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.
A one-stop-shop for industrial communication
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has announced that Red Lion and N-Tron are officially product brands. For thousands of automation engineers and system integrators worldwide, this means that scalable industrial solutions for cloud connectivity, edge intelligence, asset management, industrial Ethernet switches, panel meters and operator panels are now available from one trusted source.
Read more...Cost-effective industrial PoE injector Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Edimax IGP-203IT from Vepac Electronics is an industrial PoE injector that not only delivers a cost-effective solution for power distribution, but also allows seamless deployment on an existing LAN infrastructure.
Read more...Harnessing the power of OT networking RJ Connect
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Businesses are increasingly embracing IT/OT convergence to stay ahead and capitalise on advantages such as smarter factories and higher efficiency. This article provides practical insights and guidance to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sufficient storage options for renewable energies are essential to use them as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Power over Ethernet splitter without electric cabling Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The GP-101ST Gigabit PoE (Power over Ethernet) Splitter from Vepac Electronics delivers both data and electrical power to non-PoE Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet-enabled products such as network cameras and wireless access points, using an Ethernet cable, without the need for power outlets and electrical cabling.
Read more...Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
Read more...Next-generation homebuilding Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Promise Robotics, a Canadian startup is reinventing prefabrication. Advanced automation technology from Beckhoff and AI control a robotic solution for efficient prefabrication. As a result, onsite assembly becomes up to 70% faster.
Read more...Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
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