Packaging

Automatica 2008: PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology for robotics (handling, production and assembly)

Wednesday 14. May 2008 - The Automatica 2008 in Munich presents solutions from fields including robotics, assembly and manipulation technology. Beckhoff will exhibit its basic technologies from the fields of IPC, I/O, Motion and Automation in Hall B1, Booth 311. The focus will be on PC Control solutions, EtherCAT-based automation, safety, Motion Control, and embedded solutions.

A further highlight at the Beckhoff trade show booth is the fast control solution XFC, based on modern Industrial PCs, fast I/O terminals, the EtherCAT high-speed Ethernet system and the TwinCAT automation software. This technology opens up new process optimisation options for machine construction and plant engineering.


PC-based control technology
Beckhoff will exhibit both system solutions and product innovations for PC-based control technology at Automatica: In the IPC field Beckhoff will present its powerful hardware and software platform for Intel Core Duo and Intel Core2 Duo processors. The new, fanless C65xx IPC series for control cabinet installation with very compact design is also equipped with Core Duo technology.

A further main topic at Automatica is the field of EtherCAT-based Drive Technology and motion solutions. The AX5000 range of EtherCAT Servo Drives is being extended by new variants and safety options.
The EtherCAT Terminal range, which combines maximum performance with maximum accuracy, will be extended with further I/O blocks. With the EL3602, Beckhoff presents a new generation of high-precision analog technology: The measurement readings are sampled with an accuracy of 0.01 % and therefore offer an optimum basis for high-performance and high-precision instrumentation.


EtherCAT | Ultra high-speed communication


The basis for the ultra fast process communication is the EtherCAT Industrial Ethernet system, which is ideally suited for use in robot and portal applications.

The fast communication between the I/O signals, Drive Technology and the controller – without special hardware – offers the machine manufacturer undreamtof possibilities: Motion Control with multiple axes, synchronised through distributed EtherCAT clocks, with nanosecond

precision. Security-relevant data transmission is realised via Safety over EtherCAT protocol
(SIL 3 of IEC 61508).
At Automatica Beckhoff will present its fast control solution XFC (eXtreme Fast Control Technology). XFC is based on an optimised control and communication architecture. This technology opens up new process optimisation possibilities to the user and increases the efficiency and precision of machines and plants