Beckhoff debuts EtherCAT Box controller for motor-driven roller conveyors

Beckhoff Automation has released the new EP7402 EtherCAT Box to enhance control and cabling efficiency for motor-driven roller (MDR) conveyor systems.

The 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 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.

Ideal for conveying tasks in intralogistics, packaging, food and beverage, assembly and many other industries, the EP7402 is IP67 rated and compliant with new electrical standards being enforced in 2020 and does not require a protective enclosure.

The controller measures 174 mm x 60 mm x 36.5 mm and it mounts in standard C-channel or L-brackets directly on the conveyor frame.

It offers One Cable Automation (OCA) via two B23 ENP hybrid connectors, and multiple M8 sockets to support two MDRs per device and digital I/O for peripheral sensors, vision systems or junctions to the entire range of EtherCAT Box modules.