Product Description

The EK3100 is a sophisticated Bus coupler that is produced by Beckhoff Automation to serve as a connector between PROFIBUS networks and EtherCAT terminals used in industrial communication systems. This coupler is a fieldbus slave which contains an EtherCAT master for the EtherCAT terminals. The installation of this product makes it possible for customers to establish very flexible topology configurations; also long distances can be effectively bridged without the bus communication speed being affected. The EK3100 functions by converting communication telegrams from the PROFIBUS to E-bus signal representation. A 9-pin connector is integrated into this product to establish a connection to the PROFIBUS; the coupler also has a lower-level, powerful and ultra-fast input-output system that can be used with a large selection of terminals.

The configuration of the EK3100 is done through HTML pages provided by the Bus Coupler(Beckhoff device manager) via the PROFIBUS DPV1 services. During operation, the data transfer rate on this product can reach a maximum level of 12 megabits per second, and the product can also automatically recognize connected systems. There is only one interface on this product, which is a single USB interface that can be found behind the product's front flap. The power supply required by this device for operation is 24 volts, while the maximum power loss recorded is about 3 watts.

The input/output terminals on the EK3100 coupler are suited for standard digital and analogue signals. The maximum number of EtherCAT devices that can be used with this product is about 255. During operation, ambient temperature should be between -25 to +60 degrees; however, during storage, this temperature is between -40 to about +85 degree Celsius. The total weight of the coupler is about 215 grams.