwide, PROFIBUS is the most widely used fieldbus system in the manufacturing and process industries.

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Examples of profibus cables

chainflex® bus cable CFBUS.LB

PVC-free
UV-resistant
Halogen-free

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chainflex® bus cable CFBUS.PVC

Outer jacket: PVC
Flame retardant
UV-resistant

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Browse all profibus cables

For a full overview of all chainflex® cables available you can return to the overview page here

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PROFINET cables: the leading cable for every application with movement

As ever higher transmission speeds are required in the manufacturing industry, PROFINET introduced an Industrial Ethernet-based bus system as an advanced development. PROFINET can be regarded as the successor to PROFIBUS and will increasingly replace it over the next few years. Now switch to PROFINET here!

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Profibus application areas

PROFIBUS is mainly used in the manufacturing and process industries. However, there are different areas of application here for the PROFIBUS cable. Often, the cables are laid permanently in the machinery and equipment, so that cables with a solid conductor or a flexible conductor consisting of 7 strands can be selected.

For applications in the energy chain, which colloquially is also referred to as a drag chain, it is however necessary to use PROFIBUS cables with fine stranded wires. Moreover, a cable structure attuned to the movement in the energy chain is necessary to ensure secure data transmission over the years. This is why chainflex cables have become established especially in equipment and machines such as robots, packaging machines, production machines and machine tools.

Cables for PROFIBUS applications from igus

igus offers a large number of PROFIBUS cables. A total of 11 different PROFIBUS cable types from 8 different cable ranges are available for different applications. All chainflex cables have been developed for permanent movement in the energy chain. Depending on your requirements, you can choose between different PVC, PUR and TPE outer jackets. The different bus cable series offer different performance levels, so that the right cable can be chosen for each application area to achieve the longest service life.

All chainflex cables are subject to the same quality standards. It does not matter whether it is a cost-effective cable of the CF888 range or a cable for highest demands and smallest bend radii as is the case with the CFBUS.LB range. igus GmbH grants a 36 month functional guarantee on all chainflex cables with a service life of up to 10 million double strokes.

Transmission lengths for profibus cables

Transmission lengths The topic of the maximum transmission length of bus cables is often underestimated. In general, caution should be exercised, as the maximum cable length can vary greatly depending on the type of cable. A cable for fixed installation always has a lower dampening than flexible cables, which is designed for permanent movements. As a result, the transmission length is lower than with a cable for fixed installation.

Depending on the cable range, chainflex PROFIBUS cables are mechanically designed for travels of up to 400m or more, but the data rate of the bus system decreases with increasing cable lengths. Our experience has shown that with PROFIBUS a cable length of up to 70m is possible between two repeaters. However, this length may vary depending on the environmental conditions and application requirements.

Sold by the metre or harnessed chainflex PROFIBUS cables can be ordered by the metre as standard on a drum, or cable rings, from 1m order length with no cutting charge or minimum quantity surcharges. In addition, igus also offers these cables as ready harnessed readycable. Every chainflex PROFIBUS cable can be ordered as a ready harnessed cable in a desired length from a quantity of one. In the readycable online shop you can choose between different cables and connectors. A filter function helps to select the right type.