Digital Electricity – What you need to know 

Digital Electricity is a new way to safely distribute high-voltage power over long distances by combining data and DC power into packets that are transmitted and received, similarly to how data packets travel over enterprise networks. It transfers high levels of power over non-power cable, and a complete system requires transmitters and receivers to function. These digital electricity cables are designed in conjunction with VoltServer, allowing them to support applications in various situations. Available in hybrid copper/fiber constructions to send power and data in a single cable run. Other additions to the digital electricity cable line include the hybrid cable versions for indoor and indoor/outdoor 2 mm breakout plenum cables. 

The transmitter takes in AC or DC power and sends it out on individual electrical circuits. From there, specialized digital electricity cables can be used to distribute the power. The receiver “receives” the electricity packets sent from a transmitter and converts the energy packets into the required form. 

PoE technology can carry up to 100W of power over a data cable for up to 100 m, digital electricity can carry up to 2,000W and travel up to 2km. Digital electricity is able to offer 20 times the power or 20 times the distance that’s currently available through PoE.  

Transmission distance comparison chart. 

5 things you need to know about digital electricity: 

1. It ensures safety

By including “smart circuits” that can monitor when electricity is escaping, it’s able to immediately stop the electricity flow and continuously manage the flow within the circuit to ensure that electricity is flowing to the right places safely. In the event of an issue, the electricity process will stop within 3 milliseconds, which is fast and secure enough to prevent injuries or danger. With its class 4 systems, it makes the digital electricity cables just as safe, if not safer than class 2 and class 3 systems. 

2. It allows for ample power 

Digital electricity cables can be run through existing cable trays to double or triple the amount of power brought to the equipment. These cables can deliver power across long distances and are known to be 20x more powerful or can go 20x more distance than PoE with 2000W across a reach of up to 2km. 

3. It provides a back-up 

In the event of an emergency, the transmitter can run critical power to wherever it is needed, including wireless systems so operations can still be run when power is no longer available. 

4. It simplifies cable installation 

Due to how energy is handled within these systems, installation of digital electricity cables doesn’t need to be installed by an electrician which makes the installation faster and more cost effective. These cables are easy to relocate and reuse without leaving stranded outlets or conduit behind, as current Class 4 certified cables include the DEDN and DEWN product families. The cables have a stranded copper pairs design which maintains flexibility and performance during instillation, thus also improving electrical performance. 

5. It enables new applications 

Digital electricity allows power to be run much longer distances with less voltage drops and without dealing with large copper wires, allowing opportunities for other applications to be created and used. These cables are ideal for distributed antenna systems, passive optical networks (PONs), security cameras and wireless access points; can be used for indoor (plenum and riser), outdoor and overhead-burial applications. 

Serial digital interface (SDI) video signals, the uncompressed, unencrypted digital signals that were developed by SMPTE (the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers), an integral part of high-definition broadcast transmissions.

Although fiber is an option, most SDI signals use a 75 Ohm coax, an industry staple in broadcast for many years. Coax has a proven track record of reliability and is easy to terminate and install, with excellent electrical characteristics that offer very good performance.

As more and more coax cables for SDI signals hit the market, broadcasters need to determine how long they can run these cables and their camera systems. To give broadcasters the info they need, Belden have created a table based on signal loss recommendations for given formats as specified by SMPTE, an updated table that features the new formats, the new versions of cables, and their maximum recommended transmission distances.

It is however important to note the bit error rate (BER) can vary dramatically as the calculated distances are approached. BER is dependent on receiver design and the losses of the actual coax used. OEM specifications should be consulted to verify their maximum recommended transmission as performance can vary based on the type of active equipment specified. Some manufacturers aren’t designing all their 12 GHz receivers to reach the maximum loss level, which could result in distance reductions of up to 50%. This variance is recognized in the SMPTE 2082-1 Standard, however, receivers designed to work with greater or lesser signal attenuation are acceptable.

The table is based on attenuation or signal loss at one-half the signal frequency as defined by SMPTE and based on signal type. The distance values are for cables only; they don’t include connectors, bulkheads or other items used to connect cables and add loss.

