RKG0023 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The RKG0023 encoder cable is produced by Bosch Rexroth Indramat within the RKG Encoder Cables series. This flexible assembly carries incremental or absolute position signals between an encoder mounted on a servo motor and the drive controller that processes those signals. By maintaining low-loss data transmission while accommodating continual machine motion, the cable supports precise closed-loop control in gantries, pick-and-place units, and other axes that cycle thousands of times per shift.

The transmission path is built from INK0448 bulk cable, a multi-core line rated for drag-chain use. Its conductor bundle is arranged as 4×2×0.25 mm² + 2×0.5 mm², so four twisted signal pairs share the jacket with two larger power cores that feed the encoder electronics. A wear limit of 5,000,000 bending cycles gives the cable a rated life for constant-flexing environments. The outer sheath is made from PUR, a material that resists oil and cutting fluids while retaining elasticity. On the controller side, a keyed RGS1002/C01 (M23 10-pin) plug terminates the line and provides strain relief with quick mating. The overall diameter measures 8.8 mm, allowing compact routing through narrow energy chains, while a minimum dynamic bend radius of 7.5 × D helps reduce conductor fatigue.

At the motor end, an INS0672/C01 (10-pin clamp) connector mates directly to Rexroth encoder housings, eliminating intermediate terminal boxes. During rapid axis motion, the cable tolerates peak acceleration of 10 m/s² and sustained travel speed up to 5 m/s without signal dropout. Control conductors are insulated for 300 V, so the same harness can carry reference voltage together with feedback lines. Temperature limits reach +90 °C in fixed routing and +80 °C under continuous flex, and static installations may use a 5 × D bend radius to ease cabinet wiring.