In order to continue providing exceptional connectivity among different industrial Ethernet systems, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new EP9300 EtherCAT Box for connection to PROFINET networks. This new EtherCAT Box provides a cost-effective gateway to PROFINET RT devices and networks, enabling use of the high-performance IP 67-rated EtherCAT Box I/O system in PROFINET environments.
The moisture and dust-resistant EP9300-0022 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff connects PROFINET RT networks with EtherCAT I/O modules, facilitating local installation in the field. This extends the higher-level network – entirely without the use of a control cabinet – with a subordinate, high-performance and ultra-fast I/O solution. Telegrams are transferred from PROFINET RT to EtherCAT and vice versa, providing seamless integration of the EtherCAT Box I/O modules.
The shock- and vibration-resistant, sealed EP9300 EtherCAT Box simply connects to PROFINET via a d-coded M12 socket. The EP9300, as part of a robust I/O system, easily connects to a wide range of standard digital and analog EtherCAT Box modules, as determined by the respective process data volume.
IP 67 I/Os serve a wide variety of applications
The three EtherCAT Box series from Beckhoff – EP, EQ and ER – provide an impressive range of IP 67 and IP 69K I/Os, ideal for machine-mountable installation directly in the field. The range includes standard digital I/Os and modules with integrated special functions, such as stepper motor modules or modules for highly complex measuring tasks.
The EtherCAT Box I/Os are available with different housing types to meet the requirements of a great variety of industrial applications. The EP series with plastic housing provides an ideal solution for moist, dirty or dusty conditions in general machine construction, in assembly applications or in semiconductor and logistics environments, for example. The EQ module series, with its stainless steel housing and IP 69K protection, enhances applications in the food/beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The modules from the ER series have a particularly robust, fully-sealed, die-cast zinc housing, making them ideal for harsh industrial and process environments, such as pressing systems and metal foundries or automotive environments and robotics applications where weld spatter resistance is a key requirement.
