EtherCAT Box – Water- and dust-proof EtherCAT I/Os

The EtherCAT Box modules in protection class IP 67 extend the Beckhoff Fieldbus Box system. Through the integrated EtherCAT interface the modules can be connected directly to an EtherCAT network without an additional Coupler Box. The high EtherCAT performance is therefore maintained right down to each IP 67 box. Each box is a 100 % EtherCAT device and a self-contained EtherCAT slave, which can be connected directly to any other EtherCAT device via an Ethernet cable with 100BASE-TX.

With dimensions of only 126 x 30 x 26.5 mm (H x W x D) – the same as the Extension Box modules – the modules are exceptionally small and are therefore particularly suitable for applications where space is tight. Typical application areas include handling and assembly as well as the packaging and the semiconductor industry. The low weight of the EtherCAT modules facilitates applications with mobile I/O interface (e.g. on a robot arm).

The EtherCAT Box modules from the 16-channel series with an exactly double housing width of 126 x 60 x 26.5 mm offer space for 16 digital inputs or outputs. Thanks to the wider design, 8 M12 or 16 M8 sockets can be integrated. Thus, a plug connector is available for one channel (M8) or for two channels (M12). Due to the doubling of the number of channels per EtherCAT Box, the user saves time and costs with both the EtherCAT cabling and the power cabling. The mounting points are the same as for the compact, 30 mm-wide EtherCAT Box modules, so that the 16-channel boxes can be attached to the metal rail with the same grid spacing. Two central drill holes are additionally provided for M4 screws: this way, decentralised distribution in the machine, e.g. on mounting profiles, is easily possible.

The EtherCAT connection is established via screened M8 screw connectors. The EtherCAT modules can be connected over distances of up to 100 m using standard Industrial Ethernet cables. In addition, Beckhoff offers a range of Ethernet and EtherCAT cables and sensor/actuator cables and connectors that are optimised for industrial applications.

The robust design of the EtherCAT Box modules enables them to be used directly at the machine. Control cabinets and terminal boxes are now no longer required. The modules are fully sealed and therefore ideally prepared for wet, dirty or dusty conditions. Pre-assembled cables significantly simplify EtherCAT and signal wiring. Commissioning is optimised. In addition to pre-assembled EtherCAT, power and sensor cables, field-configurable connectors and cables are available for maximum flexibility. Depending on the application, the sensors and actuators are connected via M8 or M12 screw-type connectors or D-sub plugs.

The EtherCAT modules cover the typical range of requirements for IP 67 I/O signals: digital inputs with different filters (3.0 ms or 10 μs), digital outputs with 0.5 and 2 A output current, combination modules with freely selectable inputs or outputs, analog inputs and outputs with 16-bit resolution, thermocouple and RTD inputs, and stepper motor modules. XFC (eXtreme Fast Control Technology) modules, including inputs with time stamp, are also available. The availability of XFC EtherCAT Box modules enables a wide range of new applications that were not possible in the past with an IP 67 module.