CU2508 en

Documentation | EN
CU2508
Real-time Ethernet port multiplier
2021-12-20 | Version: 2.7

Table of contents
Table of contents
1 Foreword .................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Notes on the documentation.............................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Safety instructions ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Documentation issue status .............................................................................................................. 7
1.4 Version identification of EtherCAT devices ....................................................................................... 8
1.4.1 General notes on marking ................................................................................................. 8
1.4.2 Version identification of CU Switches ................................................................................ 9
1.4.3 Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)..................................................................................... 9
1.4.4 Electronic access to the BIC (eBIC) ................................................................................ 11
2 Product overview..................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Technical data ................................................................................................................................. 14
2.3 Technology ...................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Start ................................................................................................................................................. 21
3 Mounting and wiring................................................................................................................................ 22

3.1 Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................... 22
3.2 Installation positions ........................................................................................................................ 23
3.3 Mounting and demounting ............................................................................................................... 25
3.4 Cabling ............................................................................................................................................ 27
3.5 LEDs and connection ...................................................................................................................... 28
3.6 UL notice ......................................................................................................................................... 29
3.7 Disposal ........................................................................................................................................... 30
4 Commissioning........................................................................................................................................ 31
4.1 Setting up under TwinCAT 2.11 ...................................................................................................... 31
4.2 Port definition TwinCAT 2.11 ........................................................................................................... 34
4.2.1 Setup: Device EtherCAT.................................................................................................. 34
4.2.2 Setting up: Device EtherCAT with cable redundancy ...................................................... 39
4.2.3 Setting up: Device Ethernet and TCP/IP notes................................................................ 42
4.2.4 Setting up: Real-time Ethernet (Publisher/Subscriber, EAP push) .................................. 45
4.2.5 Setting up: Real-time Ethernet (BK90xx, ADS/RAW, EAP polling) ................................. 46
4.2.6 Setting up: PROFINET Controller/Device........................................................................ 48
4.2.7 Configuration: Ethernet/IP ............................................................................................... 49
4.3 Beckhoff EAP network variables ..................................................................................................... 49
4.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 49
4.3.2 Configuration of the Publisher ......................................................................................... 51
4.3.3 Configuration of the Subscriber ....................................................................................... 53
4.3.4 Beckhoff network variables - Settings.............................................................................. 58
5 Appendix .................................................................................................................................................. 66
5.1 ESL Protocol.................................................................................................................................... 66
5.2 Firmware Update ............................................................................................................................. 66
5.3 Firmware compatibility ..................................................................................................................... 75
5.4 Support and Service ........................................................................................................................ 76
CU2508 Version: 2.7 3

Table of contents
4 Version: 2.7 CU2508

Foreword
1 Foreword
1.1 Notes on the documentation

Intended audience
This description is only intended for the use of trained specialists in control and automation engineering who
are familiar with the applicable national standards.
It is essential that the documentation and the following notes and explanations are followed when installing
and commissioning these components.
It is the duty of the technical personnel to use the documentation published at the respective time of each
installation and commissioning.
The responsible staff must ensure that the application or use of the products described satisfy all the
requirements for safety, including all the relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and standards.
Disclaimer
The documentation has been prepared with care. The products described are, however, constantly under
development.
We reserve the right to revise and change the documentation at any time and without prior announcement.
No claims for the modification of products that have already been supplied may be made on the basis of the
data, diagrams and descriptions in this documentation.
Trademarks
Beckhoff®, TwinCAT®, TwinCAT/BSD®, TC/BSD®, EtherCAT®, EtherCAT G®, EtherCAT G10®, EtherCAT P®,
Safety over EtherCAT®, TwinSAFE®, XFC®, XTS® and XPlanar® are registered trademarks of and licensed by
Beckhoff Automation GmbH. Other designations used in this publication may be trademarks whose use by
third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.
Patent Pending
The EtherCAT Technology is covered, including but not limited to the following patent applications and
patents: EP1590927, EP1789857, EP1456722, EP2137893, DE102015105702 with corresponding
applications or registrations in various other countries.
EtherCAT® is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH,
Germany.
Copyright
© Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

The reproduction, distribution and utilization of this document as well as the communication of its contents to
others without express authorization are prohibited.
Offenders will be held liable for the payment of damages. All rights reserved in the event of the grant of a
patent, utility model or design.

Foreword
1.2 Safety instructions

Safety regulations
Please note the following safety instructions and explanations!

Product-specific safety instructions can be found on following pages or in the areas mounting, wiring,
commissioning etc.
Exclusion of liability
All the components are supplied in particular hardware and software configurations appropriate for the
application. Modifications to hardware or software configurations other than those described in the
documentation are not permitted, and nullify the liability of Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG.
Personnel qualification
This description is only intended for trained specialists in control, automation and drive engineering who are
familiar with the applicable national standards.
Description of instructions
In this documentation the following instructions are used.

These instructions must be read carefully and followed without fail!
DANGER
Serious risk of injury!
Failure to follow this safety instruction directly endangers the life and health of persons.
WARNING
Risk of injury!
Failure to follow this safety instruction endangers the life and health of persons.
CAUTION
Personal injuries!
Failure to follow this safety instruction can lead to injuries to persons.
NOTE
Damage to environment/equipment or data loss
Failure to follow this instruction can lead to environmental damage, equipment damage or data loss.
Tip or pointer
This symbol indicates information that contributes to better understanding.

Foreword
1.3 Documentation issue status

Version Comment
2.7 - New front page
- Update chapter “Version identification of EtherCAT devices”
- Chapter „Technical data“ updated
- Chapter “Installation positions” added
- Chapter “Disposal” added
- Update revision status
- Update structure
2.6 - Chapter „Firmware Update“ updated
- Update structure
2.5 - Chapter „Technical data“ updated
- Chapter „Technology“ updated
- Update structure
2.4 - Chapter „Technology“ updated
- Update structure
2.3 - Chapter „Technology“ updated
- Update structure
2.2 - Chapter „Firmware Update“ updated
- Update structure
2.1 - Chapter „Portdefinition TwinCAT 2.11“ updated
- Chapter „Technical data“ updated
- Update structure
2.0 - Migration
1.8 - Update chapter "LEDs and connection"
- Update structure
1.7 - Addenda chapter "Setting up under TwinCAT 2.11"
1.6 - Addenda chapter "Setting up: PROFINET Controller/Device"
1.5 - Addenda chapter "Technology"
1.4 - Addenda note chapter Ethernet/IP slave
1.3 - Addenda RT Ethernet
1.2 - Addenda current firmware status
1.1 - Addenda Ethernet/IP slave
1.0 - Corrections, 1st public issue
0.1 - Preliminary documentation for CU2508

Foreword
1.4 Version identification of EtherCAT devices
1.4.1 General notes on marking
Designation
A Beckhoff EtherCAT device has a 14-digit designation, made up of

• family key
• type
• version
• revision
Example Family Type Version Revision
EL3314-0000-0016 EL terminal 3314 (4-channel thermocouple 0000 (basic type) 0016
(12 mm, non- terminal)
pluggable connection
level)
ES3602-0010-0017 ES terminal 3602 (2-channel voltage 0010 (high- 0017
(12 mm, pluggable measurement) precision version)
connection level)
CU2008-0000-0000 CU device 2008 (8-port fast ethernet switch) 0000 (basic type) 0000
Notes
• The elements mentioned above result in the technical designation. EL3314-0000-0016 is used in the
example below.
• EL3314-0000 is the order identifier, in the case of “-0000” usually abbreviated to EL3314. “-0016” is the
EtherCAT revision.
• The order identifier is made up of
- family key (EL, EP, CU, ES, KL, CX, etc.)
- type (3314)
- version (-0000)
• The revision -0016 shows the technical progress, such as the extension of features with regard to the
EtherCAT communication, and is managed by Beckhoff.
In principle, a device with a higher revision can replace a device with a lower revision, unless specified
otherwise, e.g. in the documentation.
Associated and synonymous with each revision there is usually a description (ESI, EtherCAT Slave
Information) in the form of an XML file, which is available for download from the Beckhoff web site.
From 2014/01 the revision is shown on the outside of the IP20 terminals, see Fig. “EL5021 EL terminal,
standard IP20 IO device with batch number and revision ID (since 2014/01)”.
• The type, version and revision are read as decimal numbers, even if they are technically saved in
hexadecimal.

Foreword
1.4.2 Version identification of CU Switches

The serial number/ data code for Beckhoff IO devices is usually the 8-digit number printed on the device or
on a sticker. The serial number indicates the configuration in delivery state and therefore refers to a whole
production batch, without distinguishing the individual modules of a batch.
Structure of the serial number: KK YY FF HH Example with serial number 12 06 3A 02:
KK - week of production (CW, calendar week) 12 - production week 12
YY - year of production 06 - production year 2006
FF - firmware version 3A - firmware version 3A
HH - hardware version 02 - hardware version 02
Fig. 1: CU1521 switch with serial number 4820/ and the unique Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN)
00007su0
1.4.3 Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)

The Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) is increasingly being applied to Beckhoff products to uniquely identify
the product. The BIC is represented as a Data Matrix Code (DMC, code scheme ECC200), the content is
based on the ANSI standard MH10.8.2-2016.
Fig. 2: BIC as data matrix code (DMC, code scheme ECC200)
The BIC will be introduced step by step across all product groups.
Depending on the product, it can be found in the following places:

• on the packaging unit
• directly on the product (if space suffices)
• on the packaging unit and the product

Foreword
The BIC is machine-readable and contains information that can also be used by the customer for handling
and product management.
Each piece of information can be uniquely identified using the so-called data identifier
(ANSI MH10.8.2-2016). The data identifier is followed by a character string. Both together have a maximum
length according to the table below. If the information is shorter, spaces are added to it.
Following information is possible, positions 1 to 4 are always present, the other according to need of
production:
Posi- Type of Explanation Data Number of digits Example
tion information identifier incl. data identifier
1 Beckhoff order Beckhoff order number 1P 8 1P072222
number
2 Beckhoff Traceability Unique serial number, SBTN 12 SBTNk4p562d7
Number (BTN) see note below
3 Article description Beckhoff article 1K 32 1KEL1809
description, e.g.
EL1008
4 Quantity Quantity in packaging Q 6 Q1
unit, e.g. 1, 10, etc.
5 Batch number Optional: Year and week 2P 14 2P401503180016
of production
6 ID/serial number Optional: Present-day 51S 12 51S678294
serial number system,
e.g. with safety products
7 Variant number Optional: Product variant 30P 32 30PF971, 2*K183
number on the basis of
standard products
...
Further types of information and data identifiers are used by Beckhoff and serve internal processes.
Structure of the BIC
Example of composite information from positions 1 to 4 and with the above given example value on position
6. The data identifiers are highlighted in bold font:
1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 51S678294
Accordingly as DMC:
Fig. 3: Example DMC 1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 51S678294
BTN
An important component of the BIC is the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN, position 2). The BTN is a
unique serial number consisting of eight characters that will replace all other serial number systems at
Beckhoff in the long term (e.g. batch designations on IO components, previous serial number range for
safety products, etc.). The BTN will also be introduced step by step, so it may happen that the BTN is not yet
coded in the BIC.

