TwinSAFE enables networks with up to 1,024 TwinSAFE devices. The TwinSAFE PLC can establish 128 connections to other TwinSAFE devices. Multiple TwinSAFE PLCs are cascadable within a network. The EtherCAT Terminal features certified safety function blocks, which are configured according to the application to be realised. Safety functions such as emergency stop, safety door monitoring, two-hand control, etc. can thus easily be selected and linked. All blocks can be freely connected among each other and are complemented by operators such as AND, OR, etc. The required functions are configured via the TwinCAT System Manager and loaded into the EL6900 TwinSAFE PLC via the fieldbus. The EL6900 is suitable for applications up to SIL 3 according to IEC 61508 and DIN EN ISO 13849 PLe.

The EL6851 EtherCAT Terminal is a DMX master terminal and enables connection of up to 32 devices without repeater. The DMX master terminal can send up to 512 bytes of data (this can be set via the terminal). At 250 kbit/s a maximum data rate of 44 kHz is therefore possible. The RS485 interface in the EL6851 is electrically isolated and guarantees high interference immunity.

In addition, the RDM (Remote Device Management) protocol can be run via the EL6851. RDM is an extension of the DMX protocol and enables addressing and parameterisation of devices. TwinCAT offers associated libraries.

The DeviceNet master terminal EL6752 corresponds to the Beckhoff FC5201 DeviceNet PCI card. Due to the connection via EtherCAT, no PCI slots are required in the PC. Within an EtherCAT Terminal network, the EL6752 enables the integration of any DeviceNet devices and can either be master or slave.

The EL6751 CANopen master terminal corresponds to the Beckhoff FC5101 CANopen PCI card. Due to the connection via EtherCAT, no PCI slots are required in the PC. Within an EtherCAT Terminal network, the EL6751 enables the integration of any CANopen devices and can either be master or slave. In addition, general CAN messages can be sent or received – without having to bother with CAN frames in the applications program.

The Interbus slave terminal facilitates data exchange between EtherCAT and Interbus. For both bus systems the terminal “mirrors” up to 32 word input and 32 word output to the respective other system. The outputs are written to the inputs of the other bus with minimum delay. The terminal can use the Interbus protocol up to a baud rate of 2 Mbits. Due to the connection via EtherCAT, no PCI slots are required in the PC.

The PROFIBUS master terminal EL6731 corresponds to the Beckhoff FC3101 PROFIBUS PCI card. Due to the connection via EtherCAT, no PCI slots are required in the PC. The terminal controls the PROFIBUS protocol with all its features. Within an EtherCAT Terminal network, it enables the integration of any PROFIBUS devices. Thanks to the PROFIBUS chip developed in-house, the terminal is equipped with the latest version of the PROFIBUS technology – including high-precision isochronous mode for axis control and expanded diagnostic options. These masters are the only ones that support different poll rates for the slaves.

The EL6720 Lightbus master terminal enables the connection to Lightbus devices just as the Beckhoff FC2001 Lightbus PCI card. Due to the connection via EtherCAT, no PCI slots are required in the PC.

The EtherCAT bridge terminal EL6692 enables data exchange between EtherCAT strands with different masters. It also enables synchronisation of the distributed clocks of the individual strands. The power supply on the primary side (E-bus) comes from the E-bus, on the secondary side (RJ 45) via an external connection. If several EL6692 are used, data traffic to the terminals on the other side can continue in the event of a power supply failure on one side. The bridge terminal can also be used for integrating a subordinate PC system as an EtherCAT slave.

The EL6688 EtherCAT Terminal presents itself as a device in the IEEE 1588 synchronisation system with support for PTPv1 (IEEE 1588-2002) and PTPv2 (IEEE 1588-2008) based on Ethernet.