Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminals

In analogy to the Beckhoff Bus Terminals, the EtherCAT Terminal system is a modular I/O system consisting of electronic terminal blocks. In contrast to Bus Terminals, where the fieldbus signal is implemented within the Bus Coupler on 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 existing system. Existing and future investments are protected.

Structure

The robust housing, secure contacts and the solidly built electronics are prominent features of Beckhoff components. An I/O station consists of an EtherCAT Coupler and almost any number of terminals. Since up to 65,535 devices can be connected, the size of the network is almost unlimited.

The electronic terminal blocks are attached to the EtherCAT Coupler. The contacts are made as the terminal clicks into place, without any other manipulation. This means that each electronic terminal block can be individually exchanged. It can be placed on a standard DIN rail. In addition to horizontal fitting, all other fitting methods are permitted.

Like the Beckhoff Bus Terminals, the outer contour of the EtherCAT Terminals perfectly adapts to the dimensions of terminal boxes. A clearly arranged connection panel with LEDs for status display and push-in contact labels ensures clarity in the field. 3-wire conductors with an additional connection for a protective conductor, enable direct connection of sensors and actuators.

Free mix of signals

Suitable EtherCAT Terminals are available for all common digital and analog signal types encountered in the world of automation. Fieldbus devices, e.g. for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus, IO-Link or Lightbus, are integrated via local fieldbus master/slave terminals. Removal of the fieldbus master saves PCI slots in the PC. Any Ethernet devices can be integrated locally via switch port terminals.

The fine granularity of the EtherCAT Terminals enables bit-precise composition of the required I/O channels. The digital EtherCAT Terminals are designed as 2-, 4- or 8-channel terminals. The standard analog signals of ±10 V, 0…10 V, 0…20 mA and 4…20 mA are all available as 1-, 2-, 4- and 8-channel variants within a standard housing.

Flexible connection system

The EtherCAT Terminal system offers different connection options for optimum adaptation to the respective application. The ELxxxx EtherCAT Terminals include electronics and connection level in a single enclosure. The ESxxxx type EtherCAT Terminals feature a pluggable connection level. The ES series Bus Terminals enable the complete wiring to be removed as a plug connector from the top of the housing for servicing.