MINNEAPOLIS – The new EL67xx EtherCAT master and slave terminals from Beckhoff Automation bring manufacturers and machine builders a clear and open migration path toward next generation Ethernet implementation. These I/O terminals give a direct interface to EtherCAT I/O nodes for all Profibus (EL6731), DeviceNet (EL6752), and CANopen (EL6751) devices. All EL67xx terminals are available in master and slave variants.
The EL67xx terminals channel each fieldbus signal type through the EtherCAT protocol. Each network’s functions are fully available. The EtherCAT eliminates the need for PCI cards in PCs.
“While the new terminals will not turn your Profibus, DeviceNet or CANopen devices into high speed, next generation EtherCAT devices, they EL67xx will ensure complete system compatibility for these traditional fieldbus networks,” said Skip Hansen, I/O Systems Product Manager, Beckhoff Automation. “These terminals give users the flexibility to phase in the latest open industrial Ethernet technologies at their own speed without stranding less critical machines or machine lines as isolated islands on the plant floor.”
The EL6731 terminal operates with all Profibus devices and channels the protocol through EtherCAT with all features and functions intact. The chipsets in the terminal include the latest version of Profibus, with high-precision isochronous mode for axis control and expanded diagnostic features. Cycle times of 200 µs and freely configurable error management for each bus user are possible. Profibus-DP, -DP-V1, and -DP-V2 are supported.
The EL6752 supports all DeviceNet I/O modes including polling, change of state, cyclic, and strobed. The terminals are equipped with features, including Unconnected Message Manager (UCMM), Auto Device Replacement (ADR), Offline Connection Set, Device Heartbeat Messages, and Device Shutdown Messages. Error management for each bus user is also freely configurable.
The EL6751 CANopen terminal can send or receive CAN messages without having to bother with CAN frames in application programs. The terminal has a dynamic protocol implementation with numerous built-in features. All CANopen PDO communication types are supported, including event-driven, time-driven (using an event timer), synchronous, and polling. Additional EL6751 features include:
-Synchronization with PC controllers’ task cycles
-SYNC cycle with quartz precision for drive synchronization, zero
cumulative jitter
-Parameter communication (SDO) at start-up and when running
-Emergency message handling, guarding and heartbeat
-Powerful parameter and diagnostics interfaces
-Online bus load display
-Bus monitor functionality
The real-time EtherCAT protocol delivers exceptional fieldbus processing – 1,000 distributed I/O in 30 µs or 100 axes in 100 µs using twisted pair or fiber optic cable. EtherCAT also delivers almost unlimited network size (65,000+ devices) and a variety of flexible and time-saving cabling topology options.
About Beckhoff Automation
Beckhoff Automation provides advanced, open automation products based upon proven technologies so customers can implement systems faster and at a lower overall cost than traditional PLC and motion control systems. Beckhoff’s New Automation Technology product range includes PC-based control, industrial PCs, automation controllers, operator interface, I/O, servo drives, and motors. With representation in more than 60 countries, Beckhoff provides global sales and services to its customers. Sales and services are handled directly to provide faster response and improved communications.
Filed Under: I/O modules, Semiconductor manufacture, CONNECTIVITY • fieldbuses • networks • gateways, Medical-device manufacture, Packaging, PCs