Where other real-time Ethernet approaches require special master or scanner cards, EtherCAT manages with very cost-effective standard Ethernet interface cards.

EtherCAT components

On the hardware side, EtherCAT technology is located in EtherCAT Terminals, for example. The I/O system in protection class IP 20 is based on the housing of the tried and tested Beckhoff Bus Terminal system. In contrast to Bus Terminals, where the fieldbus protocol data is converted within the Bus Coupler to the internal, fieldbus-independent terminal bus, the EtherCAT protocol remains fully intact down to the individual terminal. In addition to EtherCAT Terminals with E-bus connection, the proven standard Bus Terminals with K-bus connection can also be connected via the BK1120 EtherCAT Bus Coupler. This ensures compatibility and continuity with the prevalent system. Existing and future investments are protected.

EtherCAT is integrated in further Beckhoff components, such as the Fieldbus Box in protection class IP 67. The extension modules can be connected directly via an IL230x-B110 EtherCAT Coupler Box. The EtherCAT Box modules, also in protection class IP 67, feature an integrated EtherCAT interface and can be connected directly to an EtherCAT network without an additional Coupler Box.

The Beckhoff Industrial PCs, the Embedded PCs of the CX series, the Control Panels with control functionality, and the Ethernet PCI cards already offer inherent EtherCAT capability. The Beckhoff Servo Drives are also available with EtherCAT interface.

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