Beckhoff Launches Seven New EtherCAT Analog Terminals

Beckhoff Automation’s newest EtherCAT terminals improve performance over previous models, upgrading from 12-bit to 16-bit resolution. New analog terminal blocks are available in input, output, or combined I/O, in two, four, or eight channels, depending on the specific model.

The combined I/O model, the EL4374, is especially useful for applications where a limited number of inputs and outputs are required for a specific piece of equipment. The other additions are analog input models EL3072, EL3074, and EL3078, as well as analog output models EL4072, EL4074, and EL4078.

Beckhoff’s newest EtherCAT terminal blocks feature 16-bit resolution. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff Automation

Beckhoff’s EtherCAT Analog Terminals

Beckhoff’s catalog expansion includes seven new EtherCAT terminal devices, with options for input, output, and combined I/O. They can be used with control signals of 10 V / 20 mA or a combination of -20 mA / 0 mA / 4 mA to 20 mA, adding flexibility for integration with existing hardware. Each I/O port can be individually parameterized for current or voltage using TwinCAT software and a standard CoE interface. Also, each sensor can measure up to ±107% of the nominal range and meets NAMUR NE43.

As the name implies, all models are set for EtherCAT protocols and can be interfaced using TwinCAT software.

Beckhoff's combined I/O terminal, the EL4374, features two analog inputs and two analog outputs, each individually parameterizable. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff Automation

EL4374 Combined Analog I/O Terminal

A first for Beckhoff, the EL4374 is a combined analog input/output terminal device. In many applications, only a few input and output channels are necessary. The EL4374 gives engineers the opportunity to purchase one terminal block instead of two, simplifying design, reducing the physical footprint, and saving money all at the same time.

EL3xxx Analog Input Terminals

Beckhoff has also introduced three new input terminal blocks: the EL3072, EL3074, and EL3078. All three models have the same physical footprint but offer two, four, or eight channels, respectively. They can be run in voltage mode (10 V) or current mode (20 mA), as one would expect, for easy integration.

The EL3072 2-channel analog input terminal. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff Automation

EL4xxx Analog Output Terminals

Just like the EL3xxx series, the new additions to the EL4xxx line vary only in the number of channels available. The EL4072 features two analog output channels; the EL4074, four; and the EL4078, eight, making it easy to balance affordability with system needs. These output channels can handle a load of up to 750 Ω at 20 mA.

High-Precision I/O

In short, who wouldn’t want additional, high-precision I/O channels? Machine designers and automation engineers are always looking for a way to get more for less, and that is exactly what the new Beckhoff EtherCAT terminals offer. With eight channels and 16-bit resolution, these new terminals expand the possibilities for both new automation systems and expanding or retrofitting existing ones across all industries.

Ultimately, these new channel blocks offer flexibility in channel count and the potential to combine input and output channels on the same block (EL4374) without increasing the device's physical footprint. Furthermore, Beckhoff has designed all the new models to easily integrate with existing hardware using standard 10 V or 4-20 mA signals.