Bus Terminal Controllers of the BCxx50 series

Bus Terminal Controllers are Bus Couplers with integrated PLC functionality. The BCxx50 Bus Terminal Controllers have a fieldbus interface, are intelligent slaves and can be used as decentralized intelligence within the system. They are located in a cost-optimized and compact housing. In contrast to the BCxx00 range, the BCxx50 range supports up to 255 Bus Terminals via the K-Bus extension.

The Bus Terminal Controller is programmed using the TwinCAT programming system according to IEC 61131-3. The BCxx50 configuration/programming interface is used for loading the PLC program. If the TwinCAT software PLC is in use, the PLC program can also be loaded via the fieldbus.

The inputs and outputs of the connected Bus Terminals are assigned in the default setting of the mini-PLC. Each individual Bus Terminal can be configured in such a way that it exchanges data directly through the fieldbus with the higher-level automation device. Similarly, pre-processed data can be exchanged between the Bus Terminal Controller and the higher-level controller via the fieldbus.

Fieldbus interface

The variants of the BCxx50 series Bus Terminal Controllers differ in terms of their fieldbus interfaces. Various versions cover the most important fieldbus systems:

BC3150: PROFIBUS DP
BC5150: CANopen
BC5250: DeviceNet
BC8050: RS485, various protocols
BC8150: RS232, various protocols

Programming

The BCxx50 devices are programmed according to the powerful IEC 61131-3 standard. Like for all other BECKHOFF controllers, the TwinCAT automation software is the basis for parameterization and programming. Users therefore have the familiar TwinCAT tools available, e.g. PLC programming interface, System Manager and TwinCAT Scope. Data is exchanged optionally via the serial interface (COM1) or via the fieldbus through Beckhoff PC FCxxxx fieldbus cards.

Configuration

The configuration is also carried out using TwinCAT. The fieldbus interface can be configured and parameterized via the System Manager. The System Manager can read all connected devices and Bus Terminals. After the parameterization, the configuration is saved on the BCxx50 via the serial interface. The configuration thus created can be accessed again later.