Many industrial processes use devices with sensing technology to perform automated tasks with efficiency and precision. With the increase in complexity of manufacturing processes, however, comes the opportunity for things to go wrong – especially with a limited human presence in most industrial applications. Now, as these applications get smarter and smaller, even the sensors have sensors.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is revolutionizing the way manufacturing is done by connecting more smart devices and sharing the information they produce to improve existing business models and enable new ones. Nowhere is this more evident than in the industrial arena, where experts estimate the economic impact of the IIoT to reach $11.1 trillion by the year 2025.

Do you require VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) cable for on-machine applications, where it will be in constant motion? Or what about needing it for installation in tight spaces? Up-to-now, these situations have been hard to address. On the one hand, construction-grade VFD and standard THHN building wire or tray cable do not provide adequate VFD system protection or the pliability needed. On the other hand, high performance Belden VFD cable has not had the extreme flexibility needed.

It’s not surprising that Ethernet has migrated from office environments to industrial environments. After all, the use of open, standards-based communication technology has made it easy to connect the plant floor to enterprise systems resulting in many business benefits. And, the adoption of common computing and networking platforms has reduced costs such as network maintenance, administration and labor expenses.

Around the world countries are trying to combat their dependency on oil and reduce their carbon emissions. A key strategy for achieving this in some regions is a focused effort on dramatically improving rail infrastructure. As a result many rail operators are striving to improve capacity without having to take on expensive and disruptive civil engineering projects. One solution is Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) systems which increase utilization of existing rail infrastructure.