Product Description

The EK1501-0018 is a new-generation EtherCAT coupler from Beckhoff Automation. The product forms a link between the EtherCAT protocol at the fieldbus level and the EtherCAT terminals, which combine the acquisition of digital and analogue input and output signals. This coupler is designed to improve the use of the EtherCAT protocol designed by Beckhoff Automation in 2003; it works by converting the passing telegrams from an Ethernet 100BASE-FX fiber optic cable to E-bus signal representation at the rate of 100 megabits per second. The connection technology used by this coupler includes two multi-mode fiber optic connections through SC duplex socket. The coupler is suited for connection lengths of about 2 kilometers. The long connection distance allowed by this coupler is due to the multi-mode glass fiber connection used with it.

The EK1501-0018 allows for the implementation of variable topology as it can be integrated into any position within the EtherCAT network. The upper SC-duplex socket present on this product is intended to connect the coupler to the Ethernet network, while the lower SC duplet socket may be used to connect more EtherCAT devices in the same segment. In total, there are about 65,535 EtherCAT terminals in the overall system. There are several Light Emitting Diodes on the housing of this product; these diodes are designed to help industrial operators monitor the connection status on the product

EtherCAT terminals attached to this product are supplied with the current required for communication from the supplied system voltage. The coupler can supply a current of 2 amperes through the E-bus; it also delivers a voltage of 5 volts. The operating temperature recommended for the operation of this product is between -25 to about 60 degrees; during storage, this ambient temperature can be as high as 85 degrees without any damage to the product.