All motors normally need two separate cables: one for the motor speed encoder and the other for the motor power supply. With the Hybrid Motor Cable Project called HMC 6, HEIDENHAIN has integrated ...

The use of an encoder cable allows for enhanced transmission of motor position data and feedback, such as operating temperature. “By adding the encoder cable element to the existing servo power cable ...

The AM8000 servo motor series features single-cable technology, in which the power and feedback system are combined into one standard motor cable, with encoder data, rotor position, multi-turn ...

They made 10, 12, 14, and I believe now even more, bit contact encoders, which were really convenient coz you could stick a magnet onto the end of the servo/stepper shaft and 3d print a little ...