Bus coupler connects together different control networks

The EK9300 PROFINET IO Bus Coupler connects different control networks simply and efficiently. This flexible device enables a PROFINET controller to exchange data with one or more EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS and, in the future, EtherNet/IP systems. This means that the bus coupler can be used as a flexible gateway for real-time communication between these networks, with all the advantages provided by the EtherCAT network as a high performance, lower-level I/O system through the directly connected EtherCAT Terminals.

The Bus Coupler converts the messages from PROFINET IO to the EtherCAT “E-Bus” signal type. One I/O station consists of an EK9300 Bus Coupler and any number of EtherCAT Terminals. The coupler supports the PROFINET RT protocol and, therefore, fits seamlessly into PROFINET IO networks.

Various production systems can be networked by real-time communication without great effort or expense. For example, product-relevant management information can be collected in distributed units with different control systems or data can be exchanged in real-time between two PROFINET networks that are deliberately placed in different IP spaces.

Beckhoff Automation
www.beckhoffautomation.com/EK9300/