Electronic Access To The Bic (Ebic) - Beckhoff EPP3504-0023 Short Manual

Foreword
BTN
An important component of the BIC is the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN, position 2). The BTN is a
unique serial number consisting of eight characters that will replace all other serial number systems at
Beckhoff in the long term (e.g. batch designations on IO components, previous serial number range for
safety products, etc.). The BTN will also be introduced step by step, so it may happen that the BTN is not yet
coded in the BIC.
This information has been carefully prepared. However, the procedure described is constantly being further
developed. We reserve the right to revise and change procedures and documentation at any time and
without prior notice. No claims for changes can be made from the information, illustrations and descriptions
in this information.
1.4.3

Electronic access to the BIC (eBIC)

Electronic BIC (eBIC)
The Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) is applied to the outside of Beckhoff products in a visible place. If
possible, it should also be electronically readable.
Decisive for the electronic readout is the interface via which the product can be electronically addressed.
K-bus devices (IP20, IP67)
Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.
EtherCAT devices (IP20, IP67)
All Beckhoff EtherCAT devices have a so-called ESI-EEPROM, which contains the EtherCAT identity with
the revision number. Stored in it is the EtherCAT slave information, also colloquially known as ESI/XML
configuration file for the EtherCAT master. See the corresponding chapter in the EtherCAT system manual
(Link) for the relationships.
The eBIC is also stored in the ESI‑EEPROM. The eBIC was introduced into the Beckhoff I/O production
(terminals, box modules) from 2020; widespread implementation is expected in 2021.
The user can electronically access the eBIC (if existent) as follows:
• With all EtherCAT devices, the EtherCAT master (TwinCAT) can read the eBIC from the ESI‑EEPROM
◦ From TwinCAT 3.1 build 4024.11, the eBIC can be displayed in the online view.
◦ To do this,
check the checkbox "Show Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)" under
EtherCAT → Advanced Settings → Diagnostics:
12
NOTE
Version: 1.2 EPP3504-0023