Product Description:

The KL6041-0025 is a communication terminal produced by Beckhoff for the KL Bus Terminal platform. Installed on a Bus Terminal rack, it forms the link between serial field devices and the PLC through the system’s K-bus backplane. By translating RS422 or RS485 telegrams into the internal process image, the module allows sensors, scanners, and drives with serial communication to be integrated into cyclic machine control. This makes it useful in applications where existing serial devices must be connected without adding a separate gateway.

This terminal offers a selectable interface of RS422/RS485, giving a choice between differential point-to-point and multipoint wiring while maintaining good noise immunity over longer cable runs. Data throughput reaches 115200 bit/s, which supports faster exchanges with devices such as barcode readers or diagnostic tools. The factory default remains 9600 bit/s, allowing straightforward use with many established serial devices that still operate at lower data rates. Incoming data is buffered in a 1024 byte receive FIFO so short bursts can be accepted before the controller processes them. Outgoing data is handled through a 128 byte transmit queue, and the terminal supports full-duplex or half-duplex operation with standard serial framing and end-of-line termination for RS485 networks.

The process image presented to the PLC includes a user data area of 22 x 8 bit and a control and status area of 2 x 8 bit. This arrangement gives direct cyclic access to payload data, handshaking signals, and status information without requiring a separate communication processor. During operation, the electronics draw only 65 mA from the K-bus power rail, which helps keep the load on the terminal assembly low. The housing is rated IP20, so the unit is intended for installation inside a control cabinet. Parameter settings can be edited in TwinCAT System Manager, allowing the serial channel to be adapted to the connected device and the required data exchange behavior.