BECKHOFF

BECKHOFF EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler with Integrated Digital I/O

SKU EK1818

In stock
  • 12-month warranty
  • Free returns within 30 days
  • Manufacturer: BECKHOFF
  • Product No.: EK1818
  • Origin Germany
  • Product Type: EtherCAT Couplers
  • Payment: T/T, Western Union
  • Weight: 5.0 kg
  • Dimensions: 44 mm x 100 mm x 67 mm
  • Shipping port: Xiamen
  • Warranty: 12 months

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Quantity

Product Description

Description

The BECKHOFF EK1818 is a high-density EtherCAT Coupler designed to connect modular EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) directly to 100BASE-TX EtherCAT networks. This specialized coupler integrates local I/O functionality within a single unit, offering 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs in a compact High Density (HD) housing. This hybrid design allows for efficient system layouts by combining the network interface and primary localized I/O signals into one device.

The BECKHOFF EK1818 operates with a transmission rate of 100 Mbit/s and supports up to 65,534 connected EtherCAT Terminals. Its integrated RJ45 ports provide convenient line topology connections. The coupler generates an E-bus supply current of up to 1000 mA to power the downstream communication electronics of attached terminal blocks, making it highly suitable for decentralized control architectures with tight space requirements.

Features

  • Integrated 8-channel digital inputs and 4-channel digital outputs.
  • E-bus current supply capacity of up to 1000 mA for downstream terminal communication.
  • Dual RJ45 Ethernet ports for flexible line or daisy-chain topology.
  • Direct plug-in (push-in) wiring technology for solid conductors.
  • High Density (HD) polycarbonate housing with dedicated signal state LEDs.
  • Electrical isolation of 500 V between power contacts, supply voltage, and Ethernet interfaces.

Applications

  • Compact control cabinets requiring a dense combination of coupler and digital I/O.
  • Distributed automated assembly systems and handling machinery.
  • Machine tool integration where localized sensor inputs and actuator outputs are concentrated near the network drop.
  • Fieldbus expansion installations with limited physical footprint.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer BECKHOFF
Model EK1818
Protocol EtherCAT
Data Transfer Rate 100 Mbit/s
Bus Interface 2 x RJ45
Distance Between Stations Maximum 100 m (100BASE-TX)
Number of EtherCAT Terminals Up to 65,534

Electrical Data

Parameter Specification
Nominal Voltage 24 V DC (-15% / +20%)
Current Supply E-bus 1000 mA
Current Consumption from UP 40 mA + load
Current Consumption from US 100 mA + (Sum of E-bus current / 4)
Current Load Power Contacts Maximum 10 A
Electrical Isolation 500 V (power contact/supply voltage/Ethernet), 500 V (E-bus/field potential)

Digital Inputs

Parameter Specification
Number of Inputs 8
Specification Type EN 61131-2, type 1/3
"0" Signal Voltage -3 to +5 V (EN 61131-2, type 1/3)
"1" Signal Voltage 11 to 30 V (EN 61131-2, type 3)
Input Filter 3.0 ms
Input Current Typical 3 mA (EN 61131-2, type 3)

Digital Outputs

Parameter Specification
Number of Outputs 4
Load Type Ohmic, inductive, lamp load
Maximum Output Current 0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof)
Short-Circuit Current Typical < 2 A
Reverse Voltage Protection Yes
Breaking Energy < 150 mJ per channel
Switching Times Typical TON: 60 microseconds, Typical TOFF: 300 microseconds

Mechanical and Environmental

Parameter Specification
Dimensions (W x H x D) 44 mm x 100 mm x 67 mm
Housing Material Polycarbonate
Mounting Type 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with lock
Operating Temperature -25 to +60 Celsius
Storage Temperature -40 to +85 Celsius
Relative Humidity 95%, no condensation
Protection Rating IP20
Vibration/Shock Resistance Conforms to EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27
EMC Immunity/Emission Conforms to EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4
Approvals CE, UL

Connection Specifications

Parameter Specification
Solid Conductors (s) 0.08 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 28 to 16) - Direct plug-in
Stranded Conductors (st) 0.25 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 22 to 16)
Fine-Stranded with Ferrule (f) 0.14 to 0.75 mm² (AWG 26 to 19) - Spring actuation
Stripping Length 8 to 9 mm

