EuroWire May 2023

Technology News

Putting 40 Gb per second into practice Category 8, the latest generation of LAN cables, are among the most powerful data cables available. In theory, they can transfer data at up to 40 Gb per second at a bandwidth of more than two gigahertz. To put this into practice, however, the cable production must be flawless. 40 Gb/sec is four times more than a 6A cable can transmit. With this upgrade, Cat8 cables are particularly popular for use in data centres and server rooms, driving the transition to higher data loads. Higher performance requires more sophisticated cable design. With Cat8, the quality of shielding, insulation and sheathing required is significantly higher. Cat8 cables used for IoT applications also have the power supply built in, and must withstand very high internal temperatures. This leads to increased demands on the corresponding cable and consequently on the cable manufacturing processes. For optimum data transmission, the LAN cable must have a consistent diameter, as well as perfect ovality and centricity

RD-A: Rosendahl’s core insulation line for LAN cables

The foaming process – one of Rosendahl’s core competencies – has recently been enhanced with the help of artificial intelligence. A self-learning algorithm continuously observes the entire process and matches individual parameters to achieve the best results for diameter and capacitance. It intervenes in a targeted and fore- sighted manner and works quickly and with precision, harmonising of all of the interdependent parameters. Rosendahl Nextrom says that the resulting reduced process variations allow for tighter tolerances, leading to improved electrical properties. In addition, due to the fast adjustments of the process controller, start-up scrap is significantly reduced.

throughout all of the layers. This ensures that the metallic conductors run parallel to each other and offer no room for signal attenuation. It is also important to prevent periodic vibrations on the production line, as these can lead to interference points that reduce the data signal in the finished cable. To ensure that the theoretical transmission rates of Cat8 cables can also be maintained in reality, stable pro-

duction is key. All of the machines and processes, from payoff to take-up, must be properly coordinated. Rosendahl Nextrom has process know-how and experience in insulation and sheathing tech nology. The company’s extrusion technology in combination with a high-precision gas-dosing system ensures long-term process sta bility and fine and uniform foam structure.

Steady and repeatable datacom cable production with Rosendahl’s Gas Injector Valve

Rosendahl Nextrom GmbH https://rosendahlnextrom.com

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May 2023