Product Description:

Beckhoff’s CU2016-0000 belongs to the CU EtherCAT Junctions series and functions as a passive branching module for EtherCAT networks. The unit creates star or tree topologies by fanning out the real-time fieldbus signal toward distributed I/O islands. It is installed on the DIN rail inside the control cabinet and helps maintain deterministic cycle times without inserting protocol converters or additional addressable switches. Because it works as a passive junction, it forwards traffic without appearing as a separately controlled network switch on the machine network. This layout is useful where many Ethernet-based field devices must be distributed from one cabinet section while preserving the timing behavior expected by EtherCAT.

Sixteen RJ-45 sockets provide 16 independent branches, and each channel has two diagnostic LEDs that report link status and activity. Data exchange complies with 10/100 Mbit/s signaling over the 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX physical layer, and selectable half- or full-duplex operation supports different cable infrastructures. Because the device is unmanaged, packets are forwarded automatically and no configuration interface is required. The internal electronics are supplied with 24 VDC and draw only 150 mA, so multiple junctions can operate from a standard control voltage bus. Cabinet protection is rated IP20, which means the housing is finger-safe but should remain inside a dry enclosure.

The enclosure measures 146.5 × 100 × 38 mm, so the junction fits beside compact controllers and power supplies, and its installation position can be horizontal, vertical, or flat. Copper segment lengths of up to 100 m are supported between this unit and the next node, matching standard Cat 5e wiring practice. Packet integrity is supported by a Store-And-Forward algorithm that checks the frame CRC before releasing it to other branches, which helps prevent damaged packets from being propagated across the network. A 3-pole spring terminal is used for the power lead, so conductors can be clamped directly without ferrules. The compact body also leaves room for adjacent terminal blocks and power distribution parts on the same rail. The DIN-rail enclosure weighs 540 g, which adds stability in cabinets exposed to vibration.