Foreword
NOTE
This information has been carefully prepared. However, the procedure described is constantly being further
developed. We reserve the right to revise and change procedures and documentation at any time and with-
out prior notice. No claims for changes can be made from the information, illustrations and descriptions in
this information.
1.4.4 Electronic access to the BIC (eBIC)
Electronic BIC (eBIC)
The Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) is applied to the outside of Beckhoff products in a visible place. If
possible, it should also be electronically readable.
Decisive for the electronic readout is the interface via which the product can be electronically addressed.
K-bus devices (IP20, IP67)
Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.
EtherCAT devices (IP20, IP67)
All Beckhoff EtherCAT devices have a so-called ESI-EEPROM, which contains the EtherCAT identity with
the revision number. Stored in it is the EtherCAT slave information, also colloquially known as ESI/XML
configuration file for the EtherCAT master. See the corresponding chapter in the EtherCAT system manual
(Link) for the relationships.
The eBIC is also stored in the ESI‑EEPROM. The eBIC was introduced into the Beckhoff I/O production
(terminals, boxes) from 2020; widespread implementation is expected in 2021.
The user can electronically access the eBIC (if existent) as follows:
• With all EtherCAT devices, the EtherCAT master (TwinCAT) can read the eBIC from the ESI‑EEPROM
◦ From TwinCAT 3.1 build 4024.11, the eBIC can be displayed in the online view.
◦ To do this,
check the checkbox "Show Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)" under
EtherCAT → Advanced Settings → Diagnostics:
◦ The BTN and its contents are then displayed:
◦ Note: as can be seen in the illustration, the production data HW version, FW version and
production date, which have been programmed since 2012, can also be displayed with "Show
Production Info".

Foreword
◦ From TwinCAT 3.1. build 4024.24 the functions FB_EcReadBIC and FB_EcReadBTN for reading
into the PLC and further eBIC auxiliary functions are available in the Tc2_EtherCAT Library from
v3.3.19.0.
• In the case of EtherCAT devices with CoE directory, the object 0x10E2:01 can additionally by used to
display the device's own eBIC; the PLC can also simply access the information here:
◦ The device must be in SAFEOP/OP for access:
◦ the object 0x10E2 will be introduced into stock products in the course of a necessary firmware
revision.
◦ From TwinCAT 3.1. build 4024.24 the functions FB_EcCoEReadBIC and FB_EcCoEReadBTN for
reading into the PLC and further eBIC auxiliary functions are available in the Tc2_EtherCAT
Library from v3.3.19.0.
• Note: in the case of electronic further processing, the BTN is to be handled as a string(8); the identifier
"SBTN" is not part of the BTN.
• Technical background
The new BIC information is additionally written as a category in the ESI‑EEPROM during the device
production. The structure of the ESI content is largely dictated by the ETG specifications, therefore the
additional vendor-specific content is stored with the help of a category according to ETG.2010. ID 03
indicates to all EtherCAT masters that they must not overwrite these data in case of an update or
restore the data after an ESI update.
The structure follows the content of the BIC, see there. This results in a memory requirement of
approx. 50..200 bytes in the EEPROM.
• Special cases
◦ If multiple, hierarchically arranged ESCs are installed in a device, only the top-level ESC carries
the eBIC Information.
◦ If multiple, non-hierarchically arranged ESCs are installed in a device, all ESCs carry the eBIC
Information.
◦ If the device consists of several sub-devices with their own identity, but only the top-level device is
accessible via EtherCAT, the eBIC of the top-level device is located in the CoE object directory
0x10E2:01 and the eBICs of the sub-devices follow in 0x10E2:nn.
Profibus/Profinet/DeviceNet… Devices
Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.

Product overview
2 Product overview
2.1 Introduction
Fig. 4: CU2508
Real-time Ethernet port multiplier
The real-time Ethernet port multiplier allows the connection of eight independent FastEthernet networks
(100 Mbit/s). The CU2508 is connected to the PC via a gigabit uplink.
The PC offers high-performance data transfer to the multiplier, which allocates the data to the relevant
100BASE-TX port based on an analysis of a frame prefix and sends them time-controlled with µs precision.
Received frames are also allocated a prefix including a time stamp and sent to the PC.
With the aid of a driver, users have eight independent ports with full real-time characteristics available. The
CU2508 is used in applications in which several Ethernet ports are required that need to be realized
externally to the PC.
TwinCAT 2.11 supports the CU2508 and avoids the need for further network ports at the PC. For extremely
high demands, an EtherCAT installation can, for example, be distributed or expanded to up to eight strands
in order to multiply the performance. The distributed clocks of the EtherCAT strands are synchronized. An
EtherCAT cable redundancy in conjunction with distributed clocks can also be realized with two ports of the
CU2508.
Quick links
• Technology basics [} 14]

• Setup CU2508 [} 31]
• Setup EtherCAT [} 34]
• Setup EtherCAT cable redundancy [} 39]
• ESL protocol [} 66]

Product overview
2.2 Technical data

Technical data CU2508
Operating voltage 24 (18...30) VDC, 250 mA, 3-pin connector (+, -, PE)
Number of Ethernet ports 8 x 100 Mbit/s (100BASE-TX) and 1 x 1 Gbit/s (1000BASE-T, Uplink)
Ethernet interface RJ 45
Cable length up to 100 m, min. CAT5 twisted-pair, shielded
Diagnosis via LED, software
Protocols depends on used CU2508 driver
TwinCAT: Ethernet TCP/IP; real-time protocols: EtherCAT,
PROFINET, RT Ethernet etc.
TwinCAT support TwinCAT from version 2.11R2 (build 2028)
Operating systems XP/7/WES and CE/WEC
Electrical isolation 1,500 V
Weight approx. 500 g
permissible ambient temperature 0°C ... + 55°C
range during operation
permissible ambient temperature -25°C ... + 85°C
range during storage
permissible relative humidity 95 %, no condensation
Dimensions [} 22] (W x H x D) approx. 146 mm x 100 mm x 30 mm
Mounting [} 25] on 35 mm mounting rail conforms to EN 60715
Vibration/shock resistance conforms to EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27
EMC immunity/emission conforms to EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4
Protection class IP20
Installation position variable
Approval CE, EAC, UKCA
cULus [} 29]
*) Real applicable approvals/markings see type plate on the side (product marking).
2.3 Technology
Introduction
As a port multiplier that is as transparent as possible, the CU2508 extends one Gbit Ethernet port on the
controller to 8 FastEthernet ports in the field. It transports IEEE802.3 conformant Ethernet frames with
arbitrary contents.
Each port of the CU2508 sends and receives FastEthernet frames (100 Mbit, 100BASE-TX) over up to
100 m of copper cable/RJ45. The CU2508 does not generate or process the contents of any frames itself;
instead, it exclusively forwards frames sent to it by a special software driver to the field selectively via its 8
ports or forwards frames received from the field to the driver. The highly precise time information regarding
when the frames are sent or received is thereby optional.
To this end, the CU2508 has at its disposal

• the Uplink Gbit Master Port (X9) to the driver in the controller, which needs a Gbit connection at the
opposite end
• 8 equivalent 10/100 Mbit downlink ports (X1-X8) for the real-time traffic to the connected field devices
A CU2508 system thus consists of the CU2508 device and the CU2508 driver, e.g. integrated in TwinCAT
2.11R2 or TwinCAT 3.

Product overview
The CU2508 system does not replace master implementations of Ethernet based field buses; instead, it
tunnels specified data telegrams via the Gbit connection and then sends the frames at the specified time. It
behaves transparently for the protocols fed across it, with exception of the EtherCAT protocol – in this case a
CU2508 device is visible as the first slave in the configuration. Each materially existent I/O system on the
field side must therefore match a logical master component in the controller.
Several CU2508s can be used in each TwinCAT system.
Fig. 5: Principle CU2508 topology
Downlink Port characteristics
The default setting of the CU2508 is optimized for use with EtherCAT downlinks, especially for EtherCAT IO
redundancy operation. Therefore the 8 downlinks up to and including FW11 in the factory setting had the
function to mirror incoming 100 Mbit frames back to the transmitter if the 1 GBit uplink is missing, called
"Auto Link Close".
Fig. 6: Display "Auto Link Close"
In non-EtherCAT operation this feature can be a problem and might disrupt the underlying network.
Therefore it is deactivated globally for all downlink ports starting from FW12, so that in case of an uplink loss
no return of incoming 100 Mbit frames takes place but the frames in the CU2508 "percolate". The electrical
link is not changed.

