In collaboration with the CC-Link Partner Association, or CLPA, and Mitsubishi Electric of Japan, 3M has developed a connector and cable system for the popular Fieldbus networking protocols standardized as IEC-61158, and other applications requiring distributed power and signal input/output. The heart of the system is the proven insulation displacement contact, or IDC technology, born of half century of continuous refinements in engineering and manufacturing. Compared with cost- and labor-intensive, traditional terminating processes like crimping, screwing, or soldering, the well-know and established IDC technology is cost-effective, fast and simple. A major benefit of using IDC in this connector design is the ability to use discrete wire or ribbon cable, independently or combined, all without the need for special tooling. With the Power Clamp System from 3M a simple squeeze of a pair of pliers brings substantial time and cost savings.