Introduction to EtherCAT Background

With the rise of intelligent manufacturing, the requirements for real-time, synchronization, and accuracy are increasingly increasing. EtherCAT, with its excellent real-time performance, high bandwidth, and low latency characteristics, has become a key bridge connecting controllers with sensors, actuators, and other devices, achieving seamless collaborative work of complex production line equipment, significantly improving production efficiency and product quality, and promoting the development of industrial automation to a higher level!

EtherCAT technology was introduced to the market in 2003 and became an international standard in 2007

The core of EtherCAT lies in the efficiency of node frame processing: each node only reads the data sent to itself and writes its own data into the frame, and the entire process is completed during the downstream transmission of the data frame. This approach improves bandwidth utilization and enables the entire system data to be refreshed in one data frame, resulting in increased speed. Its network supports up to 65535 devices and supports various topologies such as line, bus, tree, and star.

Since the successful launch of the first remote I/O series with IP67 protection level in 2013, GSEE-TECH has always been deeply rooted in the forefront of industrial communication network technology research and development, constantly innovating and breaking through! In order to effectively solve the heat problem generated by equipment during operation and improve the anti-interference ability of remote I/O modules, GSEE-TECH has developed the EtherCAT remote I/O module series with a metal shell. (This series also has product versions with injection molded shells to meet application needs in different scenarios)

Product Overview

The advantage of the metal shell remote I/O module is that it adopts a metal shell design, significantly improving heat dissipation performance, reducing operating temperature, and extending service life. At the same time, enhancing electromagnetic shielding capability ensures stable and accurate data transmission, covering multiple input and output types such as digital (PNP/NPN) and analog (current, voltage, temperature, etc.), meeting the wide demand in the field of industrial automation. The compact module size is easy to install in limited space, improving system integration efficiency and product parameters.

Small module appearance series

1. Protection level: IP67
2. Material: ADC12
3. Power supply: 2 * M8, four pin socket&needle socket, 24VDC
4. Size: 155mm x 36mm x 31mm
5. Protocol interface: EtherCAT，100Mbps，2*M8， Four pinhole seat
6. Support distributed clock, modular device description, CoE emergency messages, and automatic mapping
7. Support independent system power supply and load power supply, LED indication status and diagnostic feedback
8. I/O connection method: 4 * M12 A-Code, five pin socket
9. Numerical parameters:

(1) Each channel has short circuit, overload, and reverse connection protection
(2) Each port supports 2 digital inputs or outputs
(3) Supports 8 digital channels
(4) Input and output follow EN 61131-2 Type 1/3
(5) PNP and NPN models are available for selection
(6) There are pure input and input-output adaptive models to choose from
(7) Support input/output adaptation, no configuration required

10. Analog module parameters:
(1) Each port supports 1 analog signal
(2) Supports 2/3/4 wire connections
(3) The resolution is 16 bits
(4) Thermal resistance supports Pt100/Pt200/Pt500/Pt1000
(5) Thermocouples support E/S/J/T/K/B/N/R/L types
(6) Current and voltage can be configured, with a current range of 0/4... 20mA and a voltage range of -10/0... 10V
(7) There are input and output models to choose from

11. Selection List: GXEC-DI8S-M
GXEC-DI8S-NM
GXEC-DIO8S-M
GXEC-DIO8S-NM
GXEC-AI4S-I/U-M
GXEC-AI4S-RTD-M
GXEC-AI4S-TC-M
GXEC-AO4S-I/U-M

Medium module appearance series

1. Protection level: IP67
2. Material: ADC12
3. Power supply: 2 * M12 L-Code, hole socket&needle socket, 24VDC
4. Size: 153.6mm x 58.4mm x 32mm
5. Protocol interface: EtherCAT，100Mbps，2*M8， Four pinhole seat
6. Support distributed clock, modular device description, CoE emergency messages, and automatic mapping
7. Support independent system power supply and load power supply, LED indication status and diagnostic feedback
8. I/O connection method: 4 * M12 A-Code, five pin socket
9. Numerical parameters:

(1) Each channel has short circuit, overload, and reverse connection protection
(2) Each port supports 2 digital inputs or outputs
(3) Supports 16 digital channels
(4) Input and output follow EN 61131-2 Type 1/3
(5) PNP and NPN models are available for selection
(6) There are pure input and input-output adaptive models to choose from
(7) Support input/output adaptation, no configuration required
10. Selection List:

GXEC-DI16M-M
GXEC-DI16M-NM
GXEC-DIO16M-M
GXEC-DIO16M-NM

Seamless integration of multiple protocols

By combining with GSEE-TECH's GXC series coupler gateway, multiple protocol conversion functions can be easily achieved. Users can convert the EtherCAT protocol of the above modules into mainstream protocol interfaces such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, etc. according to their actual needs, thus seamlessly integrating controllers and manufacturer devices of different protocol standards, greatly enhancing the compatibility and flexibility of the system!

For more details, please feel free to contact us at any time!