EtherCAT I/O Products, Analog Input, Power and Energy

From grid monitoring and process control to high-end power monitoring, energy management in machinery and the energy industry calls for adaptable solutions. Beckhoff’s power and energy measurement terminals are engineered for a wide range of applications and optimized to meet diverse requirements. The scalable portfolio includes:

• fully pluggable measurement systems for effortless installation
• no need for current transformer configuration thanks to electronic nameplates
• threshold monitoring for voltage, frequency, and phase
• grid and power analyses with up to 600 measured values
• high-resolution grid monitoring with oversampling
• distributed power measurement for accurate real-time data
• integration into medium-voltage grids via voltage transformers using a 110 V AC interface

Beckhoff offers an integrated solution for real-time energy monitoring that records electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and power directly within the EtherCAT I/O system. This transparency reduces machine downtime, prevents component oversizing, and enables a rapid response to grid faults such as phase failures. Deviations from normal operating conditions, including increased power consumption due to bearing wear, are detected early to allow for timely interventions.

The system portfolio, designed for ISO 50001-compliant energy management, includes EtherCAT Terminals, measuring transformers, and a software library for monitoring with TwinCAT. It supports preventive maintenance, increases production efficiency, and offers scalable flexibility – from simple energy monitoring to comprehensive network and load analysis.

Overview product series in protection class IP20:

• BKxxxx/EKxxxx/EKMxxxx: EtheCAT Couplers are the link between the EtherCAT protocol at fieldbus level and the EtherCAT Terminals
• EJxxxx: EtherCAT Plug-in modules
• ELxxxx/EMxxxx: Standard and Special EtherCAT Terminals
• ELMxxxx: EtherCAT Terminals in robust metal housing
• ELXxxxx: EtherCAT Terminals for connecting intrinsically safe signals

Product series in protection class IP67:

• EPxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules for decentralized, modular EtherCAT network and power architectures. Available in industrial, zinc die-cast or stainless steel housings (EPxxxx/ERxxxx/EQxxxx)
• EPPxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules with EtherCAT P: Communication and power in a single 4-wire Standard Ethernet cable. Available in industrial or zinc die-cast housings (EPxxxx/ERxxxx)
• EPXxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules with intrinsically safe inputs/outputs

Several EtherCAT I/O Products are offered with a factory calibration or external calibration certificate (ISO17025 or DAkkS).

Integration of standard signals in safety applications: The TwinSAFE SC (Single Channel) technology enables the use of standard signals for safety tasks in any networks of fieldbuses. To do this, EtherCAT Terminals from the areas of analog input, angle/displacement measurement or communication are extended by the TwinSAFE SC function. The typical signal characteristics and standard functionalities of the I/O components are retained. TwinSAFE SC I/Os are distinguished from standard I/Os by a yellow strip on the front of the housing and the product name extension -009x.