EtherCAT Fieldbus system

What is EtherCAT?

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is a fast and open Ethernet-based fieldbus standard originally developed by Beckhoff Automation and further developed by the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG). Besides enabling flexible network topologies, EtherCAT also allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other without the need for special interface adaptations. The Ethernet standard is mainly used in automation technology, e.g., in robotics and mechanical engineering, where real-time communication is essential.

[Translate to Englisch:] EtherCAT

EtherCAT Gateways

EtherCAT ASi Gateways

EtherCAT ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways in stainless steel provide an interface for an EtherCAT fieldbus. The certified ASi gateways are available in different versions with protection class IP20. All gateways enable Ethernet diagnostics and have an OPC UA interface that transmits sensor data to IT.

 

More about EtherCAT Gateways

EtherCAT ASi

Figure Model

Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway:

interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. Bihl+Wiedemann offers a wide range of gateways for common fieldbus interfaces:

 

  • PROFIBUS
  • PROFINET
  • EtherNet/IPTM + Modbus TCP
  • BACnet/IP
  • DeviceNet
  • ControlLogix
  • Compact-/MicroLogix
  • EtherCat
  • POWERLINK
  • CC-Link
  • CANopen
  • RS 485 Modbus
  • OPC UA server

 

Fieldbus interface

The device communicates via the standard ASi-3 and/or ASi-5.

ASi-5/ASi-3
Standard devices

"Single Master":

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master":

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

Safety devices

"Single Master" :

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master" :

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

"Optional ASi Safety coupling circuit" :
2 ASi networks, 1 ASi-3 Master.

Number of ASi networks, number of ASi Master

" yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


" yes, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


"yes, optimized for 2 x NEC class 2 power supplies"

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.


"no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies.

Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.


" no, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network.

Integrated decoupling, ASi current measurement in the gateway

Access to ASi master and safety monitor via own software from Bihl+Wiedemann using the diagnostic interface (e.g. USB, RJ45, RS232). For certain devices with Ethernet-based fieldbus (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), there is also the option of diagnostics and configuration directly via the fieldbus interface.

 

The latest version of the device description file of the gateway/gateway with integrated safety monitor (GSD, GSDML, EDS, etc.) is available in the "Downloads" section of the respective device.

Diagnostic and configuration interface

Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device.

Recognition of duplicate ASi addresses

Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ...

ASi fault detector

Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway.

Programming in C 		Article No.
BWU3854
Gateway
EtherCAT, OPC UA, REST API
ASi-3 compatible, ASi-5 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
yes
yes
no
BWU3854
BWU4790
Gateway
EtherCAT, OPC UA, REST API
ASi-3 compatible, ASi-5 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 8 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
yes
yes
optional
BWU4790
BWU2720
Gateway
EtherCAT
ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
yes
yes
no
BWU2720
BWU2163
Gateway
EtherCAT
ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters
no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply
RS 232
yes
yes
no
BWU2163
BWU3058
Gateway
EtherCAT
ASi-3 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet fieldbus
yes
yes
no
BWU3058
BWU2162
Gateway
EtherCAT
ASi-3 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master
no, max. 8 A/ASi network
RS 232
yes
yes
no
BWU2162

 

To top

Safety, EtherCAT ASi Gateways

The certified ASi gateways with integrated safety monitor are available in different versions with protection class IP20. All gateways feature the Safe Link technology, which makes it possible to connect different system components easily and flexibly. Some product variants allow Safety over EtherCAT nodes to be integrated without a higher level safety control.

Safety, EtherCAT ASi

Figure Model

Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway:

interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. Bihl+Wiedemann offers a wide range of gateways for common fieldbus interfaces:

 

  • PROFIBUS
  • PROFINET
  • EtherNet/IPTM + Modbus TCP
  • BACnet/IP
  • DeviceNet
  • ControlLogix
  • Compact-/MicroLogix
  • EtherCat
  • POWERLINK
  • CC-Link
  • CANopen
  • RS 485 Modbus
  • OPC UA server

 

Fieldbus interface

The device communicates via the standard ASi-3 and/or ASi-5.

ASi-5/ASi-3
Standard devices

"Single Master":

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master":

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

Safety devices

"Single Master" :

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master" :

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

"Optional ASi Safety coupling circuit" :
2 ASi networks, 1 ASi-3 Master.

Number of ASi networks, number of ASi Master

" yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


" yes, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


"yes, optimized for 2 x NEC class 2 power supplies"

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.


"no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies.

Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.


" no, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network.

Integrated decoupling, ASi current measurement in the gateway

Access to ASi master and safety monitor via own software from Bihl+Wiedemann using the diagnostic interface (e.g. USB, RJ45, RS232). For certain devices with Ethernet-based fieldbus (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), there is also the option of diagnostics and configuration directly via the fieldbus interface.

 

The latest version of the device description file of the gateway/gateway with integrated safety monitor (GSD, GSDML, EDS, etc.) is available in the "Downloads" section of the respective device.

Diagnostic and configuration interface 		Safety communication

Safe inputs can be configured as 1-channel or 2-channels depending on the desired application or PL and SIL level.


Suitable for applications up to category 4/PLe/SIL 3.

Inputs Safety

Suitable for applications up to category 4/PLe/SIL 3.

Outputs Safety

Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device.

Recognition of duplicate ASi addresses

Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ...

ASi fault detector

Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway.

Programming in C 		Article No.
BWU3858
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
EtherCAT, OPC UA, REST API
ASi-3 compatible, ASi-5 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
FSoE, Safe Link
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
yes
yes
optional
BWU3858
BWU3583
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
EtherCAT, OPC UA, REST API
ASi-3 compatible, ASi-5 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
FSoE, Safe Link
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
yes
yes
optional
BWU3583
BWU3991
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
EtherCAT, OPC UA, REST API
ASi-3 compatible, ASi-5 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
Safe Link
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
yes
yes
optional
BWU3991

 

 

To top