Electronic access to the BIC (eBIC)

Electronic BIC (eBIC)

The Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) is applied to the outside of Beckhoff products in a visible place. If possible, it should also be electronically readable.

Decisive for the electronic readout is the interface via which the product can be electronically addressed.

K-bus devices (IP20, IP67)

Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.

EtherCAT devices (IP20, IP67)

All Beckhoff EtherCAT devices have a so-called ESI-EEPROM, which contains the EtherCAT identity with the revision number. Stored in it is the EtherCAT slave information, also colloquially known as ESI/XML configuration file for the EtherCAT master. See the corresponding chapter in the EtherCAT system manual (Link) for the relationships.

The eBIC is also stored in the ESI‑EEPROM. The eBIC was introduced into the Beckhoff I/O production (terminals, box modules) from 2020; widespread implementation is expected in 2021.

The user can electronically access the eBIC (if existent) as follows:

PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DeviceNet devices etc.

Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.