Modular I/O decreases maintenance and wiring cost

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 9, 2000

Beckhoff Automation has announced the Beckhoff Bus Terminal, a modular I/O system compatible with all current and future fieldbus technologies, including Ethernet

Beckhoff Automation LLC has announced the Beckhoff Bus Terminal, a modular I/O system that works with every major fieldbus.

Compatible with current and future fieldbus technologies, including Ethernet, the new terminal offers I/O system efficiency with future-proof flexibility.

The Beckhoff Bus Terminal is ideal for automation systems in a broad range of industries, including OEM machine industries, automotive, packaging, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, measuring techniques, materials handling technology and environmental technology.

The new terminal consists of modular electronic terminal blocks with 1, 2, or 4 channels per unit, allowing configuration and expansion in single-channel increments.

The patented I/O modules slide together, achieving mechanical and electronic connection simultaneously.

The outside contour of the Beckhoff Bus Terminal adjusts to the measurements of terminal boxes.

Beckhoff Bus Couplers are available for all major and future fieldbus systems; including Profibus-DP/FMS, DeviceNet, InterBus, Lightbus, CANopen, CAN CAL, Modbus, ControlNet, RS232/485/422, Sercos, and Ethernet.

Especially significant, this system allows users to mix a wide variety of I/O types including AC, DC, digital and analog inputs and outputs, relay outputs, thermocouples, counters, encoders, and serial interfaces.

Signal preconditioning is no longer necessary as it comes with the terminal.

Beckhoff's 4-wire terminating system connects sensors and actuators directly, eliminating the need to wire input-output signals locally.

Current systems, with input/output signals wired locally at fieldbus devices and centrally at programmable control devices, require more space, time and labor to install and maintain.

Beckhoff Bus Terminal bus couplers supply up to 64 electronic terminal blocks for any type of signal.

Terminal blocks are clipped to the bus coupler individually, allowing them to be exchanged and/or mounted on a standard rail separately.

Utilizing a fieldbus interface, the bus couple forms the head of an electronic terminal block.

Different voltage groups can be set up to fully replace the mechanical terminal blocks.

This allows the input/output level to be set up as modules based on electronic terminal blocks, and remain unaffected by the fieldbus.

The terminal's LED status indicators, visible through a clear front panel, keep operators constantly informed of operating status.

Terminals combine the flexible and reliable terminal connectors for solid and stranded wires with the electronics to connect to the fieldbus networks.

Plug-in contact labeling and detachable label fields streamline installation of the Beckhoff Bus Terminal, and the simple, compact wiring allows the use of smaller, less expensive control cabinets and terminal boxes.