BECKHOFF KL6031 Bus Terminal

Description

The BECKHOFF KL6031 is an RS232 serial interface Bus Terminal designed to integrate serial communication devices directly into the Beckhoff Bus Coupler system. This terminal establishes a bidirectional, full-duplex transmission channel with dedicated transmit (TxD) and receive (RxD) signal lines. The serial interface operates independently of the higher-level fieldbus, providing a flexible interface path for serial devices such as scanners, barcode readers, local operator panels, weighing scales, and sensors.

To ensure robust operation in industrial environments, the BECKHOFF KL6031 features 500 V electrical isolation between the internal K-bus and the field-side RS232 signal lines. The terminal integrates a local hardware data buffer to prevent data loss, storing incoming and outgoing bytes before they are processed by the controller. Configuration, including baud rate and parity adjustments, is managed directly through the bus coupler or the central controller, removing the need for manual DIP switches or onboard adjustment dials.

Features

• Full-duplex RS232 communication via dedicated TxD and RxD channels
• Integrated hardware buffers containing a 1024-byte receive buffer and a 128-byte transmit buffer
• 500 V electrical isolation between the K-bus logic and the RS232 signal circuits
• Adjustable data transfer rates from 4800 to 115,200 baud (default setting: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
• High interference immunity for stable transmission over serial lines
• Automatic address assignment with configuration handled entirely via the Bus Coupler or controller software

Applications

• Interfacing barcode scanners, barcode readers, and RFID systems with central automation networks
• Connecting legacy serial operator terminals and local human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
• Integrating industrial scales, measuring instruments, and digital sensors using serial protocols
• Connecting serial control devices, printers, and laboratory instrumentation to a central control system

Technical Specifications

General

Electrical

Serial Interface and Communication

Mechanical and Environmental

Installation Guidelines

1. Ensure that the entire automation system and the fieldbus node are completely de-energized before mounting, wiring, or removing the terminal.
2. Mount the BECKHOFF KL6031 terminal on a standard 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) by snapping it onto the rail alongside the other Bus Terminals and Bus Couplers.
3. Verify that the mechanical side-locking mechanism and the lateral K-bus contacts engage securely with the neighboring modules.
4. Connect the RS232 field signal wires (TxD, RxD, and reference ground) to the terminal contacts. Ensure the use of high-quality, shielded cables to limit electromagnetic interference, and keep the total serial cable length under 15 meters.
5. Verify that no power contact routing is connected to this terminal, as the unit is powered solely via the K-bus and does not feed or utilize structural power contacts.
6. Apply power to the bus node and verify the status indicators. Configure transmission parameters (such as baud rate, stop bits, and parity) within the controller project or TwinCAT System Manager.

Compliance and Certifications

The BECKHOFF KL6031 complies with standard industrial guidelines and certifications, including CE, UL, ATEX, and DNV GL. It features the Ex marking: II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc, making it suitable for deployment in classified hazardous environments under specified operation conditions.