Description
Engineered for high-density electrical cabinets, the Beckhoff KS4418 delivers eight independently operating analog output channels designed to transmit 0 to 20 mA signals to field actuators. This terminal combines a highly compact 12 mm form factor with a specialized pluggable wiring level, enabling rapid system maintenance and module hot-swapping without disturbing field terminations. Utilizing single-ended technology and a 12-bit digital-to-analog converter, it provides reliable setpoint transmission for valves, actuators, and speed controllers across K-bus architectures.
Features
-
Eight Analog Channels: High packing density allows independent 0 to 20 mA control loops within a single 12 mm wide housing.
-
Pluggable Wiring Interface: The KS-series design incorporates a detachable terminal connection level, reducing downtime during field maintenance.
-
Galvanic Isolation: Complete 500 V electrical isolation between the internal K-bus and the process-side signals prevents ground loops.
-
Precise Signal Conversion: Integrated 12-bit conversion delivers output accuracy within plus/minus 0.2% of the full-scale value.
-
Rugged Housing Design: Enclosed in robust polycarbonate with secure double-slot and key side-by-side mounting mechanisms.
Applications
-
Proportional Valve Control: Delivering continuous analog setpoints to hydraulic and pneumatic pressure regulating valves.
-
Variable Frequency Drive Interfacing: Transmitting precise motor speed and torque setpoints to motor control centers.
-
Process Plant Automation: Integration into chemical, pharmaceutical, and water treatment plants requiring localized analog current loops.
-
OEM Machine Building: High-density I/O configuration in standard control panels where physical rail space is highly restricted.
Technical Specifications
| Specification Parameter |
Technical Value |
| Manufacturer |
Beckhoff |
| Model Number |
KS4418 |
| Signal Technology |
Single-ended |
| Number of Outputs |
8 |
| Signal Range |
0 to 20 mA |
| Resolution |
12-bit |
| Conversion Time |
Approximately 8 ms |
| Load Resistance |
Less than 150 Ohms (short-circuit proof) |
| Output Limit Error |
Less than plus/minus 0.2% (relative to end value) |
| Electrical Isolation |
500 V (K-bus to signal voltage) |
| Current Consumption (K-Bus) |
Typical 20 mA |
| Current Consumption (Power Contacts) |
Typical 60 mA + load |
| Power Supply Input |
24 V DC via power contacts (or 15 V DC via KL9515 supply terminal) |
| Conductor Connection Method |
Pluggable Tension-Clamp / Spring-actuated |
| Wire Cross-Section Limits |
Solid: 0.08 to 1.5 mm2 | Stranded: 0.08 to 1.5 mm2 | Fine: 0.14 to 1.5 mm2 |
| Wire Cross-Section (AWG) |
AWG 28 to 16 (Solid/Stranded) | AWG 26 to 16 (Fine) |
| Stripping Length |
9 to 10 mm |
| Operating Temperature |
0 to +55 degC |
| Storage Temperature |
-25 to +85 degC |
| Relative Humidity Limits |
95%, non-condensing |
| Ingress Protection Rating |
IP20 (with variable installation positioning) |
| Physical Dimensions |
68 mm Depth x 12 mm Width x 100 mm Height |
| Net Unit Weight |
0.075 kg |
| Shipping Weight (Calculated) |
0.250 kg |
Empirical Engineering Insights
Alternative Models & Compatibility
The terminal is functionally identical to the standard Beckhoff KL4418 bus terminal. The core architectural distinction is the pluggable terminal block of the KS-series (KS4418), which enables swift electrical hot-swaps of physical units during critical system maintenance without disconnecting field control cables. They utilize identical GSD and XML device description files inside TwinCAT or alternate fieldbus master software configurations.
Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes
Special attention must be paid to loop resistance constraints. With a maximum load capacity of 150 Ohms, deploying long wire runs or high-impedance field instruments may exceed the voltage compliance limits of the internal driver circuits. Exceeding 150 Ohms will cause output current saturation below the required 20 mA signal level, resulting in measurement deviations and system tracking errors without necessarily triggering a hardware fault code.
Commissioning & Wiring Tips
To maintain output accuracy within the rated plus/minus 0.2% tolerance under heavy electromagnetic environments, we recommend installing twisted-pair shielded cables (STP) for all 8 analog channels. Ensure the cable shield is cleanly terminated to the earth grounding rail at the control panel entry point. To avoid ground loops with single-ended outputs, confirm that the ground references of connected external devices match the local module ground potential.
Installation Guidelines
CRITICAL FIELD WARNING
Isolate and lock out all 24 V DC power sources supplied to the bus coupler and field side power contacts before mounting or dismounting the terminal. Inserting or removing modules from an active backplane can disrupt internal K-bus communications, causing unpredicted behavior or immediate safety trips across other network nodes.
1
Mount the unit onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715, sliding it laterally until the double-slot key connection locks firmly with the neighboring terminal.
2
Insert the conductor wires (0.08 to 1.5 mm2) using a flat-head screwdriver to actuate the integrated tension clamp, or plug in the pre-wired KS terminal block.
3
Apply logic power to the bus coupler to verify that the K-bus cycle establishes and the downstream network terminals synchronize correctly.