EC: EQ series EtherCAT box I/O

Network Integration — I/O Systems: The Beckhoff EQ EtherCAT box series I/O feature durable V2A stainless steel housings and are rated at protection class IP 69K for demanding industrial environments. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering October 20, 2014

The Beckhoff EQ EtherCAT box series I/O feature durable V2A stainless steel housings and are rated at protection class IP 69K. As a result, these rugged and robust I/O modules are designed for use directly on machines in application areas with demanding hygienic requirements, such as in the food, packaging, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to excellent protection in harsh production environments, a wide range of digital and analog units in this new product series covers numerous I/O signal requirements.

With the new EQ series EtherCAT Box modules featuring IP 69K protection and stainless steel finish, processes and signals in hygienically critical areas can be measured, evaluated and controlled directly on the machine with the high performance of EtherCAT. The EQ series EtherCAT box meets all "hygienic design" requirements and thrives outside of electrical cabinets: the housing and all screw connections are made entirely of stainless steel. The screws are fitted flush without grime-collecting contours. These distributed I/O boxes are mounted to the machine or equipment by means of mounting brackets. This avoids unwanted cavities and joints in which dirt can settle while ensuring proper cleaning procedures.

Due to the housing tightness in accordance with protection class IP 69K, the stainless steel box modules ensure resistance to corrosion as well as impermeability to moisture and can be cleaned with high-pressure cleaners. The EQ EtherCAT Box series is qualified for the extended temperature range of -25 to 60 C (storage temperature -40 to 85 C) and can be used in extreme climatic zones.

Beckhoff Automation, www.beckhoffautomation.com