Turck TBEC RFID I/O module for EtherCAT

Turck has added the TBEC series to its range of RFID solutions to enable a fast interface with EtherCAT networks. The TBEC module has a fully potted plastic housing, is rated at IP67/IP69K and is suitable for temperature ranges from -40 to +70°C. The EtherCAT RFID module can run high-frequency (HF) and ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) read/write heads at the same time, thus simplifying applications with different bandwidths and reducing the range of inventory needed. It supports RFID applications with frequent, fast-moving tags and up to 128 read/write heads.

The product also supports the HF continuous bus mode, allowing up to 32 bus-capable HF read/write heads to be connected to each of the four RFID channels. In applications with many write or read positions, this should reduce wiring effort, costs and commissioning times. Sensors, lights or other actuators can be connected to the eight universal input or outputs. All I/O ports are 5-pin M12 male connectors, and the power connectors use futureproof L-coded M12 power technology.

Due to the integrated RFID U data interface with cyclical process data transmission, the user benefits from fast and easy access to HF and UHF functions such as Idle mode. The EtherCAT module is thus suitable for use in RFID applications where tags must be read in rapid succession, such as identifying hanging goods in materials handling applications.