The EP72402 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff Automation enhances control and cabling efficiency for motor-driven roller (MDR) conveyor systems. This compact controller is a two-channel motor output stage for BLDC motors used in MDRs, regardless of the conveyor or roller motor vendor.
The EP7402 offers optimal conveyor control through zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) logic in its firmware, programming in the TwinCAT 3 engineering environment and high performance EtherCAT industrial Ethernet communication.
Perfect for conveying tasks in intralogistics and many other industries, the EP7402 offers numerous advantages:
IP67 rated and compliant with new electrical standards being enforced in 2020
does not require a protective enclosure
measures just 174 mm x 60 mm x 36.5 mm
mounts in standard C-channel or L-brackets directly on the conveyor frame
One Cable Automation (OCA) via two B23 ENP hybrid connectors
The EP7402 offers MDR conveyor systems the robust functionality and built-in diagnostics of EtherCAT. Reductions in cabling cost, installation effort and equipment footprint are also possible using EtherCAT P. This OCA solution supplies both EtherCAT communication and 24 V DC for roller motors and peripheral I/O, and enables easy daisy chaining back to machine controllers. Optionally, 24 – 48 V DC versions are planned. The hybrid B23 cables can carry 28A to distribute power to up to 16 MDRs. Industrial-hardened infrastructure will refresh power for further roller motors and a diverse range of field devices.
