POWERLINK

POWERLINK is a standard protocol for Fast Ethernet which has proven its true real-time characteristics in thousands of applications. The POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG, www.ethernet-powerlink.org) ensures that the standard remains open and is continually developed.

POWERLINK represents the second fieldbus generation based on standard Ethernet. This makes it possible to apply the full power of IT technologies to the automation field for the first time.

X67 POWERLINK bus controller

• POWERLINK V1/V2
• 8 digital channels that can be configured as inputs or outputs
• I/O configuration and firmware update via the fieldbus
• Integrated connection to the local expansion via X2X Link for up to 250 additional modules
• Configurable cycle time for local expansion from 200 μs

The BC8321-1 bus controller makes it possible to connect X2X link I/O nodes to POWERLINK V1/V2. It is also possible to operate the X2X Link cycle synchronously to POWERLINK (1:1 or using a prescaler).

Mechanically, POWERLINK is connected via the IP67 Ethernet standard M12 connector with D-coding.