MINNEAPOLIS, November 15, 2007 – Beckhoff Automation announced the BK1250 "Compact" Coupler. The highly efficient BK1250 acts as a bridge between Beckhoff’s original Bus Terminal I/O line and high speed EtherCAT Terminals for optimum interoperability. This "Bus Coupler in a Bus Terminal housing" converts EtherCAT’s E-bus signal so that data can also be passed over “original” Beckhoff I/O terminals (K-bus) – all on the same I/O node. The combined 300+ terminal variants within the Beckhoff Bus Terminal and EtherCAT I/O systems can now be integrated more easily and cost-effectively, without having to separate I/O types on different nodes.Bus Terminal I/O and EtherCAT I/O appear to be nearly identical from the outside and in terms of mechanical configuration.
The differences are in the internal circuitry and signal processing. EtherCAT Terminals are specially designed for the highest Industrial Ethernet performance and most flexible topology options. The real-time EtherCAT protocol delivers previously unreachable fieldbus performance – 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. An approved IEC specification, EtherCAT technology is open by design.
No expensive, proprietary fieldbus cards are required, making EtherCAT as cost effective as it is high tech. The EtherCAT system takes full advantage of low cost, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Ethernet components and uses standard CAT 5e cables. Beckhoff Automation provides advanced, open automation products based upon proven technologies so that customers can implement high performance control 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 is well positioned to provide global sales and service to its customers.
Sales and service are handled directly, with no intermediaries involved to provide faster response and improved communications.