Ethernet Cable Guard

The Ethernet Cable Guard enables the service life monitoring of Ethernet data cables (100Base-TX) with a focus on dynamic applications in automation technology, such as a drag chain cables to moving machine parts (robots). With the Ethernet Cable Guard, system availability can be increased, and downtimes can be planned. This enables a significant reduction in maintenance costs.

The Cable Guard is looped into the cable harness to be monitored and can provide information about the quality of the cable connection via a status LED, a separate network connection or a digital output. The feedback can be displayed as a PWM signal at the output. The alarm limit value can be set individually (“lifetime” 99 – 50 %) design for DIN rail mounting.

For integration into IIoT structures, the monitored cable status can also be sent via MQTT by the Cable Guard.

The particularly compact design is suitable for use in decentralized control cabinets and can be mounted on standard top-hat rails.

The Cable Guard is also suitable for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and 2-pair PROFINET applications.

• Monitoring the service life of a data cable at risk of failure (e.g. function-critical data cable in dynamic or mechanically stressed applications like drag chains)
• Increased system availability through predictable downtimes
• Reduction in maintenance costs
• Simple commissioning with automated parameterization (“teach-in” in a few seconds)
• Requires no new data line or changes to the cable design; retrofitting into the existing network structure is possible at any time
• Reliable IIoT communication thanks to MQTT interface
• Suitable for data lines in accordance with transmission standard 100BASE-TX (with 100 Mbit/s) according to IEEE 802.3

How do you benefit from using Ethernet Cable Guard?

In highly dynamic, demanding movements with high speeds and strong torsion, it is advantageous and cost-saving if the connection systems are monitored in order to avoid unforeseen downtimes and thus an impairment of productivity. The Ethernet Cable Guard determines the status of a data cable and indicates its performance as a percentage. If the performance falls below a certain value, the device sounds an alarm and the cable must be checked or replaced if necessary.

Which industries?

The Ethernet Cable Guard can be used wherever data cables are used. Especially in moving applications with high speeds and strong torsion. Such applications are often found in (intra-) logistics, the automotive sector and medical technology. In principle, however, it is suitable for a wide range of industries. Where is the Ethernet Cable Guard used?

The Ethernet Cable Guard is particularly suitable for data cables that are constantly exposed to “stress”, such as

• Movements with high speeds and accelerations
• Changing motion sequences
• Rotations with very high axial torsion angles
• Fast cycle times
• small bending radii

The monitored data cable is also used in critical processes where high to extremely high downtime costs or even personal injury would occur in the event of a standstill.

The Ethernet Cable Guard is suitable

• for use in Ethernet-based automation technology networks.
• for monitoring data cables in dynamic applications.
• for EtherCAT, EtherNET/IP, PROFINET and many other Ethernet-based applications.
• use in the control cabinet.

How you save costs with the Ethernet Cable Guard?

The Ethernet Cable Guard enables maintenance cycles to be optimized, resulting in more efficient personnel and resource planning for planned maintenance work. By determining the performance status, the Ethernet Cable Guard contributes to predictive maintenance and increases machine availability with optimized maintenance work.

You can find for other Helmholz products here.