Yokogawa AKB161-M100 RS-422/RS-485 Signal Cable

Configured for serial communication between ALM modules and subsystem terminals in CENTUM VP and ProSafe-RS networks, the Yokogawa AKB161-M100 (Yokogawa AKB161 RS-422/RS-485 Signal Cable) provides direct physical/electrical execution. The component provides differential serial data transfer across legacy and modern platforms without external power requirements, maintaining physical Layer 1 connectivity between the host system and distributed programmable logic controllers or safety instrumentation nodes.

Suffix Breakdown & Model Matrix

The model number configuration defines the physical construction and length allocation for the serial interconnect assembly.

• Base Model (AKB161): Identifies the core RS-422/RS-485 multi-pair shielded physical cable architecture equipped with an asymmetric terminal configuration featuring M4 screw connectors on the ALM interface side and M3 screw connectors on the subsystem interface side.
• Length Suffix (-M100): Establishes the total linear physical length of the assembly. Suffix codes are allocated in 5 m increments. The -M100 designator specifies a fixed length of 100 m, which represents the maximum certified physical deployment distance for this specific hardware assembly.

Hardware Specifications

Process Control Integration & Signal Isolation

Operating within distributed process environments, this component leverages advanced multi-layer shielding to establish robust channel-to-channel isolation parameters. The combination of an aluminum foil wrap and a high-density braided copper shield minimizes high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) across extended 100 m paths. This physical shielding structure prevents electrical cross-talk between adjacent communication lines and mitigates ground potential differentials, which ensures stable data rates when deployed alongside 4-20 mA HART loop protocols and FOUNDATION Fieldbus segments. The asymmetric M4-to-M3 physical termination ensures correct directional installation between host I/O nests and peripheral terminal boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the AKB161-M100 assembly support online hot-swapping or physical extraction while the ALM module communication loop is active?

A: Yes, because the hardware is a passive electrical component with no integrated active semiconductors, it can be physically unbolted and removed from the terminal blocks without causing electrical damage to the host system. However, disconnecting the cable will instantly interrupt the Modbus or subsystem serial loop, resulting in a communication failure alarm at the DCS or SIS engineering station.

Q: What is the maximum physical tensile load capacity and minimum bend radius allowed for this 100 m shielded cable assembly during installation?

A: The passive cable structure must not be subjected to sharp bends. During installation, engineers must adhere to standard industrial cabling practices by maintaining a minimum bend radius of at least 10 times the outer cable diameter. Avoid mechanical strain or high vertical pulling forces during deployment through cable trays to prevent degradation of the twisted-pair geometric integrity and shielding layer continuity.

Field Installation Guidelines

• Physical Separation: Route the communication assembly through dedicated low-voltage instrument trays. Maintain a minimum physical clearance of 300 mm from high-power AC conductors, variable frequency drive output lines, and inductive motor control circuits to prevent electromagnetic noise coupling.
• Shield Grounding Protocol: Terminate the cable shield braid at a single reference point only. Connect the shield to the dedicated functional instrument ground terminal on the ALM host side. Do not connect the shield at the subsystem terminal end to prevent the formation of ground loops.
• Terminal Torque Values: Secure the asymmetric connectors using calibrated tools. Tighten the M4 screw terminals on the ALM interface to a target torque rating of 1.2 N m. Tighten the M3 screw terminals on the subsystem side to a maximum torque rating of 0.6 N m to avoid stripping the terminal threads.
• Twisted-Pair Integrity: When stripping the outer jacket for terminal connection, minimize the untwisting of the internal pairs. Keep the untwisted segment below 15 mm from the screw termination point to maintain the common-mode rejection characteristics of the RS-422/RS-485 physical layer.