Installation Guidelines

  1. Ensure the entire automation system and field power supply are de-energized before mounting, wiring, or removing components.
  2. Mount the coupler on a standard 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715. Securely engage the locking mechanism to prevent movement.
  3. Connect the EtherCAT incoming and outgoing network cables to the RJ45 ports using shielded RJ45 plugs (minimum Category 5).
  4. Strip conductors to the recommended length of 8 to 9 mm. Insert solid wires directly into the connection points. For fine-stranded wires or those without ferrules, actuate the clamping spring using a standard terminal screwdriver.
  5. Verify that the 24 V DC system supply (US) and peripheral/load supply (UP) conform to the specified tolerances before energizing the system.

Replacement Recommendations

When replacing an existing unit with a new BECKHOFF EK1818, record and label all terminal connections and external wiring before disconnection. Ensure that downstream EtherCAT terminal configurations are preserved within your TwinCAT project. The new coupler will automatically detect downstream EL series terminals in their physical order on the E-bus during system startup.

Shipping &amp; Returns

Global Express Shipping

  • Standard Delivery: 4–6 business days via DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
  • Express Dispatch: Same-day dispatch for in-stock orders placed before 2:00 PM (GMT+8).
  • Worldwide Coverage: Serving over 150 countries.

Returns & Warranty

  • 30-Day Guarantee: Returns accepted for in-stock products in original, factory-sealed packaging.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Every industrial component is backed by our technical warranty.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the BECKHOFF EK1818?
The BECKHOFF EK1818 is an EtherCAT Coupler designed to connect modular EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) to a 100BASE-TX EtherCAT network while providing 8 integrated digital inputs and 4 integrated digital outputs in a single compact housing.
How much E-bus current does the BECKHOFF EK1818 provide?
The BECKHOFF EK1818 provides a maximum E-bus current of 1000 mA to power the communication bus of the downstream EtherCAT Terminals connected to it.
What are the digital input specifications for the BECKHOFF EK1818?
The BECKHOFF EK1818 features 8 digital inputs compliant with EN 61131-2 (type 1/3) specifications, featuring a typical 3.0 ms input filter and an operating signal range of 11 to 30 V DC for a active '1' state.
What are the digital output capacities of the BECKHOFF EK1818?
The BECKHOFF EK1818 integrates 4 digital outputs, each capable of switching a maximum current of 0.5 A. These outputs are short-circuit proof and suitable for ohmic, inductive, and lamp loads.
What wiring technology is used for terminal connections on the BECKHOFF EK1818?
The BECKHOFF EK1818 uses High Density (HD) housing terminal points with direct plug-in technology for solid conductors and spring-actuated clamping for fine-stranded wires.
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BECKHOFF EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler with Integrated Digital I/O

Only 10 item(s) left in stock
  • Manufacturer: BECKHOFF

  • Product No.: EK1818

  • Country of origin:Germany

  • Product Type: EtherCAT Couplers

  • Payment: T/T, Western Union

  • Weight: 5000g

  • Dimensions: 44 mm x 100 mm x 67 mm

  • Shipping port: Xiamen

  • Warranty: 12 months

Quantity
View full details

Product Description

Description

The BECKHOFF EK1818 is a high-density EtherCAT Coupler designed to connect modular EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) directly to 100BASE-TX EtherCAT networks. This specialized coupler integrates local I/O functionality within a single unit, offering 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs in a compact High Density (HD) housing. This hybrid design allows for efficient system layouts by combining the network interface and primary localized I/O signals into one device.

The BECKHOFF EK1818 operates with a transmission rate of 100 Mbit/s and supports up to 65,534 connected EtherCAT Terminals. Its integrated RJ45 ports provide convenient line topology connections. The coupler generates an E-bus supply current of up to 1000 mA to power the downstream communication electronics of attached terminal blocks, making it highly suitable for decentralized control architectures with tight space requirements.

Features

  • Integrated 8-channel digital inputs and 4-channel digital outputs.
  • E-bus current supply capacity of up to 1000 mA for downstream terminal communication.
  • Dual RJ45 Ethernet ports for flexible line or daisy-chain topology.
  • Direct plug-in (push-in) wiring technology for solid conductors.
  • High Density (HD) polycarbonate housing with dedicated signal state LEDs.
  • Electrical isolation of 500 V between power contacts, supply voltage, and Ethernet interfaces.

