Press Release

22nd November 2011
EtherCAT Terminals: new coupler series reduces costs and space requirements in the terminal box
EK18xx EtherCAT Coupler series integrates digital I/Os

In addition to the connection of fieldbuses, the new EK18xx coupler series for the Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal system integrates digital I/Os into the standard coupler. The HD (High Density) Terminal, which is used at connection level, offers 16 connection points. Four of these channels are reserved for the supply voltage; the remaining, up to twelve channels are available for digital I/Os. This compact solution saves costs and reduces space requirements in the control cabinet. The new coupler series is available with different I/O combinations.

The EK18xx coupler series combines the functionalities of the EK1100 EtherCAT Coupler with standard digital I/Os in one housing. This results in a compact design with dimensions of just 44 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm (W x H x D) that is especially suitable for applications with a small number of I/Os. Like the standard EK1100 coupler, the EK18xx couplers can be extended by all EtherCAT Terminals. The digital I/Os are implemented with a single-wire technique. The wiring can be implemented without tools using a direct plug-in technique with single-wire conductors or wire end sleeves.

The following I/O variants are available:

– EK1814: 4 digital inputs / 4 digital outputs
– EK1818: 8 digital inputs / 4 digital outputs
– EK1828: 4 digital inputs / 8 digital outputs
– EK1828-0010: 8 digital outputs

Beckhoff is consistently continuing the path towards miniaturisation of designs and cost optimisation with the EK18xx EtherCAT Coupler series. Tailored to applications with a small number of I/O points and cramped space conditions, the EK18xx coupler offers the user a precisely dimensioned solution.

The EtherCAT Terminal system is a modular I/O system consisting of electronic terminal blocks. EtherCAT’s technological features are supported to the optimum, since the EtherCAT protocol is retained completely right down to the individual terminal. Suitable EtherCAT Terminals are available for all common digital and analog signal types encountered in the world of automation. Lower-level bus systems are integrated via local master/slave terminals.

EK18xx coupler series

Press picture

  • The EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler integrates 16 additional I/O connection points for up to 12 digital I/Os in a standard Bus Coupler housing and is therefore particularly well suited for applications with a small number of I/Os and cramped space conditions.

    Picture caption:

    The EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler integrates 16 additional I/O connection points for up to 12 digital I/Os in a standard Bus Coupler housing and is therefore particularly well suited for applications with a small number of I/Os and cramped space conditions.

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Further information:

I/O-System

EtherCAT Terminals

EtherCAT

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