As the next step in Beckhoff Automation's hybrid I/O and motor control technology, the KL2532 and KL2542 I/O terminals are a cost-effective alternative to traditional drive systems for DC motors. In addition to these new DC motor controllers, Beckhoff I/O solutions are available for control of stepper motors, hydraulic valves, lifting magnets and other devices.

Two 24 Watt (W) DC motors can be supplied with up to 1 Amp (A) from a KL2532 Bus Terminal, which have a width of only 12 mm. The larger Bus Terminal variant (KL2542) for two motors with ratings of up to 175 W includes an output stage for up to 50 V operating voltage and can supply a continuous current of 2 x 3.5 A. Short-term peak currents are permitted and allow for fast acceleration. The KL2542 also offers an option for direct connection of an incremental encoder for each motor. The Bus Terminal contains all features of a full interface between motion control software and the mechanical system.

Connection to the motor is very simple: only 2 wires are required for connecting a DC motor to the Bus Terminal. As a minimum, the rated current of the motor is stored in the Bus Terminal. With increasing complexity of the drive task, additional parameters such as maximum peak current and speed, internal resistance of the motor, or acceleration ramps can be set via the fieldbus. The KL2532 and KL2542 DC motor Bus Terminals are integrated into the TwinCAT automation software from Beckhoff. Via the TwinCAT System Manager, the DC motor can be integrated just as easily as any other type of drive.