Sercos networks consist of a master which coordinates at least one slave which carries out automation functions. Generally, the devices are ordered simply and neatly in line or ring topologies.

Rigobert Kynast, Technical Leader Sercos III Communication at Bosch Rexroth AG, discusses the following items in the first part of this series:

• Sercos device with two ports and two connectors
• The difference between physical and logical topologies
• An example of simple physical topologies
• How a device detects the existing topology
• Topology extension with integrated power connection
• Sercos device with two ports and one connector only