Kuka Ethercat EK1100 Communication 70 mA Compatible with PROFINET
In the realm of industrial automation, the synergy between KUKA robots, EtherCAT communication protocols, and Beckhoff's PC-based control systems has redefined efficiency, precision, and scalability.
The Integration of KUKA Robots with EtherCAT and Beckhoff
KUKA, a pioneer in industrial robotics, adopted EtherCAT as the backbone for its KR C4 controller series to enhance real-time communication and adaptability. By leveraging Beckhoff’s EtherCAT technology, KUKA robots achieve:
High-Speed Data Transfer: EtherCAT’s "processing-on-the-fly" technology enables real-time control with minimal latency, critical for tasks like welding, assembly, and precision machining
Simplified Hardware: Standard Ethernet cables and controllers reduce costs, while multi-core PCs replace proprietary hardware, cutting component numbers by 33% and connectors by 50%
Safety and Flexibility: EtherCAT’s Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) protocol ensures safe human-robot collaboration, while Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software integrates motion control, robotics, and IoT connectivity
2. Key Applications of KUKA-EtherCAT-Beckhoff Systems
a. Automotive Manufacturing
KUKA robots, such as the KR QUANTEC series, use EtherCAT to synchronize tasks like welding, material handling, and quality inspection. For example, in automotive door production, two KUKA robots perform stamping, welding, and stacking with sub-millimeter precision
b. Packaging and Logistics
Beckhoff’s EtherCAT-enabled industrial PCs optimize packaging lines. Huhtamaki, a global packaging giant, uses KUKA robots and EtherCAT to produce color-printed egg cartons. The system synchronizes servo-driven presses and labeling machines, achieving 0.5 mm movements in 1 ms
c. Precision Machining
Echo Hill Automation employs KUKA robots and Beckhoff’s TwinCAT platform for high-tolerance grinding. EtherCAT’s distributed clocks ensure 6-micron precision in aerospace component production, while linear motors reduce mechanical wear5.
d. Cross-Protocol Integration
When integrating KUKA’s EtherCAT-driven robots (e.g., LBR iiwa) with Siemens PROFINET systems, protocol converters like the WL-PN-ECATM gateway bridge communication gaps. This setup reduces latency to <2 ms, enabling CNC-robot synchronization within 1.4-second cycles
Technical Parameters:
| Product Name | BK1100 EtherCAT bus coupler for standard bus terminal modules |
| Product Category | Robotic Arm Kit |
| Bus Interface | 2 RJ45 |
| Functional Features | The EtherCAT protocol is connected to the bus terminal module |
| Connection Technology | 2 RJ45 ports |
| Maximum Number Of Fieldbus Bytes | 1024 Byte Input And 1024 Byte Output |
| Operating/Storage Temperature | -25…+60 °C/-40…+85 °C |
| Message Transmission Rate | 100 Mbit/s |
| Automatic Allocation of Process Images | For EtherCAT system |
| Number Of Bus Terminal Modules | 64 (up To 255 Via K-bus Extension) |
This robotic arm kit uses Beckhoff's EtherCAT bus coupler, specifically the BK1100 model, which is compatible with standard bus terminal modules such as the EK1100.
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