Preparing the published article.
Cable Routing and Minimum Bend Radius
Many intermittent faults turn out to be cable problems.
Basic rules
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bend radius | Not smaller than the cable specification allows |
| Anchoring | Fixed at both ends with a service loop in between |
| Separation | Power and signal cables kept apart |
| Protection | Sleeves at edges and through-holes to prevent abrasion |
Common failures
- Over-filled cable carriers that break strands after repeated flexing.
- Shield terminations that introduce noise rather than removing it.
- Connectors loosened by cables pulled taut during motion.
When a fault appears randomly, inspect cabling and connectors before assuming a software cause.