Beckhoff has extended its range of infrastructure components with the EtherCAT media converter for the bidirectional conversion of optical fibre to copper. The DIN rail-mountable devices are optimised for the use in highly deterministic EtherCAT networks with extremely short cycle times. They ensure fast control in the case of cable interruptions or the establishment of Hot Connect group connections. They are useful wherever EtherCAT is to be transmitted over long distances, where increased electromagnetic interference is to be expected, in the realisation of data links to rotating parts such as slip rings, or of data light barriers in high-bay warehouses with carriages that travel long distances.
Conventional Ethernet media converters do not meet the requirements for a highly deterministic EtherCAT network. In addition to that, standard convertors behave ‘transparently’ towards the bus, ie, they are not seen by the master, which has a disadvantageous effect on the diagnostic properties. This gap is now closed with the EtherCAT media converters for Industrial Fast Ethernet (100 Mbaud). The devices from the CU1521 series convert optical fibre physics to copper physics and vice versa. The CU1521 is suitable for multimode, the CU1521-0010 for single mode fibre optic and therefore significantly longer transmission links. Using the CU1561, POF (Plastic Optical Fibre), which is simple to install in the field, can be converted to copper physics.
The DIN rail-mountable CU1521 and CU1561 EtherCAT media converters are implemented with IP20 protection. They operate bidirectional and collision-free with constant delay and can be diagnosed as independent EtherCAT devices. In this way, unlike standard media converters, they enable fast link control and the safe closing of the EtherCAT strand even in the event of a fault. Since the transfer direction is relevant for the bus, the devices can be configured via a switch. This switch is also used to set the ‘Link Loss Forwarding’ function for the support of a ‘normal’ 100 Mbaud Ethernet network.
The CU1521 is useful in applications where EtherCAT is to be transmitted over distances of up to 2000 m between two stations or where increased electromagnetic interference on the bus is to be expected. The CU1561 is suitable for situations with increased electromagnetic interference and where simplified wireability is demanded.
The EP952x devices are conceived for applications requiring IP67 protection. Both media converters are suitable for multimode fibre optic cables. In addition to the copper branch, the 2-channel EP9522-0020 enables further optical fibre topologies to be configured via the second optical fibre port, while the single-channel EtherCAT Box EP9521-0020 is used for direct transfers between the two media.
Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.
Read more...Test bench for temperature calibrating power semiconductors Beckhoff Automation
Temperature Measurement
Precise temperature characteristics are essential for performing power cycling tests on power semiconductors. Infineon Technologies determines these characteristic curves on a test bench using PC-based control. As a result, calibration has become more precise and the efficiency of the entire test laboratory has increased significantly.
Read more...Motion control for flight simulators Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Turkish specialist, SANLAB is a leader in motion platforms and simulation technologies. At the heart of these platforms are application-specific servo drives, servomotors and industrial PCs for real-time control, which are supplied by Beckhoff.
Read more...Appointment Beckhoff Automation
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.
Read more...Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.
Read more...Why secure industrial communication depends on deployment as well
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Industrial Security Harmonisation Group has released a joint industry perspective highlighting a critical truth in industrial cybersecurity: secure communication is not determined by protocols alone, but by how they are deployed and managed in real-world environments.
Read more...A single platform for all automation functions Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The introduction of TwinCAT in 1996 marked a decisive evolutionary step for PC-based control. Today, the TwinCAT platform combines all automation functions in a strictly deterministic real-time environment, from PLC and motion control through CNC and measurement technology and beyond, to vision, robotics and pioneering AI tools.
Read more...40 years of PC-based control Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
Read more...Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage systems Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Spanish Group, Power Electronics has demonstrated its comprehensive expertise in sustainable energy supply in over 3000 solar and energy storage projects with a total installed capacity of 120 GW. To control its modular systems, the company relies on open, high-performance Beckhoff control technology.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-4: Feedforward Control: Part 3 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the previous articles in this series, the basic theory behind feedforward control was discussed, and it was also shown how to apply feedforward in practice. In this article, it will be shown how well feedforward can work in practice by giving a couple of examples.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version