Flexible data cable : flexibility, durability, and performance in one package

What is data cable?

A data cable is a multi-core cable used for simple transmission of data and information. It is important that the information moves securely from the sender to the receiver. To ensure that this happens, there are special shielding requirements. igus data cables are used wherever large amounts of data must be safely transmitted in motion. They are usually shielded and carry a wide variety of application signals. Their cores are very thin and have coloured insulation to distinguish them. In the past, these cables were used much more frequently – they are gradually being replaced by bus cables in applications. Of course, they still have their uses, and our customers often deploy them. They are an inexpensive solution for transmitting simple data and are available in various mechanical and electrical designs. The cables are available in three different jacket materials. This selection provides additional savings opportunities.

Buy data cables

What is DIN 47100 color code?

DIN 47100 is a German colour-coding system for identifying cores in cables. This coding system is known throughout all industries, considered to be standard, and yet not all of our cables have coloured cores. Why is that? The colour-coding is standard, but only for very thin cores. The igus cores we are referring to are 0.75mm² and smaller. For thicker cores, the black cores with white numbering are used, which are cheaper to produce. But the numbering is difficult to read and sometimes impossible to produce for cores with very thin cross-sections. Colour coding was introduced to identify the cores. For larger core quantities, additional markings are made in the form of rings on the cores, since the number of colours is also limited.

twisted pair cable, stranding, shielded twisted pair

Type of data cables we offer

Our data cables are available in different mechanical qualities and are offered in three distinct electrical designs. We provide three different assemblies to meet various electrotechnical parameters, ensuring optimal data transmission and performance.
1. Twisted Pair Construction:

Minimizes crosstalk between cores.
Provides better protection against electrical and magnetic interference fields.

2. Stranded Core Pairs:

Offer better protection than parallel cores.
Disturbances due to magnetic fields inside the cable largely cancel each other out.

3. Paired Shields:

Recommended for higher protection.
Provide additional protection against electromagnetic interference between individual pairs.

Star quad and near end crosstalk (NEXT)

What is a star quad structure anyway?

In a four-core cable, this structure determines the arrangement of the cores within the cable. There are usually coloured cores in the data cable, but here we use the designation 1-4 to simplify our explanation. In a conventional cable, the cores are marked clockwise. This means that, e.g., 1 is at the top left, 2 at the top right, 3 at the bottom right, and finally 4 at the bottom left. In star quad stranding, the core order in the cable is 1, 3, 2, 4. The pairs 1-2 and 3-4 are perpendicular to each other in their magnetic fields to avoid signal overlap. This avoids near end crosstalk (NEXT).
A near end crosstalk (NEXT) is a type of interference that occurs when a signal on one wire pair interferes with another pair in the same cable, measured at the signal's source end. You can find out more about this in our blog.

Applications utilizing chainflex® data cables

Cables in circuit board assembles

A system that has to work around the clock under high pressure requires the highest standards - also from the suppliers of the individual components of the machine. An example of this would be the "Speedmounter" system from IPTE GmbH. By using our energy chains and chainflex data cables maintenance intervals have been reduced and the company can save considerable costs. In addition, our cables attract with their special design, with gusset-filled extruded inner jacket, they retain their transmission properties after many millions of double cycles.

Cables and energy chains for circuit board assemblers

University project 'e-kart' is supported by igus products

A team of students at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences set themselves the goal of converting a kart with an internal combustion engine and road approval into an 'e-kart' that provides maximum driving pleasure. For years, the electric kart has been undergoing optimisation and conversion at the hands of the students. Until recently, a new fast-charge battery was integrated, and many of our products were also used. Among other things, shielded cables that withstand the high speeds and accelerations.

Electric go-cart

Haven't found the right one yet?

Back to the cable overview

To the control cables

To the measurement system cables?

To the bus cables

To the motor cables

To the servo cables

Are you familiar with our online tools?

Simply find and choose a suitable type, calculate its service life, and order it online

Product finder

Get to just the right cable quickly

to the product finder

Service life calculator

Calculate the service life of any chainflex cable

to the service life calculator

Copper surcharge calculator

Calculate the current copper surcharge

to the service life calculator

Configurator for special cables

Configure your individual cable in just three minutes

to the configurator

Are you still looking for an energy chain for your cable?

To the energy chains

... or everything already harnessed?

To the readychain

Cookies are important for a website to function correctly. In order to provide you with a more enjoyable website experience we use cookies to store your information. This allows us to provide you with a secure login, to collect statistical information for enhanced website functionality and to provide you with content that is tailored to your needs. Click on „Privacy Policy“ for a detailed description of the types of cookies we use and for information on opt-out options.

By using this website you agree to our use of cookies. Data privacy policy. I agree.

Country/Region

By selecting your country you will be shown local offers and information.

Please choose your delivery location