IKS4331 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The IKS4331 is a pre-assembled feedback cable manufactured by Bosch Rexroth Indramat and assigned to the IKS Encoder Cables series. Designed for industrial automation, the assembly forms the electrical link between a motor-mounted encoder and a controller, carrying incremental or absolute position signals together with supply power. By providing a matched connector pair and controlled-impedance conductors, it simplifies installation while preserving signal integrity in high-speed motion systems.

The cable is built from bulk type INK0209 and is terminated with an M23 12-Pin (Encoder) plug on the motor side and a D-Sub 15-pin plug on the control side, both factory-crimped from subcomponents INS0493 and INS0760. A 2×45° exit angle lets the motor connector clear adjacent hardware. Inside the sheath, eight differential pairs follow a 4×(2×0.25 mm²) StC layout for encoder channels, while two supply conductors are sized at 2×1.0 mm². A Total Shield of braided copper surrounds the core to block electromagnetic interference, and the PUR jacket keeps the linear mass to 0.12 kg/m, easing cable-tray loading. Conductors may reach 80 °C without insulation damage, and fixed routing can use a minimum bend radius of 5×D to help prevent microcracking.

For dynamic axes that repeatedly flex, the cable is approved for drag-chain operation when the bend radius stays above 7.5×D. The dedicated power pair of 2×1.0 mm² copper strands reduces voltage drop to the encoder during long strokes. A PUR (matte, low-adhesion) sleeve limits dust buildup and resists cutting oils, while the high-visibility Orange (RAL 2003) jacket simplifies routing checks on crowded machines. The motor connector uses right-hand polarization, and the specified exit angle helps route the cable in tight machine spaces.