EtherCAT module with eight IO-Link ports, integrated display and web server
The new EtherCAT module also provides full IO link functionality. This makes it easy and economical to install. And its eight IO-Link ports can be parametrised and used fully independently of each other. The IO-Link ports can also be freely configured as standard I/O ports and therefore provide an additional eight inputs/outputs for standard sensors and actuators.

Like all Ethernet-based modules, the EtherCAT module also provides an integrated web server and an integrated display for fast diagnostics without any additional hardware or software. Simply start Internet Explorer and launch the website. The module state is immediately displayed.

Even simpler than the classic fieldbus

• Automatic address assignment
• Without network tuning
• Built-in diagnostics with fault localisation
• No switch configuration and no complex handling of MAC or IP addresses

EtherCAT at a glance
EtherCAT is the industrial Ethernet technology that features outstanding performance, low costs, flexible topology and easy handling.

Free choice of topology
EtherCAT provides a free choice of topology so that line, branch, tree and star can be combined in any combination. This flexibility is enhanced by connecting and disconnecting devices and segments during operation and through line redundancy of the ring topology.

Suitable for centralised and decentralised architectures
EtherCAT is suitable for centralised and decentralised architectures, supports master/slave, master/master and slave/slave communication and can integrate secondary fieldbuses. It also covers the factory level thanks to the EtherCAT automation protocol and it uses the existing infrastructure for this.

EtherCAT supports up to 65,535 participants, with its fast Ethernet technology allowing a distance of up to 100 m between any two participants. Fibre optics are used for longer distances.

Can be implemented by anyone
The open technology, which anyone can implement, was launched in 2003 and has been an international standard since 2007.