IKS4384 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The IKS4384 encoder cable is a factory-terminated feedback lead produced by Bosch Rexroth Indramat for the IKS Encoder Cables series. It is intended for servo drive environments where precise position or velocity data must move between an encoder and a controller without signal loss. A continuous overall braid and foil shield surrounds the signal pairs so electromagnetic noise on the plant floor does not interfere with the voltage signals used for closed-loop automation. This helps keep feedback transmission stable during rapid acceleration, deceleration, and repeated direction changes.

Interface hardware is fixed to each end: the motor side uses an M23 12-Pin Socket, while the control-cabinet side is fitted with a D-Sub 15-Pin plug. Inside the jacket, three twisted-pair signal groups each use 3 × (2 × 0.25 mm²) conductors, and the power circuit runs on 2 × 1.0 mm² supply cores, providing adequate cross-section for typical encoder supply currents. As a ready-made control cable, it eliminates on-site terminations, and the full assembly measures only 9.7 mm in outside diameter, allowing dense routing in drag chains or control ducts. DLF01.1M modules that rely on voltage-level feedback can plug in directly without rewiring because the pin layout and shielding pattern match the module connection format.

The cable is suited for continuous motion service in automated equipment that routes feedback wiring close to moving axes and motor leads. The conductors can operate up to 80 °C, permitting installation near warm motors without premature insulation aging. When secured in static trays, the minimum bend radius is 5 × D, while under flexing it should be kept to 7.5 × D to reduce conductor fatigue. The outer sheath is molded from PUR, is halogen-free, and is colored Orange (RAL 2003), which makes encoder lines easier to identify among mixed cabling. The notch-resistant, oil-tolerant jacket helps preserve insulation integrity during repetitive axis movement.