Power over EtherCAT junction terminal

The Power over EtherCAT junction terminal requires only a standard EtherCAT/Ethernet cable for the fieldbus signal and the power supply. EtherCAT sensors can now receive power over standard Cat 5 cables.

By Plant Engineering Staff January 27, 2009

The EK1132 Power over EtherCAT junction terminal requires only a standard EtherCAT/Ethernet cable for the fieldbus signal and the power supply. Ultra high speed EtherCAT sensors that deliver low microsecond-level communication can now be more easily installed in high performance industrial applications.

The junction is particularly suitable for sensors such as shaft encoders or length-measuring devices that can now be connected via a single cable for reduced wiring efforts. The sensor supply voltage of 48 V is generated in the junction from the 24 V voltage used as the industry standard. The maximum current input of the terminal devices is 350 mA. The signal and energy transfer takes places on the same wire so four-wire cables can be used. The sensors are connected to Power over EtherCAT via a 4-pin connector such as M12. The maximum possible Ethernet cable length is 100 m. An intelligent power distribution system detects which power consumer belongs to which performance class and distributes the total available power (15.4 W) to the connected devices accordingly.

Beckhoff Automation www.beckhoffautomation.com