BECKHOFF KS6021 RS422/RS485 Serial Interface Bus Terminal

Description

The BECKHOFF KS6021 is a high-performance Bus Terminal with a pluggable wiring level, designed to enable direct connection of devices with RS422 or RS485 interfaces to the K-bus system. It provides an electrically isolated, interference-immune interface for bidirectional data transfer over long distances, making it highly suitable for integrating serial communication devices into standard Beckhoff I/O networks.

Operating in full or half-duplex mode, the BECKHOFF KS6021 transmits and receives differential signals using a dedicated TxD and RxD channel architecture. The serial interface operates independently of the underlying bus system, allowing the controller to transmit data collision-free and receive data with an integrated buffer system. This model features a pluggable wiring design (indicated by the KS prefix), which simplifies terminal installation, replacement, and wiring verification without disconnecting individual field conductors.

Features

• Pluggable connection level for fast, tool-free terminal replacement and streamlined wiring.
• Supports RS422 and RS485 serial communication standards for high noise immunity.
• Full or half-duplex data transfer modes over twisted-pair cabling.
• Integrated data buffering with a 128-byte receive buffer and a 16-byte transmit buffer.
• Electrical isolation of 500 V between the internal K-bus and the field signal lines.
• No manual address setting required; configuration is handled via the Bus Coupler or controller.
• Clear diagnostics and operation status via K-bus communication.

Applications

• Integration of serial devices such as barcode scanners, operator terminals, and printers into K-bus I/O systems.
• Connecting to sensors, controllers, and industrial instruments utilizing RS422 or RS485 physical layer interfaces.
• Long-distance serial communications up to 1000 meters in noisy industrial environments.

Technical Specifications

General

Electrical and Communication

Mechanical and Environmental

Compliance and Approvals

Installation Guidelines

1. De-energize the System: Ensure the power supply to the entire K-bus network and Bus Coupler is fully switched off before starting terminal installation.
2. Mount the Terminal: Align the terminal on the 35 mm DIN rail and press down until it securely locks into place, ensuring robust contact with the adjacent terminal using the side tongue-and-groove system.
3. Wire Connection: Actuate the tension clamp contact using a screwdriver, insert the stripped conductor (or ferrule), and release the clamp. Since this is a KS-series terminal, the complete wiring level block can be plugged or unplugged from the housing as a unit.
4. Connect Shielding: Properly ground and shield the RS422/RS485 communication line to prevent electromagnetic interference and maintain signal integrity.
5. Power and Verify: Apply power to the K-bus. Verify that the diagnostics indicate correct K-bus communication and data activity.

Replacement Recommendations

The BECKHOFF KS6021 features a pluggable wiring design that simplifies replacement tasks. When replacing an existing terminal, the wired pluggable block can be removed from the terminal housing without disconnecting the individual signal wires. Ensure the system is powered down, disconnect the plug block, swap the terminal housing on the DIN rail, and securely snap the plug block back into the new unit to minimize downtime and prevent wiring errors.