
December 10, 2020
Just 25 years ago, Beckhoff had an idea that revolutionized the automation technology of the time: The Bus Terminal combined fieldbus technology with the proven terminal block principle for the first time. The final result was developed together with Wago Kontakttechnik. Beckhoff then presented the modular and open I/O system for space-saving, customizable and highly flexible configurations at the Hannover Messe trade show in 1995.
As an industrial electronics and communication specialist, Beckhoff intentionally continued the advancement of the existing block module concept for the electronic terminal block. In itself, this significantly reduced cabling requirements for I/O installations. However, the new Bus Terminal concept went one step further: The aim was to replace the traditional modular terminal block with an electronic version.
When developing this innovation, Beckhoff drew on its many years of automation experience along with its specific expertise in fieldbus technology, communication technology, control cabinet construction and the development of industrial hardware and software. Thus, the process not only developed the complete hardware, software and K-Bus communication for the terminal system, but also a complete product family with Bus Couplers as well as Signal and System Terminals. The result was a fieldbus-independent, highly modular I/O system.
Following the introduction of the Beckhoff Bus Terminal in 1995, this technology quickly became a worldwide and universally accepted automation standard. This applies, in particular, to Beckhoff’s system concept: 25 years of development and application experience are reflected in the broadest I/O portfolio on the market. Bus and EtherCAT Terminal technology is used today in an extremely wide range of applications, from machine automation to Ethernet-based building automation and process technology. Contributing to this success has been both continuous development and close cooperation with customers, which has often given rise to new product ideas and developments. This successful collaboration has resulted in today's comprehensive IP20 and IP67 I/O portfolio from Beckhoff, which is still based on the original Bus Terminal idea.
For more information, visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.
Nexans Webinar - Key 2021 Electrical Code Changes Impacting Wire and Cable
Join NEXANS for a free webinar with Isaac Müller, Applications Engineer for Nexans as he reviews and discusses the changes to the 2021 Canadian Electrical Code related to wire and cable. This free webinar will take place Wed, Jan 27, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
This webinar includes:
- Updated rules to protect cables (12-514,12-516)
- New conditions of use for wire & cable (Table 19)
- An opportunity to ask your questions
Click here to register today.
Changing Scene
Robomold Plastic Solutions, a division of Gemini Inc., recently announced that it has partnered ...
EY Canada is pleased to welcome Montreal-based Resolution Inc. to the firm today to enhance its ...
Pepperl+Fuchs SE will implement o9 Solutions' AI-powered platform globally to establish ...
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated and FLIR Systems, Inc.jointly announced that they have entered ...
Part 4 of the digital press conference series “Join us for a coffee...” took a look into the future ...
Littelfuse, Inc. has recently launched a food and beverage industry web page to help customers ...
Part 4 of the digital press conference series “Join us for a coffee...” took a look into the future of manufacturing and showed how industrial companies can increase efficiency, product quality and revenue by linking artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things – this time with the expertise of KUKA, Device Insight and Sentian.
When it comes to combining artificial intelligence and IoT, industry has so far clearly focused on predictive maintenance. “A mistake,” says Dr. Christian Liedtke, Head of Strategic Alliances at KUKA, with conviction.
Read More
-
Rittal Systems Ltd., Canada would like to announce that Tim Rourke will be resigning as President, and Andre Bousette will be stepping into this role, taking leadership of Rittal’s Canadian operations.
Looking back at Tim Rourke’s 25 years with Rittal
Tim Rourke completed 25 years of exceptional service to Rittal Systems Ltd. in 2020. In 1995, Tim joined Rittal as an Outside Sales Representative in Eastern and Northern Ontario. In 1997, he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager for Ontario.
Read More

When the German national handball team hits the pitch at the World Championship in Egypt (January 13-31, 2021), the entire HARTING Technology Group will once again be rooting for them. HARTING is the official sponsor and premium partner of the German Handball Association (DHB).
The Espelkamp-based family business wants to actively support the team so that the handball magic of 2007 (World Cup title) and 2016 (European Championship title) can be repeated. "HARTING and handball - that's commitment, passion and emotion. That's why this partnership has worked so well for years," says CEO Philip Harting.
Read More
Just two years after Kaunis Iron started production of iron ore in Kaunisvaara, the company is planning a new open pit mine. An important part of that plan is SmartROC D65 rigs – and an arrangement where the rigs are regularly serviced on site by Epiroc personnel.
The November sky is clear in Kaunisvaara, and the morning sun has lit up the north side of the mine. Half-way down into the mine, two SmartROC D65 drill rigs are working, and in front of them are two rows with sticks. They have been stuck into the ground, each in its own drill hole with yellow plastic tubing, which makes the hole easier to load.
Read More
By Eric Martin, C.E.T., JAE Automation
Conversations about automation technology and design often focus on one thing – the technology itself. We think of the high-tech robots, the automated conveyors, or the precision welding machines that make it possible for factories to operate more efficiently, productively, and safely.
However, any discussions around automation technology need to include the most important element – the people.
Read More
Product News
Following the current trend, this space-saving IP 65/67 Industrial PC hardware with flexible ...
AutomationDirect adds new series and models of enclosures from Hammond. Hammond data communication ...
ECOexperts Automation GmbH, based in Tieschen, Austria, specializes in infrastructure solutions. ...
Schneider Electric recently announced that Galaxy VS 3-phase Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for ...
High-performance Touch Panels for demanding control and visualization tasks improve the operability ...
The CIMON PLC-S series is designed to be the most cost-effective unit in the PLC world. It provides ...
The JB-500 cable from HELUKABEL is designed for flexible use under medium mechanical stress with ...
IDEC's operator interface products offer a fantastic solution for your display needs. Bright LCD ...
Efficient, compact and reliable DC-UPS and buffer modules from PULS ensure highest system ...
Following the current trend, this space-saving IP 65/67 Industrial PC hardware with flexible mounting options is ideally suited for implementing advanced Industrie 4.0 solutions. A wide variety of onboard interfaces enables the networking of machine or plant sections in the cloud or other networks.
Moreover, the integrated EtherCAT P connection offers undreamt-of possibilities for the direct connection of actuators and sensors via EtherCAT P Box modules with IP 67 protection. The decentralized solving of complex diagnostic or condition monitoring tasks is thus possible.
Read More