Infrastructure Components, Junction, Media Converter, Multiplier, Fieldbuscards

In an EtherCAT system with multiple participants in a line topology, the need quickly arises for EtherCAT infrastructure components that support other topologies or a change in the transmission physics.

EtherCAT junctions that enable the construction of any topology. Connected to the EtherCAT network, up to seven additional EtherCAT subgroups can be provided with communication from the junction.

Further advantages of an EtherCAT junction include:

• available in IP20 for control cabinet construction or IP67 for outdoor use
• offer full support for distributed clocks
• no limitations on real-time quality or data throughput
• supports in conjunction with TwinCAT or other suitable EtherCAT masters the connection and disconnection of EtherCAT strands during operation (hot connect)
• If a multiple junction is required outside of an EtherCAT Terminal system, a CU1123 EtherCAT junction, for example, can be used instead of the EK1122 EtherCAT coupler and the CU1128 8-way EtherCAT star junction

EtherCAT media converters enable media switching from RJ45 copper physical connections to POF (plastic optical fiber), single-mode or multimode fiber optics and back, or from M8 copper physical connections to multimode fiber optics and back. Media converters are used when distances of up to 20 km exist between two EtherCAT devices, or for shorter distances when sensitivities (EMC interference) are a major concern.

Branch controllers are used to connect EtherCAT segments to the EtherCAT G network.

Real-time Ethernet port multipliers allow the connection of up to eight Ethernet networks outside of a PC. The controller's 1 Gbit port is expanded to several 100 Mbit Ethernet ports, which can then pass standard Ethernet or EtherCAT frames.

The FC11xx PCI EtherCAT card allows a PC to be integrated into an EtherCAT network as a slave. The card features one EtherCAT channel with two ports (IN/OUT) and is also supported in the ET9300 EtherCAT Slave Stack code. The FC1121 can therefore also be used for developing EtherCAT slave software on a PC.

The PC cards are available in single-channel and multi-channel configurations, with either a master or slave interface. They feature various PC interfaces, such as PCI, PCIe, or even special designs. Using TwinCAT as the software driver, the Ethernet cards can also be configured as EtherCAT masters, PROFINET (controller or device), EtherNet/IP (scanner, adapter), or BACnet/IP devices. The fieldbus cards thus cover a wide range of different designs and protocols.