Time-synchronous communication across distributed systems is executed reliably by the Beckhoff EL6688 EtherCAT Terminal, which functions as a dedicated 1-port communication interface supporting the IEEE 1588/PTP (Precision Time Protocol) standard. This compact module acts as a high-precision bridge, enabling seamless synchronization between EtherCAT networks and external Ethernet-based systems either as a grandmaster or a slave clock. Integrating the Beckhoff EL6688 into your control architecture provides the physical and protocol interface necessary to keep real-time industrial cycles aligned within sub-microsecond margins, functioning directly as a reference clock within the TwinCAT software ecosystem.
| Manufacturer | Beckhoff Automation |
| Model / Article Number | EL6688 |
| Bus System | EtherCAT (E-bus connection) |
| Ethernet Port Type | 1 x RJ45 (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) |
| Data Transfer Speed | 10/100 Mbit/s (IEEE 802.3u Auto-Negotiation, half/full duplex) |
| Supported Protocol | PTPv1 (IEEE 1588-2002), PTPv2 (IEEE 1588-2008) |
| Distributed Clocks (DC) | Yes |
| Current Consumption (E-bus) | Typical 310 mA |
| Electrical Isolation | 500 V (E-bus to Ethernet interface) |
| Diagnostic Indicators | Link/Activity LED, Status LEDs (Run, Error, PTP Status) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 degC to +55 degC |
| Storage Temperature | -25 degC to +85 degC |
| Relative Humidity | 95%, non-condensing |
| Housing Material | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm |
| Mounting Type | 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with locking tab |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Approvals | CE, UL, ATEX (II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc) |
The EL6688 is uniquely optimized for PTP time synchronization. If you require standard TCP/IP Ethernet communication bypass without high-precision sub-microsecond synchronization protocols, the EL6601 or EL6614 terminals should be used instead. For bridging time systems between two completely isolated EtherCAT networks, consider pairing the EL6688 with an EL6692 or EL6695 EtherCAT bridge terminal.
With a high E-bus current consumption of 310 mA typical, systemic integration requires a close audit of your current coupler's power budget (such as an EK1100). If multiple high-draw modules reside in the same physical slice segment, you must deploy an EL9410 power supply terminal immediately upstream to avoid bus communication instability or system resets under heavy traffic loads.
To ensure the maximum phase accuracy of the IEEE 1588 protocol, avoid using daisy-chained unmanaged switches between the master clock and the EL6688 RJ45 interface. Standard unmanaged switches introduce unpredictable packet jitter which degrades the accuracy of the PTP sync mechanism. Always use high-quality Cat.5e or Cat.6 shielded cables to isolate synchronization packets from high-frequency EMC field noise.
CRITICAL WARNING
Always isolate all electrical power systems prior to installation, removal, or terminal replacement. Do not hot-swap the terminal while the bus segment is active. Failure to fully power down the bus segment can cause immediate damage to internal E-bus components or communication loss on the downstream nodes.
Align the terminal side-by-side with the adjacent coupler or terminal module using the guide slots on the housing.
Press the EL6688 firmly onto the standard 35 mm DIN rail until the locking tab engages securely with a tactile click.
Connect a shielded Ethernet cable to the front RJ45 port and verify the mechanical lock clicks into position.
Configure the TwinCAT system manager to recognize the PTP configuration parameters (master or slave role selection).
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Returns & Warranty
Manufacturer: BECKHOFF
Product No.: EL6688
Country of origin:Germany
Product Type: EtherCAT Terminals
Payment: T/T, Western Union
Weight: 2000g
Dimensions: 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm
Shipping port: Xiamen
Warranty: 12 months
Time-synchronous communication across distributed systems is executed reliably by the Beckhoff EL6688 EtherCAT Terminal, which functions as a dedicated 1-port communication interface supporting the IEEE 1588/PTP (Precision Time Protocol) standard. This compact module acts as a high-precision bridge, enabling seamless synchronization between EtherCAT networks and external Ethernet-based systems either as a grandmaster or a slave clock. Integrating the Beckhoff EL6688 into your control architecture provides the physical and protocol interface necessary to keep real-time industrial cycles aligned within sub-microsecond margins, functioning directly as a reference clock within the TwinCAT software ecosystem.
| Manufacturer | Beckhoff Automation |
| Model / Article Number | EL6688 |
| Bus System | EtherCAT (E-bus connection) |
| Ethernet Port Type | 1 x RJ45 (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) |
| Data Transfer Speed | 10/100 Mbit/s (IEEE 802.3u Auto-Negotiation, half/full duplex) |
| Supported Protocol | PTPv1 (IEEE 1588-2002), PTPv2 (IEEE 1588-2008) |
| Distributed Clocks (DC) | Yes |
| Current Consumption (E-bus) | Typical 310 mA |
| Electrical Isolation | 500 V (E-bus to Ethernet interface) |
| Diagnostic Indicators | Link/Activity LED, Status LEDs (Run, Error, PTP Status) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 degC to +55 degC |
| Storage Temperature | -25 degC to +85 degC |
| Relative Humidity | 95%, non-condensing |
| Housing Material | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm |
| Mounting Type | 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with locking tab |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Approvals | CE, UL, ATEX (II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc) |
The EL6688 is uniquely optimized for PTP time synchronization. If you require standard TCP/IP Ethernet communication bypass without high-precision sub-microsecond synchronization protocols, the EL6601 or EL6614 terminals should be used instead. For bridging time systems between two completely isolated EtherCAT networks, consider pairing the EL6688 with an EL6692 or EL6695 EtherCAT bridge terminal.
With a high E-bus current consumption of 310 mA typical, systemic integration requires a close audit of your current coupler's power budget (such as an EK1100). If multiple high-draw modules reside in the same physical slice segment, you must deploy an EL9410 power supply terminal immediately upstream to avoid bus communication instability or system resets under heavy traffic loads.
To ensure the maximum phase accuracy of the IEEE 1588 protocol, avoid using daisy-chained unmanaged switches between the master clock and the EL6688 RJ45 interface. Standard unmanaged switches introduce unpredictable packet jitter which degrades the accuracy of the PTP sync mechanism. Always use high-quality Cat.5e or Cat.6 shielded cables to isolate synchronization packets from high-frequency EMC field noise.
CRITICAL WARNING
Always isolate all electrical power systems prior to installation, removal, or terminal replacement. Do not hot-swap the terminal while the bus segment is active. Failure to fully power down the bus segment can cause immediate damage to internal E-bus components or communication loss on the downstream nodes.
Align the terminal side-by-side with the adjacent coupler or terminal module using the guide slots on the housing.
Press the EL6688 firmly onto the standard 35 mm DIN rail until the locking tab engages securely with a tactile click.
Connect a shielded Ethernet cable to the front RJ45 port and verify the mechanical lock clicks into position.
Configure the TwinCAT system manager to recognize the PTP configuration parameters (master or slave role selection).
Global Express Shipping
Returns & Warranty
Orders are processed and delivered Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays).
For full eligibility, restocking fees, and international return details, please view our official Refund & Return Policy .
| Country of origin |
Germany
|
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