Product overview
ESL protocol
The software driver in the controller/control device/IPC forms the counterpart to the CU2508. It works on a
Gbit port in the controller and "packs" the user data into the EtherCAT Switch Link Protocol (ESL) or unpacks
the ESL protocol from the CU2508 and forwards the user data to the application. Therefore, no extra
telegram containing control data is sent to/from the CU2508 for the handling of the user data; instead, the
user data generated by user programs are supplemented by several bytes of control and information data for
the connection between controller and CU2508.
The CU2508 driver is integrated in TwinCAT from version 2.11R2 onwards; pay attention to the
specifications in the Technical data. The ESL protocol is disclosed, see the Description page. In addition, it
has been included in the Wireshark-Installation since version 1.4.2.
EtherCAT systems and CU2508
The CU2508 can be used to operate several FastEthernet EtherCAT systems on one port of the IPC, i.e.
quasi as port-multiplier. Hence the term "port multiplier”.
When operating several EtherCAT systems on the ports of a CU2508, temporal effects may occur that may
be relevant for the application. Some explanations are provided below.
The CU2508 essentially supports the following three operation modes. To understand this, basic knowledge
of the EtherCAT operation modes and synchronization methods is helpful.
1. Standard mode: no frame influence, no DistributedClocks

◦ The CU2508 forwards incoming frames via Gbit-ESL to the desired FastEthernet port, also in the
opposite direction. There is no time control for the Ethernet frames.
◦ The EtherCAT slaves of the lower-level systems therefore operate on a frame-triggered basis (also
referred to as FreeRun mode), and the output times are essentially dependent on frame delays/
jitter, for example.
2. Time-controlled sending/time-stamped receiving: with frame influence, no DistributedClocks
◦ The CU2508 forwards incoming frames via Gbit-ESL to the desired FastEthernet port at the
requested time. Time stamping takes place in the opposite direction. In other words, the Ethernet
frames are time-controlled.
◦ Frame-triggered EtherCAT slaves thus operate with "low jitter", and "synchronized" between the
EtherCAT systems.
◦ In order for the frames to be forwarded on a time-controlled basis, buffering in the CU2508 is
required, which may cause considerable delays. For short cycle times the feasibility should be
verified!
◦ This operation mode is not yet supported (as of 2019).
3. DistributedClocks mode, no frame influence
◦ The forwarded EtherCAT frames are subject to temporal influence by the transmitting IPC, the
CU2508 and the EtherCAT slaves.
◦ The ports X1..8 are parameterized as DistributedClocks - ReferenceClocks
◦ Thus, the EtherCAT slaves of the lower-level systems that support DistributedClocks also operate
DC-synchronously. This means that the input/output operations in these slaves can be
synchronized, even at the "same" time between the EtherCAT systems on ports X1..8.
In this case the overall system is essentially independent of frame delays/jitter, as long as these
are not significant enough to impair the DistributedClocks control.
◦ With regard to EtherCAT operation, this method is essentially the most sensible, because
• it offers the best temporal definition for the input/output operations of the EtherCAT devices
• no time buffers are necessary in the CU2508
The following aspects must be taken into account in order to be able to estimate temporal effects in
operation modes 1 and 3:
• Depending on the data content, Ethernet frames have a time length of
◦ X1..8 FastEthernet: 7..128 µs, InterFrameGap (IFG) 9.6 µs
◦ X9 Gbit: 0.7..12 µs, IFG 0.96 µs

Product overview
• The CU2508 has an internal delaying data buffer for each port, due to the different transport speed.
• TwinCAT sends the Gbit frames for X9 serially (one after another) via the GBIT/ESL connection. The
GBit frame lengths can be of a magnitude that is significant in the context of short TwinCAT cycle
times!
• If several tasks are to be processed in TwinCAT, by default TwinCAT processes them serially (one
after the other). As a result, the ESL frames are sent with a corresponding delay.
The "isolated core" setting in the RealTime tasks provides a remedy so that the tasks can be
processed in parallel.
• The EtherCAT frame length must also be taken into account.
Example: An EtherCAT system is installed at ports X1 and X2, each with an EL2202 as output
terminal. The edges are to be measured with an oscilloscope for demonstration purposes. In system
X1 the bit of the respective output terminal used is in a short 7 µs frame, whereas in system X2 it is in a
long 128 µs frame. This alone causes the signal to be output 121 µs later in system X2.
A remedy is provided by DistributedClocks, see above.
(The position of the output data in the EtherCAT frame is usually irrelevant since output data is only
output after the checksum procedure, once the frame has fully passed the output device.)
• Typical delays caused by the management of the CU2508 are as follows
◦ In the downlink
Gbit X9 to FastEthernet X1..4: tFE = 1 µs
Gbit X9 to FastEthernet X5..8: tFE = 1.6 µs
Fig. 7: CU2508 Downlink Delay
◦ In the uplink
FastEthernet X1..X4 to Gbit X9: tGE = 0.7 µs
FastEthernet X5..X8 to Gbit X9: tGE = 1.1 µs

Product overview
Fig. 8: CU2508 Uplink Delay
◦ These delays are therefore relatively insignificant compared to the other factors mentioned above.
What immediately catches the eye, however, is the importance of the frame length and the
required buffering in the uplink.
CU2508 as EtherCAT slave
Each downlink port of the CU2508 can be configured as a separate "EtherCAT device", see chapter
EtherCAT device setup [} 34]. In this case the CU2508 port represents the first EtherCAT device in the
system. It is capable of Distributed Clocks and can therefore operate as a reference clock in the strand.
The combination of EtherCAT cable redundancy and Distributed Clock function is possible by combining two
such EtherCAT ports using the "TwinCAT cable redundancy" supplement (subject to charge).
Time-controlled send/receive (in preparation)
The frame forwarding in the CU2508 can be subjected to precise time control by the local clock:
• the driver or the user application specifies the downlink port via which the frame is to be sent by the
CU2508 and when.
These data are added by the driver to each frame as additional information.
• each frame received by the CU2508 at a Downlink port is supplemented by receipt information
(receiving port, time) and forwarded to the controller via the uplink.
The local hardware-based clock in the CU2508 then controls the sending of the frames with a high temporal
quality. In this way, the CU2508 permits the construction of a real-time Ethernet network (TwinCAT
Publisher/Subscriber, Profinet etc.), even if the control device cannot guarantee hard real-time when sending
the protocol data. However, the control device must be able to deliver or accept the data with sufficient
speed.
The time controller uses the 64-bit time format familiar from the EtherCAT Distributed Clocks system:
resolution 1 ns, starting from 1.1.2000 00:00 and thus adequate for ~584 years
The time stamp information (sending and receiving) is for the time being only evaluated by the CU2508
driver and is not available to the user application.
As the start of an Ethernet frame, the SFD (Start of Frame Delimiter) is evaluated according to the
IEEE802.3 standard.
EoE and TCP/IP
The CU2508 is connected to the IPC via the Gbit interface. This Ethernet interface appears in the operating
system/Windows of the IPC with its properties (IP address, IP mask etc.). From the point of view of the
operating system, therefore, there is “only” this network connection via which telegrams can be sent or
received. The CU2508 driver can now either convey data traffic from the operating system level to a

Product overview
dedicated CU2508 port or feed it into the virtual EtherCAT EoE “switch”. Also compare the documentation for
the EL6601/EL6614 here. The selection is made in the settings in the System Manager. Either the specific
CU2508 port or generally EoE can be selected via "TCP/IP Port".
Refer in particular to the TCP/IP notes [} 42] here.
Fig. 9: Different IP data traffic depending on the setting
Applications
The above-described functions permit the use of the CU2508 for the following applications, among others:
• Multi EtherCAT adapter [} 34]
Up to 8 independent EtherCAT systems can be created.
• Synchronized EtherCAT systems [} 34]
If the CU2508 is selected as the ReferenceClock, the EtherCAT systems connected to the CU2508 are
operated with the same synchronized time base.
• EtherCAT cable redundancy [} 39]
2 downlink ports of each CU2508 can be combined into a cable-redundant EtherCAT system. Hence,
fewer Ethernet ports are occupied on the controller; only one Gbit Ethernet port is required for the
uplink. Up to 4 cable-redundant EtherCAT systems are possible. The CU2508 is placed next to the
controller in the control cabinet; I/O cable connections that are in danger of being disconnected are
then fed redundantly out of the control cabinet in the ring closure.

Product overview
Fig. 10: Use of the CU2508 as an EtherCAT cable redundancy star point
• EtherCAT cable redundancy with Distributed Clocks [} 39]

The common time base of the CU2508 ensures that EtherCAT slaves that require Distributed Clocks
are still subject to synchronization in the case of redundancy.
The CU2508 is currently the only way to operate Distributed Clocks compatible slaves in a cable-
redundant ring.
• Use of TCP/IP without real-time [} 42]
A downlink port on the CU2508 can be configured as a non-real-time Ethernet port, or the CU2508
works in the Ethernet over EtherCAT (EoE) network and forwards TCP/IP frames from the connected
EtherCAT systems.
Fig. 11: Use of the CU2508 as an Ethernet multi-protocol handler with EtherCAT and TCP/IP
• Real time fieldbus on non-real-time controller

If an Ethernet-based fieldbus requires a reliable constancy with respect to the sending of
communication telegrams, low jitter is demanded in the cyclic operations of the controller. If a high-
performance controller is able to process the cyclic operations with sufficient frequency (= demanded
short cycle time), but the jitter, i.e. the regular interval between the cycles is inadmissibly high, then the
CU2508 system, as a real-time frame handler, can provide the constant interval in frame sending,
provided the new data are available early enough in the CU2508.

Product overview
Fig. 12: Use of the CU2508 as an EtherCAT real-time environment
There are currently still restrictions (TwinCAT 2.11/3.1, FW10) with regard to
• external synchronization of the CU2508
The influence on the internal CU2508 clock is still in preparation.
• Profinet [} 48]
• BACNet
• time stamp-controlled sending/receiving of frames
The implementation of these and further protocols is in preparation.
Data traffic in the lower-level EtherCAT segments
From FW07 and ESI revision -0018, Ports 1 and 5 have a larger data buffer of 16 kbyte (instead of 8 kbyte)
for EtherCAT segments with particularly high data transfer rates.
"High data traffic" is generated by IO systems with many cyclical data, e.g. when many subscribers (over
100) and/or subscribers with large data requirements (e.g. analog oversampling terminals) are used.
If a "large" IO system is operated in EtherCAT redundancy mode, it is advisable to use ports 1 and 5.
The memory situation found is occasionally reported by TwinCAT with "Cu2508 fifo sizes...":
Fig. 13: Message relating to CU2508 fifo sizes
2.4 Start
For commissioning
• install the CU2508 as described in the Mounting and wiring [} 22] chapter
• configure the CU2508 in TwinCAT as described in the Commissioning [} 31] chapter
Furthermore, the field devices typical for the application are required on the downlink ports.

Mounting and wiring
3 Mounting and wiring
3.1 Dimensions
Dimensions without plugs (W x H x D)
• CU2508: approx. 146.5 mm x 100 mm x 38 m
Space requirement in the control cabinet

• The RJ45 connector increase the depth depending on their design and the Ethernet cable used.
• Above the mounting rail an additional height of approx. 10 mm is required to enable latching
[} 25] of the switch onto the rail.
• Take into account the recommended distances of 35 mm above and below the device (see chap-
ter Installation positions [} 23]).
Fig. 14: CU2508 dimensions

Mounting and wiring
3.2 Installation positions

NOTE
Constraints regarding installation position and operating temperature range
Please refer to the technical data for a component to ascertain whether any restrictions regarding the instal-
lation position and/or the operating temperature range have been specified. When installing high power dis-
sipation components ensure that an adequate spacing is maintained between other components above and
below the terminal in order to guarantee adequate ventilation!
Optimum installation position (standard)
The optimum installation position requires the mounting rail to be installed horizontally and the connection
surfaces of the components to face forward (see Fig. Recommended distances for standard installation
position). “From below” is relative to the acceleration of gravity.
Fig. 15: Recommended distances for standard installation position
Compliance with the distances shown in Fig. Recommended distances for standard installation position is
recommended.
Other installation positions
All other installation positions are characterized by different spatial arrangement of the mounting rail - see
Fig Other installation positions.
The minimum distances to ambient specified above also apply to these installation positions.

