RKB0044 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The RKB0044 cable is produced by Bosch Rexroth Indramat as a member of the RKB Control Cables series. It is a factory-terminated control and data lead designed to carry high-speed real-time signals between servo drives, I/O nodes, and controller hardware in industrial automation systems. By combining a shielded twisted-pair structure with pre-installed connectors, the assembly reduces installation time and helps preserve signal integrity in electrically noisy production environments. This format also supports direct installation in cabinets and machine sections where consistent communication is required without field assembly.

The cable follows the Sercos III bus standard, so its conductor impedance and shielding support deterministic cycle times required by IndraDrive and third-party motion controllers. Its transmission pair is classified as CAT5e, allowing 100 MHz bandwidth and full-duplex Gigabit communication over the intended run length. On the machine side, the cord is fitted with a M12 D-Coded 4-Pin plug that locks by screw coupling, while the cabinet end terminates in a standard RJ45 connector for quick connection to switches or controller ports. For fixed routing, the manufacturer prescribes a static bending radius of 5xD, so the cable should not be bent tighter than five times its outer diameter when clamped to a tray.

In moving-axis drag-chain applications, the RKB0044 is rated for 3000000 bending cycles before conductor fatigue becomes critical. When motion is involved, the dynamic routing must observe a bend radius of 7.5xD to limit mechanical stress during repetitive flexing. The assembly is shipped as a ready-made harness, eliminating the need for field crimping and providing continuous shielding from end to end. Its Ethernet variant construction pairs aluminum-polyester foil with an overall braid to control crosstalk. The standard insulation and jacket construction used across the RKB family also supports stable data transfer when the cable is routed near motor power conductors or switching equipment.