EtherCAT connection

The EtherCAT connection is established via two d-coded M12 sockets (one for the EtherCAT input, one for the output).

The cable length between two EtherCAT devices must not exceed 100 m.

Cables and connectors

For connecting EtherCAT devices only Ethernet cables that meet the requirements of at least category 5 (CAt5) according to EN 50173 or ISO/IEC 11801 should be used. EtherCAT uses 4 wires for signal transfer.

The following cables and connectors are suitable for application in EtherCAT systems:

Name

Comment

ZB9010

EtherCAT cable, fixed installation, CAT 5e, 4-core

ZB9020

EtherCAT cable, suitable for drag chain applications CAT 5e, 4-core

ZS1090-0004

M12 connector, 4-pin, IP67, field-configurable

ZK1090-6161-0005

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 0.5 m length

ZK1090-6161-0010

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 1.0 m length

ZK1090-6161-0020

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 2.0 m length

ZK1090-6161-0025

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 2.5 m length

ZK1090-6161-0050

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 5.0 m length

ZK1090-6161-0100

EtherCAT cable, ready-made, M12 connector - M12 connector, 10 m length

ZK1090-6292-0005

EtherCAT cable, female M12 connector - RJ45, 0.5 m length

ZK1090-6292-0020

EtherCAT cable, female M12 connector - RJ45, 2.0 m length

Data sheets

There are different standards for assignment and colors at plugs and cables for Ethernet/EtherCAT. Please take assignment and colors of Beckhoff cables from the according data sheets.

Pin assignment of the M12 plug (d-coded)

PIN

Signal

Description

1

Tx +

Transmit Data+

2

Rx +

Receive Data+

3

Tx-

Transmit Data-

4

Rx-

Receive Data-

Pin assignment of the RJ45 plug

PIN

Signal

Description

1

TD +

Transmit Data+

2

TD -

Transmit Data-

3

RD +

Receive Data+

4

-

reserved

5

-

reserved

6

RD -

Receive Data-

7

-

reserved

8

-

reserved