The EK1541 has two Versatile Link sockets for POF duplex connectors and three

hexadecimal ID switches. The coupler is connected to the network via the upper

Ethernet connection. The lower socket may be used to connect further EtherCAT

devices in the same segment. With the polymer optical fiber connection, distances

between two couplers of up to 50 m can be reached. Unlike the glass fiber, the

POF fiber is easily wireable in the field. A group of EtherCAT components can be

assigned a unique ID via the hexadecimal ID switches. This group can then be

located at any position within the EtherCAT network. Variable topologies are

therefore easily implementable. In addition, an EtherCAT junction or an EtherCAT

extension can be used for the extension or for setting up a line or star topology.

The system and field supply, each 24 V DC, is provided directly at the coupler.

The attached EtherCAT Terminals are supplied with the current required for

communication from the supplied system voltage. The coupler can supply a

maximum of 5 V and 2 A. Power feed terminals (e.g. EL9410) must be integrated

if more current is required. The field supply is forwarded to the individual I/O

components via the power contacts with up to 10 A.