With the extension of the operating temperature range for selected standard Bus Terminals and Couplers to between -4° and 140 °F (-20° and +60 °C), Beckhoff supports demanding applications in extreme climatic zones.

In order to provide I/O solutions for applications in areas with severe heat or cold, Beckhoff Automation (Burnsville, MN) has introduced the new Extended Temperature (ET) Bus Terminals. With the extension of the operating temperature range for selected standard Bus Terminals and Couplers to between -4° and 140 °F (-20° and +60 °C), Beckhoff supports demanding applications in extreme climatic zones. The storage temperature range of the ET Bus Terminals is specified as an impressive -40° to 185 °F (-40 to +85 °C).

The Beckhoff Bus Terminal system has stood the test of time in machine, plant and building automation applications where a temperature range of 32° and 131 °F (0° to 55 °C) is sufficient. With the broadened operating temperature range for selected standard Bus Terminals and Couplers, the ET Terminals are ideal for "outdoor applications." Typical fields of use include alternative energy systems such as wind, solar or tidal power plants, which in many cases must operate under extreme climatic conditions.

The I/O terminals selected for the extended temperature range cover the most common areas of application and a wide range of signal types. As an added benefit to users, the components for the extended temperature range are available at the same price as the standard Beckhoff Bus Terminals. In some traditional applications, the ET Bus Terminals may even enable users to save additional costs by reducing or eliminating the control cabinet heating and air-conditioning requirements. The Beckhoff CX5000 series Embedded PCs with direct I/O connection and low-heat dissipation are also designed for this extended temperature range. When paired with the new ET Bus Terminals, this represents a complete controller and I/O solution for extreme environments.

Via Beckhoff’s K-bus technology, the new ET Bus Terminals are compatible with the entire Bus Terminal product range and can function with over 15 fieldbus networks and protocols.

For more information visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.