Product Description:

The BC8000 is a modular I/O controller manufactured by Beckhoff and supplied within the BC Bus Terminals series. It serves as the head module for a stack of signal terminals, forwarding field signals over a serial fieldbus link to higher-level automation devices. By concentrating discrete and analog points on a single node, the unit simplifies distributed control where space and wiring density are critical in machine tools, conveyors, and process skids. Toolless DIN-rail mounting and plug-in connectors support fast installation and convenient access for service.

Input power of 24 V DC feeds the internal electronics and the downstream K-bus. Communication with the plant network runs at a fixed rate of 19,200 baud through the integrated 9-pin D-sub RS-485 port. The line can span up to 1200 m without repeaters when the correct cable is used. The head station supports up to 64 plug-in bus terminals, and the controller presents 256 digital and 128 analog peripheral signals to the application task. These channels are mirrored as 512 input bytes and 512 output bytes within the process image. The K-bus can source up to 1750 mA to power the attached electronic terminal blocks.

Field wiring is routed through power contacts that can carry 10 A, accommodating loads on actuator terminals without requiring an external distribution rail. Internal insulation provides a dielectric strength of 500 V RMS between the logic and power circuitry. The housing is rated IP20 for installation inside protected control enclosures. The module draws no more than 500 mA from the supply and stores 512 bytes of remanent flags for retentive variables. It executes one PLC task as established by the runtime system. At only 170 g, the module adds minimal mass to a DIN-rail panel and places little additional load on the mounting assembly.