Echelon Series 6000 Chip databook - Manual (Page 106)

Figure 40. Mixed Topology
In the event that the limits for the number of transceivers or total wire distance are
exceeded, then one FTT physical layer repeater (PLR) can be added to interconnect two
segments and double the overall system capability. FTT-10A Transceivers are used to make
physical layer repeaters. See the FTT-10A Free Topology Transceiver User’s Guide for more
information about physical layer repeaters.
System Performance and Cable Selection
Echelon has qualified the following types of cable types for use with TP/FT-10 channels:
• A generic American wire gauge (AWG) 16 (1.3 mm diameter) plenum-rated twisted-
pair cable (similar to Belden ® 85102 2-conductor wire)
• A generic American wire gauge (AWG) 16 (1.3 mm diameter) standard twisted-pair
cable (similar to Belden 8471 1-Pair wire)
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Type 4 cable
(this cable is not equivalent to TIA Category 4 cable)
• AWG 24 (0.511 mm) ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-2001 Category 5 or Category 6 twisted-
pair wire
• An EN 50441 telecommunications cable, such as J-Y(ST)Y
Based on the cost, performance, and availability of these different cable types, system
designers can choose the most appropriate cable for their application.
Appendix B, Qualified TP/FT-10 Cable Specifications, lists the electrical specifications for
these cables. The Junction Box and Wiring Guidelines for Twisted Pair LONWORKS
Networks engineering bulletin (005-0023-01) provides a list of cable vendors for each type of
supported cable. This bulletin is available from the Echelon Web site ( www.echelon.com ).
These cables have been qualified by Echelon in a generic form, and are available from
vendors in a number of variations, including shielded, unshielded, plenum jacketing, and
non-plenum jacketing. Additionally, Echelon has qualified two 16 AWG (1.3 mm) Belden
cables, and one cable used in specific applications in the European market (type J-Y(ST)Y
cable).
TP/FT-10 channels must meet the system specifications and transmission specifications
described in the following sections. When you create documentation and installation
94 Network Cabling and Connections for FT Devices