Hybrid cable with a multifunctional structure
Hybrid cables are used wherever different functions – such as power supply, data transmission or control signals – need to be combined in a single cable. Standard cables often reach their limits when faced with such requirements. As a long-standing manufacturer of customised hybrid cables, SAB develops bespoke connection solutions for a wide range of applications and industries.
Hybrid cables at a glance:
- Hybrid cables combine power, data and control lines into a single cable.
- They save space, reduce cabling effort and simplify installation.
- Fewer individual cables and connectors lower maintenance and operating costs.
- Customisable for mechanical engineering, automation, robotics and other industrial applications.
- Custom hybrid cables from SAB available from as little as 300 m.
With over 75 years’ experience in cable design and manufacturing, we support our customers in developing bespoke hybrid cables that are precisely tailored to the technical requirements of each specific application. Depending on the requirements, existing cable designs can be adapted or entirely new hybrid cables developed.
What is a hybrid cable?
A hybrid cable combines different transmission media within a single cable. Depending on the application, a hybrid cable can, for example, combine power supply, control lines, data lines, bus systems or fibre-optic cables. This allows several individual cables to be replaced by a single hybrid cable.
Hybrid cables are used in particular where installation space needs to be saved, installation effort reduced, or different signals need to be reliably transmitted via a single cable. By combining multiple functions within a single cable assembly, machines and systems can be designed more compactly, and installation and maintenance processes simplified.
The design of a hybrid cable is always tailored to the requirements of the specific application. Depending on the technical specifications, different conductor cross-sections, data transmission elements, bus systems, shielding or optical fibres can be combined in a customised hybrid cable.
What are the advantages of hybrid cables?
Hybrid cables offer numerous advantages over multiple cables laid separately. By combining power, control, data or bus signals in a single cable, the amount of cabling required can be significantly reduced. This simplifies installation and saves valuable space in machines, plant and technical systems.
The key advantages of industrial hybrid cables include:
- Reduced space requirements thanks to a compact cable design
- Fewer individual cables and connectors
- Simplified assembly and installation
- Optimised cable routing in machines and plant
- Lower overall weight compared to multiple individual cables
- Reduced maintenance and servicing requirements
- High flexibility thanks to customised designs
By combining various functions in a single hybrid cable, sources of error can also be reduced and the cost-effectiveness of complex systems improved. Particularly in mechanical and plant engineering, automation technology and mobile applications, hybrid cables help to sustainably reduce installation and operating costs.
Typical applications for hybrid cables
Hybrid cables are used wherever different transmission media need to be combined within a single cable. By integrating power supply, control, data transmission or bus systems, hybrid cables provide compact and efficient connection solutions for a wide range of applications.
Typical areas of application for bespoke hybrid cables include:
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Automation technology
- Robotics and handling systems
- Conveyor and transport technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- Medical technology
- Railway technology
- Mobile machinery and special-purpose vehicles
Depending on the area of application, the requirements regarding flexibility, temperature resistance, mechanical strength, shielding or data transmission vary considerably. For this reason, hybrid cables are often developed to customer specifications and precisely tailored to the technical requirements of the respective application.
As a hybrid cable manufacturer, SAB develops and manufactures hybrid cables for a wide range of industries and supports customers right from the design phase in selecting suitable materials, transmission elements and cable constructions.
Can standard cables be configured as hybrid cables to meet specific requirements?
Yes. Proven cable assemblies often form the basis for custom hybrid cables. By carefully combining and adapting individual components, we create solutions that are precisely tailored to the specific application.
Selected product ranges that can serve as the basis for custom hybrid cable solutions:
What is the structure of a hybrid cable?
The design of a hybrid cable depends on the technical requirements of the specific application. Depending on the application, different components for power supply, data transmission, signal transmission or communication can be combined within a single hybrid cable.
Data transmission and communication
- Bus systems such as Profibus or CAN bus
- Industrial Ethernet CAT 5, CAT 6 & CAT 7
- Data cables for industrial applications
In addition to the parameters mentioned above, hybrid cables can be supplemented with further components and functions. The requirements of the specific application are always the decisive factor. On this basis, SAB develops customised hybrid cables that are optimally tailored to their intended use in terms of their electrical, mechanical and thermal properties.
Custom hybrid cables tailored to your requirements
Every application places specific demands on the design and functionality of a hybrid cable. That is why SAB develops bespoke hybrid cables that are precisely tailored to the specific application and technical requirements.
The focus is on achieving the optimal combination of different transmission media within a single cable. Depending on the application, power supply, data transmission, bus systems, control cables or optical fibres can be integrated into a hybrid cable. The selection and arrangement of the individual elements is determined by the requirements for power, data rate, flexibility, shielding and environmental conditions.
Thanks to our many years of experience in the development and manufacture of hybrid cables, existing cable designs can be adapted to individual requirements or completely new hybrid cables can be developed. The aim is always to provide a technically and economically optimal connection solution for your application.
SAB manufactures customised hybrid cables from as little as 300 metres, and for certain cross-sections even from 100 metres.
