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Physical Media Questions (Wiring and Cable)

Thu, 2008-04-24 21:04 — Anonymous

For a network that supports a number of network powered devices (of course 200mA or less per device), it would seem to make the most sense to use a 4 conductor cable for the trunk (at least 18 or 16 AWG) as well as the drops or branches (18 or 20 AWG). However, it seems very difficult - if not impossible - to find a 4 conductor cable that meets the requirement in the spec. for: a)the color code; and b)the twisted pair (for at least the CAN_H and CAN_L). A DeviceNet cable is the closest that we have been able to find which is both expensive and not readily available.

Is there any recommendation for this?

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Fri, 2008-04-25 17:17 — Martin Perlot

David Bailey of TRC has been

David Bailey of TRC has been working with a wire vendor who is willing to build a four-conductor cable that meets the RV-C spec. I believe we're still looking for the "first-adopter" to make the initial order. So far the RV manufacturers seem content to just use the existing twisted-pair cable.

I think that is because most devices are still over 200mA, and need a separate power supply. The number of small nodes has to be significant in proportion to the large loads to justify running the more expensive cable.