EtherCAT Fieldbus system
What is EtherCAT?
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is a fast and open Ethernet-based fieldbus standard originally developed by Beckhoff Automation and further developed by the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG). Besides enabling flexible network topologies, EtherCAT also allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other without the need for special interface adaptations. The Ethernet standard is mainly used in automation technology, e.g., in robotics and mechanical engineering, where real-time communication is essential.
![[Translate to Englisch:] EtherCAT](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_ethercat_7c3e5e33d7.webp "[Translate to Englisch:] EtherCAT")
EtherCAT ASi Gateways
EtherCAT ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways in stainless steel provide an interface for an EtherCAT fieldbus. The certified ASi gateways are available in different versions with protection class IP20. All gateways enable Ethernet diagnostics and have an OPC UA interface that transmits sensor data to IT.
EtherCAT ASi
| Figure | Model |
Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway: interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. PROFIBUS ASi gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus
PROFIBUS ASi Basic gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus PROFIBUS ASi IP65 gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus EtherNet/IP+ Modbus TCP ASi gateway: interface for an EtherNet/IP+ ModbusTCP fieldbus BACnet/IP ASi gateway: interface for a BACnet/IP fieldbus Compact-/MicroLogix ASi gateway: interface for the Compact-/MicroLogix fieldbus POWERLINK ASi gateway: interface for an POWERLINK fieldbus OPC UA server: interface for the OPC UA communication
| ASi-5/ASi-3 | Standard devices"Single Master": 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master. 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters. Safety devices "Single Master" : 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master. 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters. | " yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ": Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply). Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.
Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply). Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.
Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.
1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies. Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.
1 ASi power supply per ASi network. | "USB": Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann proprietary software by using the USB interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet diagnostic interface or Ethernet fieldbus interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet diagnostic interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet fieldbus interface or by using an adapter cable via RS 232 interface.
Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using an adapter cable via RS 232 interface.
The latest version of the device description file of the gateway/gateway with integrated safety monitor (GSD, GSDML, EDS, etc.) is available in the "Downloads" section of the respective device. | Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device. | Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ... | Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway. | Article No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
Gateway
|
EtherCAT, OPC UA
|
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
|
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
|
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
|
Ethernet diagnostic
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
| BWU3854 24 Volt ASi-5/ASi-3 EtherCAT Gateway in Stainless Steel, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 master |
 |
Gateway
|
EtherCAT, OPC UA
|
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
|
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
|
yes, max. 8 A/ASi network
|
Ethernet diagnostic
|
yes
|
yes
|
optional
| BWU4790 ASi-5/ASi-3 EtherCAT Gateway in Stainless Steel, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master |
Safety, EtherCAT ASi Gateways
The certified ASi gateways with integrated safety monitor are available in different versions with protection class IP20. All gateways feature the Safe Link technology, which makes it possible to connect different system components easily and flexibly. Some product variants allow Safety over EtherCAT nodes to be integrated without a higher level safety control.
Safety, EtherCAT ASi
| Figure | Model |
Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway: interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. PROFIBUS ASi gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus
PROFIBUS ASi Basic gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus PROFIBUS ASi IP65 gateway: interface for a PROFIBUS fieldbus EtherNet/IP+ Modbus TCP ASi gateway: interface for an EtherNet/IP+ ModbusTCP fieldbus BACnet/IP ASi gateway: interface for a BACnet/IP fieldbus Compact-/MicroLogix ASi gateway: interface for the Compact-/MicroLogix fieldbus POWERLINK ASi gateway: interface for an POWERLINK fieldbus OPC UA server: interface for the OPC UA communication
| ASi-5/ASi-3 | Standard devices"Single Master": 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master. 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters. Safety devices "Single Master" : 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master. 1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters. 2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters. | " yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ": Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply). Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.
Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply). Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.
Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.
1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies. Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.
1 ASi power supply per ASi network. | "USB": Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann proprietary software by using the USB interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet diagnostic interface or Ethernet fieldbus interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet diagnostic interface. Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using the Ethernet fieldbus interface or by using an adapter cable via RS 232 interface.
Access to ASi Master and Safety Monitor with Bihl+Wiedemann software by using an adapter cable via RS 232 interface.
The latest version of the device description file of the gateway/gateway with integrated safety monitor (GSD, GSDML, EDS, etc.) is available in the "Downloads" section of the respective device. | Safety communication | Inputs Safety, SIL 3, Cat. 4 | Outputs Safety, SIL 3, cat. 4 | Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device. | Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ... | Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway. | Article No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
|
EtherCAT, OPC UA
|
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
|
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters
|
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
|
Ethernet diagnostic
|
FSoE + Safe Link
|
3 x 2 channels
|
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
|
yes
|
yes
|
optional
| BWU3858 ASi-5/ASi-3 Safety over EtherCAT Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 masters |
 |
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
|
EtherCAT, OPC UA
|
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
|
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
|
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
|
Ethernet diagnostic
|
FSoE + Safe Link
|
3 x 2 channels
|
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
|
yes
|
yes
|
optional
| BWU3583 ASi-5/ASi-3 Safety over EtherCAT Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 master |
|
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
|
EtherCAT, OPC UA
|
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
|
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
|
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
|
Ethernet diagnostic
|
Safe Link
|
3 x 2 channels
|
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
|
yes
|
yes
|
optional
| BWU3991 ASi-5/ASi-3 EtherCAT Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 master |