One cable automation combines communication and power

摘要

Connecting individual field devices, decentralized terminal boxes, and machine modules using one cable is accomplished by combining industrial Ethernet communication via EtherCAT with the power supply required by the connected components. For the 24 V field level, this was implemented using the EtherCAT P technology expansion connected via special M8 connectors. To provide additional power supply capabilities via one cable, new ENP and ECP connector types combine EtherCAT or EtherCAT P communication with additional power conductors in one cable. They are easy to use, are mechanically coded to prevent installation errors, and offer an IP67 protection rating.