Electricity + Control August 2016

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

With its EtherCAT P cabling for various performance classes of automation components, One Cable Automation provides the optimal foundation for modular plant and machine design.

EtherCAT P: Highlights and benefits EtherCAT is an open industrial Ethernet technology developed by Beckhoff that has been an international IEC and SEMI standard since 2007. As a result, the outstanding characteristics of EtherCAT such as 100 Mbit/s full-duplex communication down to the sensor or actuator, data processing on the fly, highly accurate synchronisation with distributed clocks, and cycle times of less than 100 ms, will continue to be available without restrictions. Additional EtherCAT P-specific benefits include: • EtherCAT + 2 x 24 Vdc/ 3 A over only one 4-wire cable • Power supply forwarding to connected devices • Scalable connector family from 24 Vdc to 600 Vdc and 64 A • Freedom and flexibility in topology selection through cascadability • Outstanding EtherCAT performance with low connection costs • Reduced hardware and installation costs • Fewer sources of errors and minimised wiring cost • Optimised space utilisation for cable tracks, control cabinets and machines • Elimination of separate power supply lines makes smaller sensors and actuators possible

Thomas Rettig is Senior Product Manager, EtherCAT Technology, Beckhoff Automation. Enquiries: Kenneth McPherson. Email kennethm@beckhoff.com

Eskom has extended the current ESCo funding model If you are able to submit projects that can reduce customers’ electricity consumption over a sustained period of time, you are invited to submit a proposal to Eskom for funding. Go to http://eskom-bizhub.co.za/ESCo for detailed information on application guidelines and funding criteria. Are you eligible to participate in Eskom’s funding programme?

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Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd Reg No 2002/015527/30

August ‘16 Electricity+Control

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