BECKHOFF EK9300 PROFINET RT Bus Coupler

Description

The BECKHOFF EK9300 is a high-performance PROFINET RT Bus Coupler designed to connect PROFINET RT networks directly to the modular EtherCAT Terminal system. Serving as an industrial gateway, this coupler enables the integration of standard digital and analog EtherCAT Terminals (EL series) and EtherCAT Box modules (EP series) into a PROFINET controller environment. The device converts the incoming telegrams from PROFINET RT to the internal E-bus signal representation, facilitating high-speed cyclic data exchange without requiring a local configuration tool.

Equipped with an integrated 2-port switch featuring two RJ45 interfaces, the BECKHOFF EK9300 supports flexible line and ring topologies, which significantly simplifies system cabling and reduces the need for external network switches. The internal E-bus interface provides up to 2 A of current to supply the connected EtherCAT Terminals, making it ideal for decentralized industrial automation networks demanding robust real-time communication.

Features

• Direct integration of EL-series EtherCAT Terminals and EP-series EtherCAT Box modules into PROFINET RT systems.
• Integrated 2-port Ethernet switch with RJ45 connection interfaces for line and ring network layouts.
• Data transmission rates of 100 Mbit/s for fast cyclic process data exchange.
• Robust internal E-bus supply capacity of up to 2 A to drive extensive local terminal configurations.
• High electrical safety with 500 V electrical isolation between the power contacts, supply voltage, and Ethernet ports.
• Compact polycarbonate terminal housing featuring active status and diagnostic LEDs for voltage and network states.
• Tool-free wiring using secure spring-actuated terminal connection technology.

Applications

• Distributed industrial control networks connecting remote digital, analog, and specialty I/O terminals to central PROFINET masters.
• Machine building and production lines where standard EtherCAT signal processing is integrated into PROFINET environments.
• Fieldbus migration projects requiring high-speed local processing paired with Ethernet-based fieldbus backbones.

Technical Specifications

Electrical

Communication

Mechanical and Connection

Environmental and Certifications

Connections / Interfaces

Installation Guidelines

1. Verify that the module received is the correct BECKHOFF EK9300 and check the external housing for any transit damage.
2. Isolate all system and field power sources before beginning any installation, mounting, or terminal wiring procedures.
3. Mount the coupler securely on a standard 35 mm DIN rail (conforming to EN 60715) using the integrated double slot, key connection, and locking mechanism.
4. Examine the current requirements of the connected modular terminals to confirm the combined load on the E-bus does not exceed the 2 A limit of the coupler.
5. Strip all connecting wires to a length of 8 to 9 mm. Insert solid or stranded conductors (0.08 to 2.5 mm² / AWG 28–14) or ferruled wires (0.14 to 1.5 mm² / AWG 26–16) using a flat-head screwdriver to actuate the spring mechanism.
6. Connect the network cables to the switched RJ45 ports to establish the PROFINET line or ring topology.
7. Apply operational power and verify system initialization and Ethernet link activity using the integrated diagnostic LEDs on the front panel.

Replacement Recommendations

When replacing an active BECKHOFF EK9300, ensure that the existing system configurations, network topologies, and physical terminal layouts are fully documented. Turn off all power supplies feeding the bus coupler and the downstream modules. Safely disconnect the PROFINET Ethernet cables and unseat the field wiring connections. Replace the module, verify the mechanical lock, restore the connections precisely, and load the corresponding GSDML device configuration file into your PROFINET master program to recommission the node.