Mounting and wiring
Fig. 16: Other installation positions

Mounting and wiring
3.3 Mounting and demounting

The CU2xx switches are mounted on the mounting surface with the aid of a 35 mm DIN rail (mounting rail
according to EN 60715).
Mounting
• Fit the mounting rail to the planned assembly location.
• Suspend the switch on the mounting rail with the spring on the lower side of its latching flange.
• Press the switch upwards (1).
• Press the upper side of the switch (2) against the assembly surface until it latches in the mounting rail.
• Attach the cable.
Fig. 17: Mounting

Mounting and wiring
Removal
• Remove all the cables.
• Press the switch upwards (3).
• Pull the other side of the switch (4) away from the assembly surface.
Fig. 18: Removal

Mounting and wiring
3.4 Cabling
Power supply
Pin configuration of the spring loaded terminal
Fig. 19: CU20xx_PowerClamp
UL requirements
• from an isolated source protected by a fuse of max. 4A (according to UL248) or
• from a voltage supply complying with NEC class 2.
• An NEC class 2 voltage source must not be connected in series or parallel with another NEC
class 2 voltage source! These requirements apply to the supply of all Bus Couplers, power sup-
ply terminals, Bus Terminals and their power contacts.
UL requirements
In order to comply with UL requirements, the EtherCAT components must not be connected to un-
limited voltage sources!
Ethernet
Pin configuration of the RJ45 sockets
Fig. 20: Pin configuration of the RJ45 sockets

Mounting and wiring
3.5 LEDs and connection

The CU2508 has four diagnosis LEDs.
Fig. 21: CU2508 front view
LEDs
LED Color Meaning

RUN green This LED indicates the operating state of the CU2508 running as an EtherCAT device
off State of the EtherCAT State Machine: INIT = initialization of the terminal or
BOOTSTRAP
flashing State of the EtherCAT State Machine: PREOP = function for mailbox
communication and different standard-settings set
single flash State of the EtherCAT State Machine: SAFEOP = verification of the sync
manager channels and the distributed clocks.
Outputs remain in safe state
on State of the EtherCAT State Machine: OP = normal operating state; mailbox
and process data communication is possible
Int Act green flashes when data traffic occurs
Power green on, when the device is powered correctly
Error yellow an error has occurred (see chapter "Error handling and diagnosis")
X1 - X8 green Link/Activity
yellow internal buffer overflow, alignment error detected
Pin assignment
Terminal point Comment

X0 24 VDC power supply: +, GND and shield connection (functional earth)
X1..X8 DownLink Port FastEthernet 10/100 Mbit
X9 UpLink Port Gbit Ethernet

Mounting and wiring
Shielding concept
The PE/shield connection is connected to the metal housing. It should be used as functional earth to protect
from interference.
Fig. 22: CU2508 shield concept
3.6 UL notice
CAUTION
Application
Beckhoff EtherCAT modules are intended for use with Beckhoff’s UL Listed EtherCAT Sys-
tem only.
CAUTION
Examination
For cULus examination, the Beckhoff I/O System has only been investigated for risk of fire
and electrical shock (in accordance with UL508 and CSA C22.2 No. 142).
CAUTION
For devices with Ethernet connectors
Not for connection to telecommunication circuits.
Basic principles
UL certification according to UL508. Devices with this kind of certification are marked by this sign:

Mounting and wiring
3.7 Disposal
Products marked with a crossed-out wheeled bin shall not be discarded
with the normal waste stream. The device is considered as waste
electrical and electronic equipment. The national regulations for the
disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment must be observed.

Commissioning
4 Commissioning
4.1 Setting up under TwinCAT 2.11

The CU2508 must be created as a MultipleProtocolHandler in the configuration before functions can be
assigned to its downlink ports.
Online scanning of the CU2508 is for the time being only possible with EtherCAT systems connected to the
downlink ports. The notes in the EtherCAT port definition [} 34] regarding the ESI XML files must then be
observed.
Setting up
Append a new device in the TwinCAT System Manager with a right click.
Fig. 23: Appending a new device
Select the "Real-Time Ethernet Adapter (Multiple Protocol Handler)".
Fig. 24: Selection of the MultiplerProtocolHandler
Now select the Gbit uplink port used for the CU2508. You can only select ports on which the Beckhoff real-
time driver is installed/activated. <none> can also be selected if the port is to be selected later.
Fig. 25: Selection of the Gbit Ethernet port used on the controller
If the real-time driver is not yet installed, it has to be installed first, e.g. via the System Manager options.

Commissioning
Fig. 26: Installation of the Beckhoff real-time driver
Characteristics that are important for the further operation, e.g. the MAC and the IP addresses of the Gbit
network port are now listed in the adapter characteristics of the MultipleProtocolHandler.
Fig. 27: Adapter data for the Gbit Ethernet port used
Name Explanation
Description Name of the adapter in the operating system (the same on several identical PC systems)
Device Name Unique adapter name (different on several identical PC systems)
MAC Address MAC address of the hardware adapter; not changeable
IP Address IP address of the hardware adapter; changeable via the Windows operating system
"Network Connection" settings
Freerun Cycle The adapter is now operated in ConfigMode with this cycle time, i.e. usually 250 cycles/
sec.
Promiscuous If activated, the Ethernet Frames are copied from the real-time context into the Windows
Mode NDIS layer and can thus be read by Netmon/Wireshark
Virtual Device deactivated:
Names "Device Name" is used by TwinCAT for the identification of the network adapter. Thus a
TwinCAT configuration is not transferable to another PC system without being changed.
activated:
"Description" is used by TwinCAT for the identification of the network adapter. Thus a
TwinCAT configuration is transferable to another PC system without being changed if an
adapter with this name is present there.
The number of necessary ports must be set in the port mask (A). The TCP/IP mode of operation is also to be
set (B); "via EoE" must be set for pure EtherCAT operation. Refer here to the Notes on TCP/IP settings
[} 42]. In each case the ESL protocol must be activated for the CU2508 on this Gbit port (C).

Commissioning
Fig. 28: Number of adapters
The CU2508 has no separate diagnostic variables, since it is designed to be as transparent an infrastructure
device as possible.
In the following
• individual downlink ports can now be assigned to protocols
• the TCP/IP behavior of the CU2508 can be set
Diagnosis
The TwinCAT System Manager provide several information about the online operation.
Fig. 29: Statistics
Name Explanation
Send Utilization (%) Utilization of the Gbit ESL transmission in transmit direction
R: real-time data, N: non-real-time data
Recv Utilization (%) Utilization of the Gbit ESL transmission in receive direction
R: real-time data, N: non-real-time data

Commissioning
4.2 Port definition TwinCAT 2.11
4.2.1 Setup: Device EtherCAT

Table of contents
• Notes on the EtherCAT device [} 34]
• Setting up an EtherCAT device [} 34]
• Configuration settings under TwinCAT 2.11R2 [} 35]
• Distributed Clocks behavior [} 37]
• EoE settings [} 38]
A downlink port of the CU2508 is set up as an EtherCAT device. The correct setup of the CU2508 [} 31]
device is assumed.
Notes on the EtherCAT device

• The CU2508 downlink port appears as the first regular EtherCAT slave. It can optionally represent the
Distributed Clocks reference clock in this EtherCAT system. The port has no controllable I/O.
• All CU2508 downlink ports are synchronized with each other.
• A second CU2508 port can be used as a ring closure for EtherCAT cable redundancy. The primary
EtherCAT connection must then be connected to an odd CU2508 port (X1, X3 etc.) and the secondary
redundancy adapter to the following even CU2508 port (refer to the corresponding chapter Device
EtherCAT with cable redundancy [} 39]).
• The CU2508 sends EtherCAT frames in pass-through mode without time stamps.
Setting up an EtherCAT device
In EtherCAT operation the CU2508 downlink port used is not transparent, but appears as a Distributed
Clocks-capable EtherCAT slave in the configuration. As a result it can appear as a reference clock.
However, the EtherCAT slave is otherwise not parameterizable or addressable.
As applies to every EtherCAT device, the current ESI xml files should be present in the TwinCAT system for
the CU2508 also. This applies both to the offline creation of the configuration and to scanning in online
operation. The files (in particular “Beckhoff CUxxxx.xml”) can be procured from the download area on the
Beckhoff web page. They are to be saved under "… \ TwinCAT\Io\EtherCAT\".
Updating the ESI XML files

If the following information window should appear in online mode when scanning the devices on the
CU2508: (see Fig. Information window "Online description") then an update for above mentioned
file is necessary:
Click on "No", close the System Manager window, install the current ESI xml files and create the
configuration in a newly opened System Manager window.
Fig. 30: Information window "Online description"
Creation of the configuration

The simple option to create the configuration by scanning the real hardware is only possible if an
EtherCAT device is manually connected to a CU2508 port in the configuration.

Commissioning
Configuration settings under TwinCAT 2.11R2
Creating an EtherCAT device
An EtherCAT device can be added by right-clicking on I/O Device - > Append Device.
Fig. 31: Creating an EtherCAT device
Fig. 32: Selection of the "EtherCAT" device
The desired downlink port of the CU2508 can now be selected.
Fig. 33: Selection of the CU2508 port
The device "Device 2 (EtherCAT)" is now connected, according to the adapter reference, not to a physical
Ethernet port of the controller, but to a logical adapter reference of the CU2508. This assignment can also be
changed later. The freerun cycle time in the TwinCAT ConfigMode is shown here for the adapter.

Commissioning
Fig. 34: Adapter setting for the EtherCAT device
Creation of the configuration

Scanning of the EtherCAT configuration is also possible from this state onwards.
Creating a CU2508 box
The CU2508 downlink port appears as an EtherCAT slave and can be scanned or created manually.
Fig. 35: Appending a CU2508 EtherCAT slave
If creating manually, the “CU2508 Ethernet port” CU2508-0000 must be selected. The check box
"ExtendedInformation" displays the revision numbers, in this case -0000 (fig. Selection of “CU2508 Ethernet
Port”).
If "CU2508" is entered in the Search mask, the overview is reduces to the sought device.
Fig. 7: Selection of “CU2508 Ethernet Port”
Further EtherCAT slaves can now be appended to the CU2508 Box.

