BECKHOFF DK9322-0411-0041 User Manual

TwinCAT

Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

IP 67

Keywords

Virtual
TwinCAT
supplement
serial
EtherCAT
EtherCAT Box
EP6002
RS232
RS422
RS485
IP67
interface
COM
Port
Driver

Virtual Serial COM Driver | IP 67-rated solutions

This application example describes how an EP6002 EtherCAT Box can act as a serial interface in a harsh

industrial environment (IP 65/67) using the TwinCAT Virtual Serial COM Driver supplement. This facilitates

the positioning of a serial terminal device much further away from the controller than with a cable-based

physical layer (RS232/RS422/RS485). The EP6002 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff enables integration of external

devices with a serial interface, such as barcode or RFID readers, directly in the field without a control

cabinet.

The IP 67 I/O system from Beckhoff

The Beckhoff EtherCAT Box line delivers EtherCAT I/O technology without requiring a control cabinet. All modules from the IP

67 series have an integrated direct EtherCAT interface, so that the protocol’s high performance is retained right down to each

module. This opens up new options in the IP-67 world: fast process data communication with eXtreme Fast Control (XFC), high-

precision measurement technology and drive functions integrated into I/O solutions directly in the field. With dimensions of

only 126 x 30/60 x 26.5 mm (H x W x D) the modules are exceptionally small and are therefore particularly suitable for

applications where available space is limited.

For application notes see disclaimer on the last page

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TwinCAT

Panel PC

COM8

COM9

COM10

EtherCAT Box modules

EP6002-0002

Channel 1:
COM8

Channel 2:
COM9

Channel 1:
COM10

EP6002-0002

Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

IP 67

Basic principles

The TwinCAT Virtual Serial COM Driver supplement, in combination with an EP6002 serial interface box module for the IP 65/67

EtherCAT Box system, enables the creation of virtual COM interfaces that can be used by Windows applications just like normal

serial interfaces. The actual connection point for devices with a serial interface can be anywhere in the field (Fig. 1). In order to

use such third-party devices with a serial connection in the field, in the past a PC with a suitable interface had to be installed

in the field or a connection between the interface and the central controller had to be established using a suitably long cable. A

PC generates additional costs for the data acquisition and system integration. The cable length is limited by the corresponding

physical layer. A Windows-compliant serial interface can be set up in the PC by using the EP6002 EtherCAT Box and the

TwinCAT Virtual Serial COM Driver.

Fig. 1 Serial interfaces in the field

Advantages

The advantage of combining the TwinCAT supplement and serial terminal is that Windows applications can access one or

several terminals that are linked via EtherCAT and can, therefore, be distributed at different points in the field. No separate

wiring of the individual serial interfaces is required. In theory, up to 255 COM ports can be integrated, although this is rarely

used in practice. Another advantage is system conformity: the integration costs are reduced since no additional computer

has to be installed for operating a device in the field. The virtual interfaces can be configured conveniently (name, baud rate,

handshake) via the TwinCAT in the System Manager. If several networked PCs and interface modules are distributed in the

system, TwinCAT System Manager can be used to specify which interface is available on which PC.

For application notes see disclaimer on the last page

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TwinCAT

Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

IP 67

Configuration

TwinCAT System Manager is used to specify whether and with which number a virtual COM port should be created for both

channels of the EP6002 EtherCAT Box.

Fig. 2 Numbering of the virtual COM port in TwinCAT System Manager

After activation of the configuration in TwinCAT, the virtual COM port is available for applications that use the serial

RS232/RS422/RS485 protocols for data exchange and require a COM port.

For application notes see disclaimer on the last page

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Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

IP 67

TwinCAT

Fig. 3 Access to the virtual COM port through applications/programs (e.g. HyperTerminal)

Practical example: Virtual Serial COM Driver with EP6002 | Handheld bar code scanner
integrated in the field

The software for the third-party device, for example a handheld bar code scanner, is installed on the central control system,

where data are to be processed. Here the software interface is a standard Windows COM interface. However, the handheld

scanner is used at a remote I/O station in the field. The software for the hand scanner cannot be implemented in TwinCAT, and

the scanner data are not processed with TwinCAT. In addition, the software for the third-party device does not know about

EtherCAT and need not be Ethernet- or EtherCAT-capable. The TwinCAT Virtual Serial COM Driver supplement enables the use

of EtherCAT as a transmission medium for the scanner data (Fig. 4).

For application notes see disclaimer on the last page

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Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

Windows XP or
Windows CE

TwinCAT

Industrial PC

Software form the
scanner manufacturer

COM

up to 100 m

Hardware­management

PC
COM

existing solution
based on separate
line – max. cable
length depending
on physical layer

EP6002-0002

COM 1 COM 3COM 2

RS232

EtherCAT adapter

virtual
COM

TwinCAT
Supplement
Virtual Serial
COM Driver

up to 100 m

In some cases the barcode scanner may need an external power supply.

IP 67

TwinCAT

Fig. 4 Connecting a scanner

In this way the scanner data are made available at a virtual interface from the field via the EtherCAT network through TwinCAT.

This virtual interface is generated through TwinCAT and displayed in the operating system of the central controller (Windows

XP or CE). The software associated with the handheld scanner can access this virtual interface as standard under Windows to

obtain the scanner data.

– 2-channel serial interface, RS232, RS422/RS485 www.beckhoff.com/EP6002

– EtherCAT Extends its Reach into the IP 67 World www.beckhoff.com/EtherCAT-Box

– Feldbus Box | The compact IP 67 modules www.beckhoff.com/IP67

– EtherCAT | Ultra high-speed communication www.beckhoff.com/EtherCAT

– PLC and Motion Control on the PC www.beckhoff.com/TwinCAT

– TwinCAT Supplements www.beckhoff.com/supplements

For application notes see disclaimer on the last page

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Application Note DK9322-0411-0041

IP 67

TwinCAT

This publication contains statements about the suitability of our products for certain areas of application. These statements are based on typical features of our products. The examp­les shown in this publication are for demonstration purposes only. The information provided herein should not be regarded as specific operation characteristics. It is incumbent on the
customer to check and decide whether a product is suit-able for use in a particular application. We do not give any warranty that the source code which is made available with this
publication is complete or accurate. This publication may be changed at any time with-out prior notice. No liability is assumed for errors and/or omissions. Our products are described
in detail in our data sheets and documentations. Product-specific warnings and cautions must be observed. For the latest version of our data sheets and documentations please visit
our website (www.beckhoff.com).

© Beckhoff Automation GmbH, April 2011
The reproduction, distribution and utilisation of this document as well as the communication of its contents to others without express authorisation is prohibited. Offenders will be
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