Reducing cabling effort with an integrated motor controller

18 August 2020

The EP7402 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff aims to help the control architecture and cabling of roller conveyor systems become more efficient.

With an IP67 protection rating, the compact motor controller for brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors is said to be suited for conveyor tasks in intralogistics and assembly technology as well as in the packaging, food and beverage industries. 

The EP7402 EtherCAT Box offers two outputs with integrated motion controller for the direct connection of 24 V DC conveyor roller motors or other BLDC motors (up to 3.5 A). Eight additional digital inputs/outputs enable connection of photoelectric switches and communication between the different box modules in operation without a PLC. The controller takes complete control of a roller motor independently of the conveyor or motor manufacturer without the need for sensors. Maximum rated current, acceleration or deceleration ramps and various other parameters can be configured, allowing optimal adaptation to different applications. 

In conveyor operation the EP7402 can also be operated without a PLC and provides functions such as Zero Pressure Accumulation (ZPA), single or block discharge. Further EtherCAT devices, such as digital and analogue IOs, barcode readers or safety devices, can be connected to the additional EtherCAT junction. 


Contact Details and Archive...

Related Articles...

Print this page | E-mail this page