Commissioning
Fig. 36: Appending further EtherCAT slaves
Distributed Clocks settings
All CU2508 downlink ports are synchronized with each other and can appear as ReferenceClock in the
respective EtherCAT strand. In the default setting, however, the CU2508 port is not marked as Distributed-
Clocks-capable, hence under TwinCAT the next subsequent Distributed-Clocks-capable slave is selected as
the ReferenceClock. In each case the CU2508 port is the 1st slave in the respective strand.
Fig. 37: EtherCAT Distributed Clocks reference
If the CU2508 port is to be used as the ReferenceClock in a system, the setting "Use as potential
ReferenceClock" must be changed; see fig. CU2508 slave - Distributed Clocks setting.
Fig. 38: CU2508 slave - Distributed Clocks setting

Commissioning
Synchronized EtherCAT systems

If several EtherCAT systems are to be operated on CU2508 ports synchronized with the same time
base, the flag "Use as potential Reference Clock" must be set in the appropriate "CU2508 box".
External synchronization to another time base is then not possible.
The internal clock in the CU2508 works independently and is only managed by the CU2508 driver.
EoE settings (Ethernet over EtherCAT)
If devices with EoE support are used in a lower-level EtherCAT system, this affects the settings of the EoE
switch in the CU2508 if this is configured for EoE transport. Refer to the Notes pages on TCP/IP traffic
[} 42].
If such devices are present in the EtherCAT system,

• the Virtual Ethernet Switch must be enabled (“Enable”)
• “Connect to TCP/IP Stack” can be activated
• the numbers "Max Frames" and "Max MAC IDs" can be increased if throughput problems are
determined
Fig. 39: EtherCat device EoE settings
If several EtherCAT system EoE devices are used, this increases the settings of the CU2508 EoE switch.
Fig. 40: CU2508 EoE settings

Commissioning
4.2.2 Setting up: Device EtherCAT with cable redundancy

If a downlink port of the CU2508 has been set up as an EtherCAT device, a further port can be used as a 2nd
EtherCAT port for the purpose of cable redundancy.
The "TwinCAT cable redundancy" supplement serves to keep the EtherCAT system in operation in the case
of an unforeseen interruption in communication due to cable breakage. The system is single-error tolerant.
This achieved by the ring closure of the EtherCAT system to the controller. If more than 1 error occurs,
slaves drop out of the communication. They are only readmitted after all connections have been restored.
Fig. 41: TwinCAT EtherCAT cable redundancy
Regarding this, refer to the principle explanations in the EtherCAT system documentation.
The combination of the EtherCAT cable redundancy and Distributed Clocks technologies is possible using
the CU2508.
Notes on EtherCAT cable redundancy

• Only the downlink port combinations X1/2, X3/4, X5/6 and X7/8 are permissible for EtherCAT cable
redundancy.
• If EtherCAT cable redundancy is activated, the CU2508 ports used is automatically set as the
Distributed Clock ReferenceClock. The synchronization of the devices can thus be maintained even in
the case of media interruption.
• During EtherCAT startup with Distributed Clock devices, the cable-redundant ring must be closed, and
continuous communication must be possible, otherwise no synchronization is possible.
• An external Distributed Clocks synchronization of such an EtherCAT system is not possible for the time
being.
• The supplementary license "EtherCAT cable redundancy" is chargeable and is available for Windows
XP (NT, 7, WES) and CE (WEC).
It can be downloaded from the download area on the Beckhoff web page.

Commissioning
Setting up EtherCAT cable redundancy
The EtherCAT configuration must be created on a CU2508 downlink port as described in the chapter "Setup:
Device EtherCAT [} 34]". The resulting topology can be displayed in the Device EtherCAT using the Topology
button; see fig. Display of a simple EtherCAT topology.
Fig. 42: Display of a simple EtherCAT topology
The items below are to be specified in the following steps

• the control-side redundancy adapter, in this case on the CU2508
• the field-side redundancy adapter on the last EtherCAT slave
The EtherCAT redundancy port is specified in Device -> EtherCAT -> Advanced Settings.
Fig. 43: Specification of the redundancy port
Specification Meaning
Off no EtherCAT cable redundancy
Second Adapter physical adapter/Ethernet port of the controller
Adapter Reference logical adapter such as in the CU2508

Commissioning
Number of ports
A corresponding number of ports must be set to available in the settings for the CU2508 adapter.
After specifying the redundancy adapter, it must be checked whether the System Manager has selected the
correct EtherCAT slave port as the field-side connection point, see fig. Specification of the field-side
redundancy port.
Fig. 44: Specification of the field-side redundancy port
The correct selection can be checked in the Topology window.
Fig. 45: Checking topology with EtherCAT cable redundancy

Commissioning
4.2.3 Setting up: Device Ethernet and TCP/IP notes

Table of contents
• Explanation of TCP/IP v4 [} 42]
• Application CU2508 [} 42]
• Settings for the dedicated TCP/IP port [} 43]
• EoE settings [} 43]
Explanation TCP/IP v4
TransmissionControlProtocol/InternetProtocol (TCP/IP) is the name given to a bundle of procedures from the

1970s, which defines a packet-mediated forwarding of data. This mediation procedure is used in
contemporary everyday communication, in particular on the Ethernet physics (e.g. Fast Ethernet, Gbit) and
the hardware-orientated MAC addressing normally used there. The basic principles of this set are
• packets of user data of 64 to 1486 bytes (special forms are not uncommon) are sent from a transmitter
to one (unicast) or more (multicast, broadcast) receivers.
• In IPv4 the source and destination addresses each consist of 4 bytes separated by a point, e.g.
"192.168.1.1" or "123.001.002.001".
Note: IPv6 extends the address space by a further 2 bytes and will replace IPv4 in the mid-term.
• There does not have to be a direct physical connection (cable) between transmitter and receiver;
instead, intelligent packet mediators analyze the source and destination addresses and forward the
packets (key words: routing and switching). This results in delays and possible loss of data.
• The IP is a bi-directional reconfirmed communication, because the receiver acknowledges the receipt
of data to the transmitter. This causes a further communication load and increased transport time. Lost
data can thus be repeated automatically.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol) can also be used instead of IP. It works without reconfirmation, lost
data must then be requested again at a higher communication level. In return, less time is required for
data communication.
The Windows operating system manages TCP/IP communication with its Ethernet adapters in the so-called
NDIS network mediation layer. The adapter settings can be accessed via the Windows Control Panel-
>Network Settings or the Windows CE CXconfig tool from Beckhoff.
These circumstances make TCP/IP-supported communication unsuitable for an application with higher real-
time requirements, but very suitable for flexible (variable) connections via many hubs (intermediate stations)
with an arbitrarily high data traffic.
Application CU2508
Two methods are available if TCP/IP frames are to be transmitted via the CU2508 (with no real-time
requirement):
• one port of the CU2508 is defined as a dedicated TCP/IP port [} 43].
Hence, it works for the operating system as an "extension" of the port to which the CU2508 is
connected, with the MAC and IP data of the Gbit port used according to the operating system data.
Under TwinCAT with its integrated CU2508 driver, this port is then connected to the Windows NDIS
mediation layer in the Windows operating system. Real-time traffic is then no longer possible via this
port; the CU2508 works as a transparent frame transporter.
• the CU2508 is generally set to EoE operation [} 43] (Ethernet over EtherCAT), “via EoE”.
Then the integrated virtual EoE switch is activated in the CU2508 system and the connection is
established to the EtherCAT systems connected to the CU2508. In the case of EoE, Ethernet frames
are transported within acyclic EtherCAT telegrams by mailbox procedures, fragmented if necessary in
the case of overlength. The EL6601 or EL6614 can be used as an EtherCAT/Ethernet interface.
The MAC and IP data of the Gbit port used according to operating system data are used for
addressing.
This procedure is usable only for connected EtherCAT circuits.
The setting is made in the Ports tab for the CU2508 and does not change the mode of operation of the
CU2508, but only the handling of TCP/IP Frames in the CU2508 driver.

Commissioning
Fig. 46: Setting the TCP/IP operating mode
It is not possible to operate the CU2508 as an independent switch with forwarding rules according to MAC
rules (switch) or IP rules (router).
Settings for the dedicated TCP/IP port
The specified CU2508 port (100Mbit/FastEthernet) is then connected directly to the Windows network
mediation layer; real-time operation of this port is no longer possible. Free TCP/IP network traffic is then no
longer possible on the other CU2508 ports.
Notes
• The IP and MAC address of the used Gbit port are used for TCP/IP communication. Address area/
subnet mask must therefore correspond to the addressed devices.
In the example in fig. Declaration of a CU2508 downlink port as a TCP/IP port, the address area is
under the IP mask 255.255.0.0; therefore, all devices must have an IP address from the area
192.168.x.x.
• These settings are changed via the Windows Control Panel -> Network Settings for the adapter. The
CXconfig tool must be used under Windows CE.
• The CU2508 works transparently; all procedures for the address assignment (DHCP, BootP,…) can be
used.
• The throughput depends on the extent of utilization of the downlink port and the Windows network
mediation layer.
Fig. 47: Declaration of a CU2508 downlink port as a TCP/IP port
EoE settings
The virtual EoE switch of the CU2508 driver is tied into the CU2508 Ethernet adapter and accessible in the
Switch tab of the RT Ethernet adapter. The VirtualEthernetSwitch is activated automatically if devices that
use Ethernet-over-EtherCAT are used in the lower-level EtherCAT systems - the numbers of max. frames
and ports are adapted accordingly.

