July 24, 2008 – Beckhoff Automation announced EtherCAT Terminals for eXtreme Fast Control (XFC). The EtherCAT Terminal system from Beckhoff is a comprehensive I/O family that is ideal for a wide range of applications with its high data throughput and distributed clock synchronization with a jitter of << 1µ. XFC terminals offer special features that make them particularly suitable for fast or high-precision applications:
EtherCAT Terminals with time stamping latch the exact system time at which edge changes occur. Output of digital values can occur at precise, predefined times.
EtherCAT Terminals with oversampling enable actual value acquisition or set value output with a significantly higher time resolution than the communication cycle time. Distributed clocks with a jitter of << 1 µ and a time resolution of 1 µ are used for time synchronization across the whole system.
Fast I/O is supported by digital EtherCAT I/O Terminals with very short input delays or switching times of < 1µ. XFC control technology enables extremely fast and highly deterministic response times. Its implementation requires integrated support of all hardware and software components involved in the control system: EtherCAT as the system fieldbus, EtherCAT Terminals as the I/O system, Industrial PCs as the control hardware platform, and TwinCAT as the automation and control software. All of these elements are available from Beckhoff Automation.Beckhoff Automation provides advanced, open automation products based upon proven technologies so that customers can implement high performance control systems faster and at a lower overall cost than traditional PLC and motion control systems. Beckhoff’s “New Automation Technology” product range includes PC based control, industrial PCs, automation controllers, operator interface, I/O, servo drives and motors. With representation in more than 60 countries, Beckhoff is well positioned to provide global sales and service to its customers. Sales and service are handled directly, with no intermediaries involved to provide faster response and improved communications.