Video Distance Chart – https://www.jaycor.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/digital-video-distance-chart-product-bulletin.pdf

As the industry continues to move towards 12 Gb/s single-link as part of SMPTE 2082-1, it’s now critical for designers to verify distance. To do this, check with your equipment manufacturers to confirm the type of cable needed to reach the distance you want to meet. To support 12G-SDI Belden created a new series of coax cables specifically for 12 GHz bandwidth. Belden’s 4K UHD Coax Cable for 12G-SDI supports 4K content without a change to fiber. It gives designers access to the best possible performance in a coax cable sweep tested to 12 GHz signal.

While some broadcasters have switched to fiber optic cabling to achieve greater distances (JAYCOR supports these cables too), coax cable isn’t dead. In fact, there are many applications where coax is still preferred.

Ensure your broadcast performance stands out for all the right reasons. Downtime, delays, and distortion have an immediate far-reaching impact. Reliable AV cabling solutions help you achieve absolute signal integrity and 100% uptime, no matter the conditions.

JAYCOR’s Belden AV cabling and connector solutions support fast, easy assembly and maintenance while ensuring long transmission distances in all weather conditions. Drag these cables below roads, above trees, around a stadium and off and on the stage every week—they’re ready for anything.

Belden’s SDI Cables – https://www.jaycor.co.za/products/?fwp_product_categories=12g-sdi-coax%2Chd-3g-sdi-4k-coax-audio-video-cable

JAYCOR  supports Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) by supplying automation connectivity products, services and solutions to businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. Mission critical components are required for automated factories, transport hubs, smart grids and industrial network infrastructure of all kinds. Physical access and procurement of these products is essential to minimizing downtime and maximizing profitability.

For end-users, finding the right product for their application can often be challenging. To overcome these challenges, JAYCOR developed a smart B2B e-commerce platform to assist our customers, their engineers, technicians and buying departments in finding the right products quickly and easily. The e-commerce platform is incredibly dynamic and functional; searching through thousands of products is quick and easy. Check real-time stock availability, pricing, production due dates and place orders and even generate quotes online. The platform supports both desktops, tablets and mobile devices for quick-access, on the go, anywhere, day or night.

1. Dynamic search filters – Find what you need, fast

Search by main or sub-categories and in granular detail

2. Access Real-time product info:

• Pricing

• Availability

• Stock due dates

3. Wish list – your own personal catalogue:

• Save products to your personal wishlist

4. Payment methods for B2B and B2C customers:

• On account
• EFT or Credit Card

5. Quote generator:

• Add your required items and quantity to cart and generate PDF quote.

6. Online Agents:

• Chat with sales agents online by Instant Message

Innovation

Supporting Industry 4.0 and the IIoT is pivotal to the development and maintenance of new industrial network infrastructure. The smart e-commerce platform provides end-users with clarity and control – 24hour access to products and real-time stock and price info and the ability to self-procure.

JAYCOR has a vast network of products and brands with tens of thousands of products in our portfolio. The smart e-commerce platform currently has over 2,500 products with many are added regularly.

JAYCOR Automation Connectivity Solutions

Smart Factories and Automation

Representing the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 is a collective term embracing several automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies. These technologies coalesce under Cyber-Physical Systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services.

6 Design Principles

1. Interoperability

The ability of cyber-physical systems (i.e. workpiece carriers, assembly stations and products), humans and Smart Factories to connect and communicate with each other via the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services.

2. Virtualization

A virtual copy of the Smart Factory which is created by linking sensor data (from monitoring physical processes) with virtual plant models and simulation models.

3. Decentralization

The ability of cyber-physical systems within Smart factories to make decisions on their own.

4. Real-Time Capability

The capability to collect and analyze data and provide the derived insights immediately.

5. Service Orientation

Offering of services (of cyber-physical systems, humans or Smart Factories) via the Internet of Services.

6. Modularity

Flexible adaptation of Smart Factories to changing requirements by replacing or expanding individual modules.

IIoT (Industrial Internet Of Things)

Over the past three decades JAYCOR has witnessed globalization and the enormous step-change in the evolution of technology and the impact it has had on businesses and consumers. And within that change, connecting technology has provided the essential pillars to support an interconnected world, through the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).Today’s cabling and connector technologies are pivotal to the advancements of big data, renewable energy, automation and the many other mission critical technologies that shape our present and future.

 JAYCOR Automation Connectivity Solutions