Commissioning
Notes
• The IP address of the used Gbit adapter and the subnet mask is used for communication. The EoE
devices (printer, scanner, remote PC etc.) must therefore have their address within this area.
• The throughput depends among other things on the EtherCAT cycle time, the number EoE devices and
the extent of utilization of the individual connections. Attention must be paid to the notes regarding this
in the documentation for the EoE devices.
• The EoE system can be connected to the NDIS layer via the switch "Connect to TCP/IP Stack" (fig.
Flow of data when using the CU2508 as an EoE switch, A).
• IP routing is a function inherent to the operating system for the mediation of IP telegrams even
between networks that do not lie in the same subnet. Thus, for example, between the devices
192.168.1.1 and 172.168.1.1, which each lie in the mask 255.255.0.0.
This function is activated with "IP Enable Router" (fig. Flow of data when using the CU2508 as an EoE
switch, B). It is also available under Windows CE (CXconfig tools).
Fig. 48: Flow of data when using the CU2508 as an EoE switch
The switch settings for the EoE mediation are accessible in the System Manager, see fig. EoE switch
settings. The limit values are adapted automatically to the types and numbers of the devices during the
creation of the configuration.
Fig. 49: EoE switch settings
Name Explanation
Max. Ports Number of ports of the virtual switch. Each EoE device (e.g. EL6601, AX5000) in the lower-level EtherCAT systems oc-
cupies one port.
Max Frames Max. number of temporarily stored Ethernet frames. Can be increased if there are noticeable throughput bottlenecks.
Max MAC Ids MAC addresses of the connected devices stored in the internal Switch-Look-Up table. Must be larger than the maximum
number of Ethernet devices ever connected to all systems.
Connect to Connects the EoE switch to the internal Windows NDIS network layer
TCP/IP Stack IP range must thereby correspond
IP Enable This function is provided by the Windows operating system and is accessible via the registry or, in the case of embed-
Router ded CX systems under Windows CE/WEC, via the CX-config tool.
If activated, the NDIS network layer also mediates IP packets whose IP addresses do not correspond to the subnet
mask .

Commissioning
4.2.4 Setting up: Real-time Ethernet (Publisher/Subscriber, EAP

push)
Table of contents
• Notes on the device [} 45]
• Setting up the device [} 45]
Notes on the device

• An EAP adapter must be created in the configuration in order to operate a CU2508 downlink port as a
publisher/subscriber device of EAP real-time Ethernet telegrams ("network variables").
• Attention is to be paid to the general notes on the EAP/Publisher/Subscriber procedure [} 49].
• The EAP (EtherCAT Automation Protocol) is operated here in the so-called push mode as opposed to
the so-called polling mode for flexible data transfer.
• At least TwinCAT 2.11R3 is required for operation on the master side.
Setting up the real-time Ethernet device
For the setup a real-time Ethernet adapter is to be created as usual.
Fig. 50: Creating a new device
Fig. 51: Selection of the adapter for EAP
If not all devices are offered, the target platform can be selected via TargetType.
Not an actual port of the PC, but rather a virtual adapter of the CU2508 is then merely selected as the
Ethernet adapter for the CU2508.

Commissioning
Fig. 52: Selection of the Ethernet adapter
The number of available ports (in this case 4) depends on the settings of the CU2508 device (see there).
Fig. 53: Adding the Ethernet devices
Subsequently the required Ethernet couplers/boxes/drives can be manually added or scanned. Before a
scan TwinCAT should be restarted once in the Config/FreeRun mode.
4.2.5 Setting up: Real-time Ethernet (BK90xx, ADS/RAW, EAP

polling)
Table of contents
• Notes on the device [} 46]
• Setting up the device [} 46]
Notes on the device

• An EAP (poll) adapter must be created in the configuration in order to operate a CU2508 downlink port
as an EAP real-time Ethernet interface for IO devices (BK90xx, EK90x).
• The EAP (EtherCAT Automation Protocol) is operated here in the so-called polling mode
• At least TwinCAT 2.11R3 is required for operation on the master side.
Setting up the real-time Ethernet device
For the setup a real-time Ethernet adapter is to be created as usual.

Commissioning
Fig. 54: Creating a new device
Fig. 55: Selection of the device for BK90xx and others
Not an actual port of the PC, but rather a virtual adapter of the CU2508 is then merely selected as the
Ethernet adapter for the CU2508.
Fig. 56: Selection of the CU2508 port to be used
The number of available ports (in this case 7) depends on the settings of the CU2508 device (see there).
Fig. 57: Adding the Ethernet devices

Commissioning
Subsequently the required Ethernet couplers/boxes/drives can be manually added or scanned. Before a
scan TwinCAT should be restarted once in the Config/FreeRun mode.
4.2.6 Setting up: PROFINET Controller/Device

The usage of the PROFINET real-time protocol is possible for the device (slave) or controller (master)
supplement with the CU2508. However, you can use only one controller or device, if they are in a unique
network. If the networks a physically separated, it is possible to use more than one controller or device
supplement with one CU2508. This is due to the fact, that the CU2508 uses only one MAC address. The
function of several PROFINET segments can only be secured, if the MAC address in a network segment is
unique and there is no connection to other networks.
Availability
This function can be used from TwinCAT 2.11R3 build 2234.
RT Ethernet adapter settings
Enable the lower setting under the Ports tab (radio button "EtherCAT Switch Link Protocol"); all other settings
should be left at default.
Fig. 58: Selection of the "Virtual Port" setting
Setting of the PROFINET Device or Controller adapter
Once the CU2508 has been activated as Multiple Protocol Handler in the system and the relevant ports have
been enabled, you can select an "Adapter Referent" under the "Adapter" tab for the Controller or the Device.
Enter the port through which you want to operate PROFINET.

Commissioning
Fig. 59: Selecting the "Adapter Referent"
No other special considerations are required for the CU2508; you can proceed as usual.
4.2.7 Configuration: Ethernet/IP

Ethernet/IP is currently (2020) not supported.
4.3 Beckhoff EAP network variables
4.3.1 Introduction
Network variables are any variables that are cyclically exchanged between PC/CX1000 via TwinCAT.
Variables with any data types, including complex types, can be exchanged. The Publisher/Subscriber model
is used. For highly deterministic communication, the real-time Ethernet driver for TwinCAT must be installed.
Publisher/Subscriber model
In the Publisher/Subscriber model, the Publisher makes variables available. Subscribers can subscribe to a
variable. The Publisher can make the variable available to a Subscriber, several Subscribers or all
Subscribers. In Broadcast mode the variable is made available to all PCs, in Multicast mode to selected PCs
and in Unicast mode only to one selected PC. A Subscriber can also be Publisher at the same time. In this
way, a bidirectional data link can be provided.

Commissioning
Fig. 60: Publisher/Subscriber model
Unicast
The Publisher makes the network variable available to a single selected PC.
Multicast
The Publisher makes the network variable available to selected PCs.
Broadcast
The Publisher makes the network variable available to all PCs.

Commissioning
4.3.2 Configuration of the Publisher

In the TwinCAT System Manager, a new box is added for the Publisher under the RT Ethernet device.
Insert a Publisher Box
A Publisher box must be added under the RT Ethernet device.
Fig. 61: Insert a Publisher Box
Insert a Network Variable
Network variables can then be added under the box. Enter a name (nCounterPub in the example) and a data
type (UINT32 in the example, corresponding to UDINT).
Fig. 62: Insert a Network Variable
Inputs and outputs were created under the added variable.

Commissioning
Fig. 63: Displaying the inputs and outputs of the added Publisher box
The FrameState input under the box indicates the current status of the sent Ethernet frames.
The following values are possible for the FrameState:
Short description Value Description

Not sent (frame skipped) 0x0001
Error (frame oversized) 0x0001 The maximum size of an Ethernet frames was exceeded. The
linked variable should be smaller.
A Control Word can be written in the FrameCtrl output under the box.
The following values are possible for FrameCtrl:

Disable sending 0x0001 Sending of a frame is interrupted. Sending of the frame does not
restart until the value is 0 again.
The VarState input under the network variable indicates the current status of the network variable.
The following values are possible for VarState:

Not sent (variable skipped) 0x0001
A Control Word can be written in the VarCtrl output under the network variable.
The following values are possible for FrameCtrl:

Disable publishing 0x0001 Sending of the network variable is interrupted. Sending of the
network variable does not restart until the value is 0 again.

Commissioning
Mappings
The network variable of the Publisher can be mapped to any output variable with a suitable data type. In the
example, the network variable is linked to the output variable of a PLC.
Fig. 64: Mapping of the network variable with an output variable of the PLC
4.3.3 Configuration of the Subscriber

In the TwinCAT System Manager, a new box is added for the Subscriber under the RT Ethernet device.
Adding a Subscriber box and linking the network variables
A Subscriber box must be added under the RT Ethernet device.
Fig. 65: Insert a Subscriber box under the RT Ethernet device

Commissioning
Fig. 66: "Insert Box" dialog - selecting and naming the Subscriber box (Box1)
A network variable is then created under the Subscriber box.
Fig. 67: Creating the network variable under the Subscriber box

Commissioning
Fig. 68: Adding a network variable
The link to a Publisher variable can be created automatically. First, you need to find the Publisher computer.
All variables of this Publisher are then shown in a list.
Fig. 69: "Import Network Variable" dialog - display of Publisher variables
Inputs and outputs were created under the added variable.

Commissioning
Fig. 70: Display of created inputs and outputs
The FrameState input and the FrameCtrl output under the box indicate the current status (or control) of the
received Ethernet frames. FrameState and FrameCtrl are reserved and are currently not supported.
The VarState input and the VarCtrl output under the network variable indicate the current status (or control)
of the received network variable. VarState and VarCtrl are reserved and are currently not supported.
Quality of the network variables
The quality of a network variable is assessed on the Subscriber side. Two input variables are available for
this purpose under the network variable. The Quality variable provides a counter with a resolution of 100 µs.
The counter value indicates the variable delay. The example below shows the online value of Quality when
the network connector is unplugged (counter increases) and reconnected (counter value 0).

