Achieve ultimate network flexibility and scalability for intralogistics with safety using EtherCAT
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of e-commerce. But as DCs and fulfillment centers scale up, their communication protocols are unable to do the same. EtherCAT has already solved many longstanding networking problems, and its Gigabit expansion and One Cable Automation solutions make it the clear leader for intralogistics. In this educational presentation, originally presented at ProMat Digital Experience 2021, I draw on real-world examples to explain how to achieve faster cycles, simplified implementation and greater precision using EtherCAT. This translates to more on-time orders, fewer returns and as a result, cost savings in greenfield and brownfield sites.
Traditional fieldbuses have difficulty with less complex operations and cannot support new increases in machine vision, barcode scanners, etc. EtherCAT, on the other hand, supports up to 65,535 nodes per network and complete flexibility in topology without costly switches or complications from IP addresses. Free selection of star, tree, drop and especially line topology (without the cascaded switch delays common in most fieldbuses) suits conveyor and sortation systems that require long cable runs. Along with connectivity to legacy and modern fieldbuses, EtherCAT integrates functional and analog safety via TwinSAFE over the standard EtherCAT. And EtherCAT can do all of this with just one master controller and network, where others protocols typically require multiple controllers and networks.
Are you ready to boost networking capabilities in your distribution or fulfillment center with EtherCAT? Contact your local Beckhoff sales engineer today.
Sree Swarna Gutta is the I/O Product Manager for Beckhoff Automation LLC.