BECKHOFF DK9222-0311-0029 - Manual (Page 4)

I/O
Light
Application Note DK9222-0311-0029
DMX and EtherCAT | The EL6851 DMX EtherCAT terminal from Beckhoff
The Beckhoff I/O system offers the EtherCAT-based EL6851 DMX terminal for professional lighting equipment and impressive
light displays. The EtherCAT technology represents the ideal backbone for the connection of DMX universes due to its low
cycle times of up to 100 µs and high data transfer rates. Lighting for professional shows, theater and drama productions in
particular requires the use of many DMX slaves, which have to be distributed across several universes because of physical or
performance-related restrictions.
Fig. 4 Spotlight bank for stage lighting in the ‘Schauspielhaus’ in Nuremberg, Germany: view of the many DMX slaves
All essential stage and show systems can be controlled with EtherCAT as the universal bus system backbone with its many
signal options. Since EtherCAT was developed for real-time communication, it enables the parallel operation of a virtually
unlimited number of DMX universes in combination with the EL6851-0000 DMX master terminal. For example, at least 100
DMX universes can transmit the full protocol width of 512 channels with only one PLC task and with a cycle time of 10 ms.
To aid in programming, IEC 61131-3 compliant function blocks are available for Beckhoff’s TwinCAT automation software. A
Beckhoff controller in the form of an Embedded PC or Industrial PC can be used at the command level. Alternatively, any DMX
master can be used in connection with the EL6851-0010 DMX slave terminal.
New Automation Technology BECKHOFF 4
For application notes see disclaimer on the last page