Commissioning
Fig. 71: Online value of Quality after unplugging and reconnecting of the network connector.
In addition to the Quality variables, the CycleIndex variable is incremented in each Publisher cycle.
Fig. 72: Incrementing of the CycleIndex variables

Commissioning
4.3.4 Beckhoff network variables - Settings

Beckhoff network variables (NWV) can be used for cyclic or acyclic sending of data between Windows-based
PCs. In a device declared as a publisher (sender), such a network variable is received on the other side by a
subscriber declared as the same type. As the name suggests, this data traffic is network-based, and the
configuration is directly based on the protocols used.
A choice of two protocols is available:

• MAC: An ISO Layer 2 frame is sent with a sender and receiver MAC address, Ethertype 0x0806. An IP
part with the destination IP address (e.g. 192.168.0.1) is not included. The telegram can therefore be
further processed via a switch, but usually not via a router.
MAC stands for media access control and in this case refers to the (unique) hardware address
assigned to each Ethernet device during production. For example, the Ethernet port of a Beckhoff PC
might have the MAC ID 00:01:05:34:05.84, with "00:01:05" representing the Beckhoff ID and the rest
assigned during production. The route of each Ethernet telegram between two Ethernet cable ends is
determined by the source MAC and the destination MAC.
The Ethernet telegram is identified as Beckhoff real-time Ethernet by the Ethertype 0x88A4. As a real-
time Ethernet telegram (RT Ethernet) it bypasses the regular Windows TCP stack and is sent with
higher priority, i.e. "immediately", via the specified Ethernet port of the PC.
An option is available for configuring whether the sent telegram is received by all (broadcast), many
(multicast) or a single subscriber (unicast).
• UDP/IP: The recipient is identified via an additional IP header in the Ethernet telegram. The UDP
Ethernet frame can thus be further processed via a router.
Once again, broadcast, multicast and unicast are available as options. The Ethernet telegram is
identified as Beckhoff real-time Ethernet through the Ethertype 0x88A4 and treated as an RT protocol
in the TwinCAT PC.
In contrast to TCP, as a connection-less protocol UDP requires no acknowledgement of receipt for the
message, i.e. the publisher does not know whether the subscriber has received the message. The ARP
protocol [} 61] is therefore used for remote terminal monitoring in TwinCAT.
The telegram with the process data arrives at the recipient device (network port) via these addressing
modes. In the Ethernet device/TwinCAT several transported process data are allocated via a variable ID
All network variables must be declared in the System Manager before they can be used.
The following intervention options are then available during operation:

• Sending of a configured network variable can be blocked dynamically
• The destination IP or destination MAC can be changed dynamically
• The variable ID "variable ID" can be changed dynamically
• The NWV content can be changed, but not the size (bit size)
Diagnostic variables on the publisher and subscriber side provide information about the connection quality.
If network variables are used, the temporal boundary conditions for the network topology used must be taken
into account: In switched mode (MAC addressing) communication cycles of approx. 10 ms and below can be
achieved, in routed mode (IP addressing) a few 100 ms may be achievable in some cases.
Diagnostic variable "quality"

If the processing tasks operate with different cycle times or the user changes the DataExchangeDi-
vider, this must be taken into account in the analysis of the diagnostic variables. In conjunction with
a fast Subscriber (e.g. 10 ms), a slow Publisher (e.g. 100 ms) leads to poor connection quality (as
reported by the diagnostic variable "Quality").
Dynamic temporary blocking of sending a Publisher must also be taken into account. In this case
the Subscriber registers poor quality.
Diagnostic variable "CycleIndex"

Please note the following information in order to decide whether you have to serve the variable Cy-
cleIndex.

Commissioning
Basic principles of Beckhoff network variables

• Quality:
Time in [100 µs] by which arrival of the NWV at the Publisher was delayed.
Relative arrival location:
Input process image of the TwinCAT system
Relative arrival time:
Time at which the next cycle is loaded into the input image
Note:
The reason for determining the delay so precisely is that the NWVs are managed directly by the IO
driver, independent of the cycle. Nevertheless, the data of an NWV that is delayed by a few percent of
the cycle time will not be taken into account until the input process image is read during the next task
cycle.
Note regarding EL6601/EL6614:

Even with the EL66xx the NWV arrival time is defined as the time when the data are available in the
input process image of the RT device, not the time of arrival at the EL66xx or in the input image of the
EtherCAT device.
Fig. 73: Interrelationship between quality and delayed network variable
• Variable ID
The variable ID (16 bit) is used for global identification of the individual process data. Therefore, an ID
in the Publisher or Subscriber group may only be used once within a TwinCAT device, see Fig.
Example for communication via network variables: Publishers 1 and 2 on PC1 must have different IDs
(10 and 8), although the same ID (8) may be used in Publisher 2 and Subscriber 1.
Selecting the variable ID

In order to achieve unambiguous allocation we recommend using different IDs for each data com-
munication between connected PCs.
Reason: In Fig. Example for communication via network variables, PC2/subscriber2 not only re-
ceives the designed ID=8-variable from PC1/Publisher2, but, since it is sent as a broadcast (!), it
also receives the NWV from PC3/Publisher1. Differentiation is then no longer possible in PC2.
• Cycle Index
The 16-bit cycle index is a counter sent by the Publisher together with the data. It is generally
incremented with each transmission and can therefore be used as an indicator for flawless transfer. It
can be read on the subscriber side as CycleIndex. Its appearance depends on the Publisher platform:
◦ Publisher on a PC: The variable CycleIndex is not visible and is automatically and cyclically
incremented by the System Manager
◦ Publisher on an EL66xx: The variable CycleIndex is visible and must be incremented/served by
the user such that it is not equal 0 on the subscriber side.

Commissioning
Fig. 74: Example for communication via network variables
Data representation on different platforms

Please note that simple and complex data (WORD, ARRAYs, REAL, STRING, user-defined struc-
tures) are represented internally in a different manner on different platforms! x86 platforms use
byte-alignment, others (ARM) 2-byte or 4-byte alignment.
This means that if a complex structure is created in an x86/PC PLC project and an ARM PLC
project, they can each have a different effective size and a different internal structure.
In Fig. Example for different size and structure in PC and CX, the structure in the CX (and hence
the network variable to be created there) is larger than in the PC; also the word and real variables
do not match each other because a variable can begin at any byte position in the PC, but only at ev-
ery even-numbered one in the CX.
Recommendation for structures that are identical on both end devices
- firstly, all 4-byte variables (must lie at an address that is divisible by 4)
- then all 2-byte variables (must lie at an address that is divisible by 2)
- then all 1-byte variables
Further recommendations
- if STRING(x) is used, the "EndOfString" zero is also interpreted as a character, otherwise x+1
must be divisible by 4
- the above rules also apply to sub-structures.
Please refer to the notes in the Structure section of the Infosys.
Use of Bus Terminal Controllers (BCxxxx, BXxxxx)
Since the representation of floating point numbers (REAL) on Bus Terminal Controllers (BCxxxx,
BXxxxx) differs from that in the x86, these cannot be transmitted. "SINT", for example, can be used
for signed values.

Commissioning
Fig. 75: Example for different size and structure in PC and CX
Settings in the System Manager
Appearance of the variables

Depending on the platform used (PC or EL66xx), the publisher/subscriber will appear differently. A
Publisher/Subscriber can be created.
• On a PC network interface, see Fig. Publisher settings - RT Ethernet
• on an EL66xx, see Beckhoff network variables - Settings [} 58]
The following settings options are available in the Beckhoff System Manager TwinCAT 2.10 build 1328:
Publisher, Box
Fig. 76: Publisher RT Ethernet settings
RT Ethernet settings:
• MAC-Broadcast: Sent to all network devices, destination MAC FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF.
• Multicast: A destination MAC address becomes a multicast address if the first bit in the first byte of the
MAC (the so-called group bit) is set. With the Beckhoff ID "00 01 05" the default target address "01 01
05 04 00 00" is formed, as shown in Fig. Publisher RT Ethernet settings.
The MAC range 01:00:5E:00:00:00 to 01:00:5E:FF:FF:FF is intended for general multicast application,
with the first 3 bytes specified by the IEEE and the last 3 bytes derived from the lower part of the IP
address of the destination PC. The resulting destination MAC therefore never physically exists in the
network. Instead, the destination network card detects Ethernet frames formed in this way as multicast
frames sent to it, although the Ethernet port itself can have another, unique MAC address. Please refer
to the relevant literature for further rules relating to the formation of multicast MAC/IP addresses.

Commissioning
• Unicast: Either direct entry of the destination MAC or via the AMS Net ID of the destination device, e.g.
123.456.123.456.1.1, in which case this route must be entered in the local AMS router (right-click on
the TwinCAT icon in the taskbar --> Properties --> AMS router)
Use of broadcast and multicast

Network variables sent as broadcast or multicast at MAC or IP level can generate high network load
(depending on the cycle time), since they are multiplied into the whole connected network. This may
cause simple network devices such as printers to crash. With short cycle times all network traffic
may become blocked.
We strongly recommend using unicast addressing, taking into account variable identification [} 59],
as described above.
Advanced Settings:
• Data exchange: The task cycle time * divider is the rhythm at which this network variable is sent. (not
for EL66xx)
• VLAN support: In conjunction with manageable switches the Ethernet frame parameterized here can
be assigned a fixed route via VLAN tagging (Virtual Local Area Network).
Fig. 77: Publisher settings - UDP/IP
UDP/IP settings - the addressing technique of the IP network layer with IP addresses is used. UDP is a
connection-less protocol without feedback.
• Broadcast: Sent to all device with destination IP (v4) 255.255.255.255
• Multicast: The destination IP must be specified, see notes on MAC multicast
• Unicast: Specify the target device (e.g.: 192.168.0.1), making sure that it can be reached through the
subnet mask
Use of broadcast and multicast

Network variables sent as broadcast or multicast at MAC or IP level can generate high network load
(depending on the cycle time), since they are multiplied into the whole connected network. This may
cause simple network devices such as printers to crash. With short cycle times all network traffic
may become blocked.
We strongly recommend using unicast addressing, taking into account variable identification, as de-
scribed above.

Commissioning
Advanced Settings:
• "ARP Retry Interval": In order to ascertain the presence of the recipient, the publisher sends an ARP
request to the target device at these intervals. If the network administration of the recipient is
operational, it sends an ARP reply. This is only meaningful with unicast.
In the event of an error bit 3 is set (0x0004) in the diagnostic FrameState variable.
Note: ARP handling (ARP = Address Resolution Protocol: allocation of hardware/MAC addresses to
network addresses [IP]) is managed by the operating system (Windows).
• "Disable Subscriber Monitoring": Deactivates the procedure described above
• "Target Address changeable": In this case the destination IP can be changed dynamically
Publisher, Variable
Fig. 78: Publisher variable settings
Settings:
• "Variable ID": Identification number with which the variable is sent. Can be changed online via PLC
where appropriate
• "Data exchange": see above (not for EL66xx)
• "On change only": NWV is only sent if the value changes (not for EL66xx)

Commissioning
Subscriber, Box
Fig. 79: Subscriber settings
Settings:
• "Receiving Options": Only permits NWVs from a certain publisher for this subscriber
• "Multicast Configuration": ditto
Process data:
• "VarId": If activated, the variable ID can be modified online
Subscriber, variable
Fig. 80: Subscriber variable settings

Commissioning
Settings:
• "Variable ID": Only permits NWVs with a certain ID for this subscriber. Can be changed dynamically via
PLC where appropriate
• "Ignore Data Type Hash": Hash calculation is currently not supported
Process data:
• "Quality": See explanatory notes above
• "CycleIndex": This index is incremented with each successful transfer, IF this is done by the opposite
side, i.e. the publisher. If the publisher is an EL66x, the user must increment CycleIdx there.
• "VarData": Transferred data

Appendix
5 Appendix
5.1 ESL Protocol

The EtherCAT Switch Link protocol (ESL) from Beckhoff is a simple extension for the control of EtherCAT
infrastructure components. It is currently used (as of 2010) for the operation of the ET2000 Industrial Ethernet
Multichannel Probe and the CU2508.
The ESL data consist of 16 bytes of control data and information, which are added as a prefix (in front) or as
a postfix (to the end) of an existing Ethernet data frame. The check sum (CRC) is adapted accordingly.
Fig. 81: CU2508 ESL prefix
The ESL data are structured as follows:
Fig. 82: ESL structure
Ethernet network monitors
The freely available network monitor Wireshark has contained an interpreter for the ESL protocol since the
version 1.4.2.
5.2 Firmware Update

The CU2508 has 2 different firmware versions, one for the FPGA and one for the controller.
The CU2508 must be operated in a special configuration for the determination of the current firmware
version and for updating. It must therefore be removed from the application and is to be operated as an
individual EtherCAT device on a TwinCAT system.
The following steps must be carried out in order to update:
1. TwinCAT
On the PC system used for programming, TwinCAT must have at least version 2.11R2 build 2021 or
TwinCAT 3.1.

