IKS4043 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The IKS4043 is an encoder feedback cable produced by Bosch Rexroth Indramat within the IKS Encoder Cables series. It links MKD servo motors to Indramat drive controllers so position data can be transferred reliably in harsh machine-tool environments. By matching the motor terminal box to the controller interface, the cable supports straightforward installation and stable signal transmission in automated axes that rely on closed-loop motion control. This arrangement allows the feedback circuit to remain separate from power wiring while maintaining consistent communication between the motor and the drive.

This model is qualified for 5,000,000 flex cycles, allowing repeated motion inside cable carriers. For stationary routing, it tolerates a minimum bend radius of 5 × D; during continuous movement, the minimum bend radius is 7.5 × D. Support for drag-chain use is explicit, and a pair of 2 × 45° exits on the controller plug reduces stress when the chain reverses. The outer jacket is colored Orange (RAL 2003) for quick identification among power conductors, and it is made of PUR, which provides abrasion resistance, coolant resistance, and low particulate shedding on high-speed axes. That jacket material also helps the cable slide smoothly through moving carriers without sticking during repeated travel.

Signal continuity is preserved by a Total Shield that surrounds all twisted pairs and bonds to ground through a ring lug at the motor end. The controller end uses a D-Sub (15-pin) male connector with 15 contact positions in a metal shell that adds 360° shielding. Inside the cabinet, this plug mates directly with the drive encoder socket, while the motor side terminates on a MKD Terminal Box using a 10-pin clamp block that accepts individual conductors without soldering. The controller-side contact type is pin, and the metal housing, together with the ring-lug drain path, helps minimize electromagnetic interference during operation. This layout supports stable feedback transmission where nearby drives, motors, and switching devices can introduce electrical noise.