Safety, performance and reliability in physical industrial networks
Author : Rolf Horn, Digi-Key Electronics
03 May 2022
One of the benefits of Ethernet is that it has truly standardised making connections simple. At the same time, poor component selection can be a danger and risk to safety, performance and/or reliability in industrial environments. Plans need to be made for dynamic environment conditions for Ethernet cabling – just like for other wires, cables and connectors going into control panels, machines, and equipment.
This discussion will examine pervasive environment factors, such as EMI (electromagnetic interference) noise, strategies and product solutions, to mitigate and eliminate noise as a threat to Ethernet device performance.
EMI management best practices within the control panel
The enclosure of a control panel for a machine provides an EMI barrier, protecting internal circuitry from outside noise sources. Panduit industrial Ethernet cordsets are constructed of Category 5e and 6A, industrial-grade, stranded, twisted pair cable for UTP and STP installations. Each cordset is UL, NEMA, and IP rated to withstand light washdown and temporary submerged conditions, without loss of performance. However, EMI is also generated by the internal circuitry. The devices within the enclosures can be more at risk because of their sensitivity and proximity to these internal EMI-generating sources. The controls of industrial processes reside within the enclosures. Therefore, additional protection is required, even though the devices are already protected from outside EMI.
Read the full article in the May issue of DPA
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