Product Description:

The CU8801-0000 is a compact communication module produced by Beckhoff within the CU EtherCAT Junctions series. Functionally, the unit serves as a USB-to-EtherCAT junction, enabling service PCs or embedded controllers to connect to an EtherCAT segment through one RJ45 extender port. By converting the USB data stream into an EtherCAT telegram without additional power supplies or hubs, it simplifies setup and supports decentralized I/O expansion in control cabinets. Its primary role in industrial automation is to bridge engineering tools to the real-time fieldbus for parameterization and diagnostics.

During operation, the module draws a steady 25 mA @ 5 V DC from the host, so the USB source experiences minimal baseline load. For bus enumeration, it may request up to 500 mA @ 5 V DC, which provides enough headroom for the EtherCAT PHY and internal logic when the field network is active. Data exchange follows the USB 2.0 specification, permitting high-speed, full-speed, or low-speed transfers at 480/12/1.5 Mbit/s. The plastic housing carries a protection rating of IP20, indicating finger-safe touch protection but no sealing against moisture. These characteristics describe the electrical operating range and panel-use conditions for the junction.

The device offers a downstream auxiliary supply of 150 mA @ 15 V DC for small sensors on the attached branch, so no separate power rail is required for limited loads. EtherCAT cabling on the RJ45 side can extend up to 50 m, while the USB connection is limited to 1 m, a constraint that helps maintain signal integrity at the negotiated data rate. Mechanical installation is straightforward because the housing clips onto a 35 mm (EN 50022) DIN rail and can be oriented in any position, leaving one front-face USB Type B port and one RJ45 port accessible for service.