BK1150 by Beckhoff

The BK1150 is an EtherCAT bus coupler produced by Beckhoff for the BK EtherCAT Bus Couplers series. It links a field-level terminal stack to a higher-level EtherCAT network, translating process data so that modular digital or analog signals can be scanned or driven by a controller. By mounting directly beside Beckhoff K-bus I/O terminals, the unit forms a compact gateway between machine sensors or actuators and deterministic Ethernet traffic used in industrial automation.

The coupler communicates on the EtherCAT segment at a data rate of 100 Mbaud and connects through two RJ45 ports that support line or drop-in wiring topologies. Each bus cycle can transport up to 1024 bytes in and 1024 bytes out, allowing large process images without adding repeaters. Internal electronics draw 70 mA plus one-fourth of the K-bus current, with a maximum of 200 mA from the 24 V supply, so cabinet power requirements remain modest. At the terminal side, the device can handle 8192 digital input/output channels and 256 analog input/output channels, giving one head station enough capacity for an entire machine section without additional couplers.

The power terminals require a system supply of 24 VDC (-15%/+20%), while the internal K-bus segment is energized by 1750 mA at 5 V to feed the electronics on as many as 64 attached terminals. Separate spring contacts pass load power to the field through a continuous 24 VDC rail that carries 10 A for actuators such as valves or relays. The design supports installation on a 35 mm DIN rail that conforms to EN 60715, and the housing maintains IP20 protection for placement inside standard control enclosures. A maximum of 64 K-bus terminals can be installed without degrading timing, and the fixed 5 V backplane voltage keeps signal-conditioning circuits within their required operating range.