IP6002-B520 by Beckhoff

The IP6002-B520 is a serial communication module manufactured by Beckhoff and supplied within the IP Compact Box Units series. It occupies a single fieldbus slot on an EtherCAT strand and converts process data into a point-to-point serial link, allowing barcode readers, data loggers, or operator panels to integrate with automated cells without additional panel hardware. The unit's encapsulated housing and plug-and-play format support decentralized installation in demanding industrial environments.

The communication path is provided through a 5-pin M12 socket, and the module has a single serial channel, which simplifies fieldbus addressing. Data are exchanged at the factory-preset rate of 9600 baud, and the port operates in full-duplex mode, so transmit and receive traffic can occur simultaneously. Electrical isolation of 500 V separates the serial circuitry from the supply lines, while compliance with the CCITT V.28 and DIN 66 259-1 standards maintains signal levels recognized by legacy devices. One control and status byte accompanies every telegram. The installation position is variable, allowing the housing to be fastened in any orientation. The enclosure has an ingress protection rating of IP65/IP66/IP67, eliminating the need for an additional cabinet.

Incoming data are stored in a 128-byte receive queue, while outgoing frames remain in a 16-byte transmit buffer before being shifted onto the bus. The module handles up to five user-data bytes per cycle and uses the 8N1 serial frame format across dedicated TxD and RxD signal lines. Cable runs may extend to 15 m without amplifiers, provided that the connection follows RS-232 requirements. The separate queues allow received and transmitted information to be processed without forcing both data streams to share the same buffer. This arrangement supports orderly transfers between the fieldbus process image and serial peripheral devices. The compact enclosure also permits the serial connection to be placed near the connected equipment, reducing the amount of internal panel wiring required for decentralized machine layouts.