Appendix
Fig. 83: TwinCAT Version
2. ESI/XML description
The current CU2508 ESI/XML data must be present on the system; they can be downloaded from the
download area on the Beckhoff web page and are to be saved under …"\ TwinCAT\Io\EtherCAT\".
3. Installation of the CU2508
Connect the CU2508 with its uplink to an Ethernet port on the master PC and connect the power supply. The
port must be set up as a real-time port with the Beckhoff TwinCAT driver. The downports X1..8 must not be
connected.
Fig. 84: CU2508 structure
4. Creating the TwinCAT configuration
The CU2508 must now be added manually as an EtherCAT device. To do this, set up an EtherCAT device
and specify the adapter to be used.
Instruction TwinCAT 2:
Open a new System Manager window. This causes the ESI data updated above to be read in again.
Fig. 85: Right mouse click, Append device
Fig. 86: Selection of the device "EtherCAT"

Appendix
Fig. 87: Selection of the Ethernet adapter
If the adapter you want is not visible, then the Beckhoff real-time driver is not yet installed on this adapter.
Now append the CU2508.
Fig. 88: Right mouse click, Append device
If the device name is entered in the search mask (A) the overview is reduced in size. Activate the check
boxes "ExtendedInformation" and "ShowHiddenDevices". As a result of this, a previously hidden element,
the CU2508 configuration port, becomes visible (in this case: CU2508-0000-0016).
Fig. 89: Selection of the CU2508-0000 configuration port
Select this device. The configuration now consists of the “EtherCAT Device” and the single slave CU2508.
Now ensure that the function is correct by restarting TwinCAT (B) in ConfigMode and carrying out
ReloadIoDevices (press key F4). If the EtherCAT device is selected (A), the current State OP (D) and Traffic
utilization (E) are displayed in the Online tab (C). Approx. 250 CyclicFrames per second are usual in the
ConfigMode with a 4 ms cycle time; no lost frames or TXRXErrors may occur.

Appendix
Fig. 90: Online configuration
Instruction TwinCAT 3:
The procedure is the same as for TwinCAT 2: add the "CU2508 Configuration Port" to the selected
EtherCAT adapter.
Fig. 91: Append Configuration Port
Then check that it is operating correctly:

• No Lost frames
• State:OP

Appendix
Fig. 92: Check for lost frames and State: OP
5. Reading out the current ESI/FW version
On the basis of fig. Online configuration, EtherCAT ESI revision, controller and FPGA-FW can now be
checked.
ESI Revision
When the system is running in ConfigMode, the revision found can be displayed by scan:
Fig. 93: Display revision after scan
If the connected CU2508 carries a different revision, the following is displayed:

Appendix
Fig. 94: Display different revision
Controller firmware (*.efw)
Select device CU2508 (A); the online CoE directory of the device is displayed in the CoE-Online tab (B); the
firmware version (in this case 01) is displayed in the index 0x100A (D). Note that in (C) “OnlineData” (green)
is displayed.
Fig. 95: Reading out the controller firmware version
FPGA firmware (*.rbf)
Select device CU2508 (A); press Advanced Settings ... (C) in the EtherCAT tab (B). There, select Memory
(D) and read out the data starting from StartOffset 0E00 (E).
If the function is correct, the firmware version (here: 12) can be read at position x0E00 (F) and 2508dec at
position x0E06.

Appendix
Fig. 96: Reading FPGA firmware
6. Firmware and ESI Update
On the basis of fig. Online configuration, if communication is working perfectly, an update of ESI, controller
and FPGA firmware can be performed by right-clicking on the CU2508 device.
Fig. 97: Update by right-clicking
ESI/XML- update
The ESI *.xml can also be overwritten by "EEPROM Update". Then select and program the corresponding
XML revision of the "CU2508 Configuration Port".
Fig. 98: Select XML revision

Appendix
Display of the revision CU2508 slaves

Only the ConfigurationPort of the CU2508 is described with an updated ESI, if necessary. This is
used to set some of the CU2508's properties. The CU2508 slaves running in regular EtherCAT op-
eration always report with revision 0000 and cannot be programmed separately.
Fig. 99: Display of the revision -0000
FW Update
The firmware is ideally downloaded to the CU2508 in bootstrap mode.
Fig. 100: Update in Bootstrap Mode
FPGA update
The FPGA firmware is loaded by right clicking, this can take a few seconds.

Appendix
Fig. 101: Update FPGA firmware
A TwinCAT3 message window then appears:
Fig. 102: Message window FPGA Update
The CU2508 must then be briefly switched to the de-energized state.

Appendix
5.3 Firmware compatibility

Beckhoff EtherCAT devices are delivered with the latest available firmware version. Compatibility of firmware
and hardware is mandatory; not every combination ensures compatibility. The overview below shows the
hardware versions on which a firmware can be operated.
Note
• It is recommended to use the newest possible firmware for the respective hardware
• Beckhoff is not under any obligation to provide customers with free firmware updates for delivered
products.
NOTE
Risk of damage to the device!
Pay attention to the instructions for firmware updates on the separate page [} 66].
If a device is placed in BOOTSTRAP mode for a firmware update, it does not check when downloading
whether the new firmware is suitable.
This can result in damage to the device!
Therefore, always make sure that the firmware is suitable for the hardware version!
CU2508
Hardware (HW) Firmware (FW) Revision no. Date
00 - 09* 01 CU2508-0000-0016 2011/01
02 CU2508-0000-0017 2011/03
03 2012/05
04 2013/01
05 2013/01
06 2014/10
07 CU2508-0000-0018 2015/08
08 2016/02
09 2016/06
10 2017/05
11 2019/08
12 CU2508-0000-0019 2019/10
13* 2021/07
*) This is the current compatible hardware version at the time of the preparing this documentation. Check on
the Beckhoff web page whether more up-to-date documentation is available.

Appendix
5.4 Support and Service

Beckhoff and their partners around the world offer comprehensive support and service, making available fast
and competent assistance with all questions related to Beckhoff products and system solutions.
Beckhoff's branch offices and representatives
Please contact your Beckhoff branch office or representative for local support and service on Beckhoff
products!
The addresses of Beckhoff's branch offices and representatives round the world can be found on her internet
pages: https://www.beckhoff.com
You will also find further documentation for Beckhoff components there.
Beckhoff Support
Support offers you comprehensive technical assistance, helping you not only with the application of
individual Beckhoff products, but also with other, wide-ranging services:
• support
• design, programming and commissioning of complex automation systems
• and extensive training program for Beckhoff system components
Hotline: +49 5246 963 157
Fax: +49 5246 963 9157
e-mail: support@beckhoff.com
Beckhoff Service
The Beckhoff Service Center supports you in all matters of after-sales service:
• on-site service
• repair service
• spare parts service
• hotline service
Hotline: +49 5246 963 460
Fax: +49 5246 963 479
e-mail: service@beckhoff.com
Beckhoff Headquarters
Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG
Huelshorstweg 20
33415 Verl
Germany
Phone: +49 5246 963 0
Fax: +49 5246 963 198
e-mail: info@beckhoff.com
web: https://www.beckhoff.com

More Information:
www.beckhoff.com/CU2508
Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Hülshorstweg 20
33415 Verl
Germany
Phone: +49 5246 9630
info@beckhoff.com
www.beckhoff.com

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2021-12-20 | Version: 2.7

3 Mounting and wiring................................................................................................................................ 22

CU2508 Version: 2.7 3

4 Version: 2.7 CU2508

1.1 Notes on the documentation

© Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

CU2508 Version: 2.7 5

1.2 Safety instructions

Please note the following safety instructions and explanations!

In this documentation the following instructions are used.

6 Version: 2.7 CU2508

1.3 Documentation issue status

CU2508 Version: 2.7 7

1.4 Version identification of EtherCAT devices

1.4.1 General notes on marking

A Beckhoff EtherCAT device has a 14-digit designation, made up of

8 Version: 2.7 CU2508

1.4.2 Version identification of CU Switches

1.4.3 Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)

Fig. 2: BIC as data matrix code (DMC, code scheme ECC200)

Depending on the product, it can be found in the following places:

CU2508 Version: 2.7 9

Structure of the BIC

Fig. 3: Example DMC 1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 51S678294

10 Version: 2.7 CU2508

1.4.4 Electronic access to the BIC (eBIC)

Electronic BIC (eBIC)

K-bus devices (IP20, IP67)

Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.

EtherCAT devices (IP20, IP67)

◦ The BTN and its contents are then displayed:

CU2508 Version: 2.7 11

Currently, no electronic storage and readout is planned for these devices.

12 Version: 2.7 CU2508

Real-time Ethernet port multiplier

• Technology basics [} 14]

CU2508 Version: 2.7 13

2.2 Technical data

To this end, the CU2508 has at its disposal

14 Version: 2.7 CU2508

Several CU2508s can be used in each TwinCAT system.

Fig. 5: Principle CU2508 topology

Downlink Port characteristics

Fig. 6: Display "Auto Link Close"

CU2508 Version: 2.7 15

EtherCAT systems and CU2508

1. Standard mode: no frame influence, no DistributedClocks

16 Version: 2.7 CU2508

Fig. 7: CU2508 Downlink Delay

CU2508 Version: 2.7 17

Fig. 8: CU2508 Uplink Delay

CU2508 as EtherCAT slave

Time-controlled send/receive (in preparation)

EoE and TCP/IP

18 Version: 2.7 CU2508

Refer in particular to the TCP/IP notes [} 42] here.

Fig. 9: Different IP data traffic depending on the setting