System Description; Ethercat Box Modules; Fig. 1 Ethercat Box Modules Extend The Ethercat System With Ip67 Protection - Beckhoff EP1957-0022 Operating Instructions Manual

System description

3 System description
3.1

EtherCAT Box Modules

The EtherCAT system has been extended with EtherCAT Box modules with protection class IP67. Through
the integrated EtherCAT interface the modules can be connected directly to an EtherCAT network without an
additional Coupler Box. The high-performance of EtherCAT is thus maintained into each module.
The extremely low dimensions of only e.g.126 x 30 x 26.5 mm are identical to those of the Fieldbus Box
extension modules. They are thus particularly suitable for use where space is at a premium. The small mass
of the EtherCAT modules facilitates applications with mobile I/O interface (e.g. on a robot arm). The
EtherCAT connection is established via screened M8 connectors.
Fig. 1: EtherCAT Box modules extend the EtherCAT system with IP67 protection
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. Very few wiring errors are made, so
that commissioning is optimized. 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 through M8 or M12 connectors.
Basic EtherCAT documentation
You will find a detailed description of the EtherCAT system in the Basic System Documentation for
EtherCAT, which is available for download from our website (www.beckhoff.com) under Downloads.
14 Version: 2.0.0 EP1957-0022 and EP1957-2222