Function is introduced

The ETHERCAT Coupler connects EtherCAT, the real-time Ethernet system, with the modular, extendable electronic terminal blocks. A unit consists of a Bus Coupler, a set of terminals, and one end terminal.

The Bus Coupler recognises the connected Bus Terminals and automatically allocates them into the EtherCAT process image. The Bus Coupler is connected to the network via the upper Ethernet interface. The lower RJ 45 socket may be used to connect further EtherCAT devices in the same strand.

In the EtherCAT network, the ETHERCAT Coupler can be installed anywhere in the Ethernet signal transfer section (100BASE-TX) – except directly at the switch.

EtherCAT (Ethernet Control Automation Technology) is the Ethernet solution for industrial automation, characterized by outstanding performance and particularly simple handling. EtherCAT enables the Ethernet star topology to be replaced with a simple line structure. Optionally, EtherCAT may also be wired in the “classic” way using switches, in order to integrate further Ethernet devices. The master requires no special plug-in card and can be implemented on any existing Ethernet controller using a very simple interface. EtherCAT is therefore also well suited to small and medium control applications, where it will also open up new areas of application for distributed I/Os.