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

New Automation TechnologyBECKHOFF

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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

Beckhoff

New Automation Technology

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