Accessories, EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Hybrid Cables, Hybrid Connectors, One Cable Automation (OCA)

One Cable Automation (OCA)aims to provide efficient and optimal cabling for devices, machines, and systems, along with their associated peripherals. The basic principle is the combination of power, signal, and data communication in a single hybrid connector. Using OCA technology in combination with the single-cable solution - a hybrid cable for power and data communication- saves space, time, and costs by significantly reducing cable runs and thus the complexity of the entire cabling process. Its benefits can be observed at virtually every level and across all devices. Whether with EtherCAT P, the ultra-fast one cable solution for control cabinet-free automation, OCT for motion applications, or CP-Link 4 for remote operating units, OCA offers innovative cabling solutions for the entire field level.

The ENP (EtherCAT) and ECP (EtherCAT P) hybrid connector families, which are standardized across all sizes, offer a consistent connection concept for EtherCAT/Ethernet and EtherCAT P technology. The advantages of hybrid cabling technology are:

• reduced complexity of the cabling process
• simplified commissioning
• space-saving, clear layout, and smaller footprint
• lower material and labor costs
• high modularity for system adaptations or expansions
• improved uptime due to less error-prone cabling
• faster maintenance
• more energy-efficient systems and machines

Mechanical and technical design of the hybrid connectors at a glance:

• available as connectors/flanges in sizes B12, B17, B23, and B40
• overmolded on the cable side or field-assembled
• flange versions in short and long designs
• for rear and front panel mounting
• cover all applications: from 24 V DC at the I/O level to drives with 400 V AC or 630 V AC/850 V DC and up to 72 A
• power connections with high current carrying capacity and dielectric strength
• data transmission via Cat. 5-capable trapezoidal Ethernet element with seamless shielding

Connector faces of the B12 to B40 designs are designed with different numbers of power connections (2 to 6 pins) and for different power consumption scenarios.

Number of power connections according to design:

• B12: 2 pins
• B17: 2 + PE or 3 + PE or 4 pins
• B17…B40: 4 + PE
• B23: 5 + PE