Communication and connection options
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Malfunctions due to mixed operation Simultaneous operation of several communication types (e.g. USB and UPS-OCT) is not permitted and can lead to unpredictable malfunctions. - Only use one communication and connection option for your application.
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It is crucial to choose the right type of communication for integrating the UPS into an automation system. Depending on the type of connection, status information can be queried, the device status monitored or control commands transmitted, including controlled shutdown.
The UPS supports various connection types with the industrial PC:
- Protocol-based communication via UPS-OCT (One Cable Technology)
- Protocol-based communication via USB
- Digital signals for the integration of end devices without protocol support
Parameterization and diagnostics for the UPS-OCT or USB communication types are carried out via the UPS configuration software from Beckhoff, which is available pre-installed in the Windows, TwinCAT/BSD® and Linux® operating systems.
Selecting the communication type
The appropriate communication type depends on the technical requirements, installation conditions, and supported interfaces of the industrial PC. Only one of the three communication options can be used.
Selection guide for communication and connection options.Connection type | Advantages | Restrictions | Cable | Typical application |
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UPS-OCT | - A cable for power supply and communication
- Automatic shutdown of the UPS after shutting down the industrial PC
- Conservation of battery capacity
| - Industrial PC and UPS must be UPS OCT-capable
| - max. 10 m
- C9900-K90x power cables required as accessories
| - Recommended if simple installation with a single-cable solution is required
- USB interfaces not available or occupied
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USB | - Simple connection via standard USB
- Conservation of battery capacity through switch-off timer
- cost-effective wiring
| - Less direct control than with UPS-OCT
- Limited cable length
| - max. 5 m
- C9900-K5xx USB cables available as accessories
| - Suitable if UPS-OCT is not available but protocol-based communication is required
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Digital I/O | - Simple status monitoring and control without a protocol
- Cost-effective implementation
| - No advanced diagnostic functions
- Additional wiring with I/O hardware and PLC programming required
| - Depending on the signal type used
| - Useful for simple applications without software integration
- Or when using the UPS with third-party hardware
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Standalone mode | - Operation possible without communication or additional wiring
- Simplest form of commissioning
| - If the input voltage (Uin) fails, U1out and U2out are shutdown after 4 minutes
| - No limitation through communication
| - Suitable for test setups or simple systems without diagnostic/control requirements
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