The EtherCAT Couplers are the link between the EtherCAT protocol at fieldbus

level and the EtherCAT Terminals. Since communication in the EtherCAT system

is continuous through to the last terminal, the coupler only converts the physical

layer without changing the process data stream.

There is a selection of three different technologies:

• EtherCAT: ultra-fast communication standard

• EtherCAT P: combines communication and power in one cable

• EtherCAT G: speeds up to 10 Gbit/s

A distinction is made between a coupler, a junction and an extension.

The EtherCAT Coupler is the head station with which the terminal segment starts.

The junction can be placed anywhere in the EtherCAT segment and thus allows

the setup of a star topology. The extension is plugged into the end of the EtherCAT

terminal block and allows a setup with a line topology.