Applications

  • Compact control cabinets requiring a dense combination of coupler and digital I/O.
  • Distributed automated assembly systems and handling machinery.
  • Machine tool integration where localized sensor inputs and actuator outputs are concentrated near the network drop.
  • Fieldbus expansion installations with limited physical footprint.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer BECKHOFF
Model EK1818
Protocol EtherCAT
Data Transfer Rate 100 Mbit/s
Bus Interface 2 x RJ45
Distance Between Stations Maximum 100 m (100BASE-TX)
Number of EtherCAT Terminals Up to 65,534

Electrical Data

Parameter Specification
Nominal Voltage 24 V DC (-15% / +20%)
Current Supply E-bus 1000 mA
Current Consumption from UP 40 mA + load
Current Consumption from US 100 mA + (Sum of E-bus current / 4)
Current Load Power Contacts Maximum 10 A
Electrical Isolation 500 V (power contact/supply voltage/Ethernet), 500 V (E-bus/field potential)

Digital Inputs

Parameter Specification
Number of Inputs 8
Specification Type EN 61131-2, type 1/3
"0" Signal Voltage -3 to +5 V (EN 61131-2, type 1/3)
"1" Signal Voltage 11 to 30 V (EN 61131-2, type 3)
Input Filter 3.0 ms
Input Current Typical 3 mA (EN 61131-2, type 3)

Digital Outputs

Parameter Specification
Number of Outputs 4
Load Type Ohmic, inductive, lamp load
Maximum Output Current 0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof)
Short-Circuit Current Typical < 2 A
Reverse Voltage Protection Yes
Breaking Energy < 150 mJ per channel
Switching Times Typical TON: 60 microseconds, Typical TOFF: 300 microseconds

Mechanical and Environmental

Parameter Specification
Dimensions (W x H x D) 44 mm x 100 mm x 67 mm
Housing Material Polycarbonate
Mounting Type 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with lock
Operating Temperature -25 to +60 Celsius
Storage Temperature -40 to +85 Celsius
Relative Humidity 95%, no condensation
Protection Rating IP20
Vibration/Shock Resistance Conforms to EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27
EMC Immunity/Emission Conforms to EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4
Approvals CE, UL

Connection Specifications

Parameter Specification
Solid Conductors (s) 0.08 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 28 to 16) - Direct plug-in
Stranded Conductors (st) 0.25 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 22 to 16)
Fine-Stranded with Ferrule (f) 0.14 to 0.75 mm² (AWG 26 to 19) - Spring actuation
Stripping Length 8 to 9 mm

Installation Guidelines

  1. Ensure the entire automation system and field power supply are de-energized before mounting, wiring, or removing components.
  2. Mount the coupler on a standard 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715. Securely engage the locking mechanism to prevent movement.
  3. Connect the EtherCAT incoming and outgoing network cables to the RJ45 ports using shielded RJ45 plugs (minimum Category 5).
  4. Strip conductors to the recommended length of 8 to 9 mm. Insert solid wires directly into the connection points. For fine-stranded wires or those without ferrules, actuate the clamping spring using a standard terminal screwdriver.
  5. Verify that the 24 V DC system supply (US) and peripheral/load supply (UP) conform to the specified tolerances before energizing the system.

Replacement Recommendations

When replacing an existing unit with a new BECKHOFF EK1818, record and label all terminal connections and external wiring before disconnection. Ensure that downstream EtherCAT terminal configurations are preserved within your TwinCAT project. The new coupler will automatically detect downstream EL series terminals in their physical order on the E-bus during system startup.

Loading product navigation…

What is the primary function of the BECKHOFF EK1818?

The BECKHOFF EK1818 is an EtherCAT Coupler designed to connect modular EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) to a 100BASE-TX EtherCAT network while providing 8 integrated digital inputs and 4 integrated digital outputs in a single compact housing.

How much E-bus current does the BECKHOFF EK1818 provide?

The BECKHOFF EK1818 provides a maximum E-bus current of 1000 mA to power the communication bus of the downstream EtherCAT Terminals connected to it.

What are the digital input specifications for the BECKHOFF EK1818?

The BECKHOFF EK1818 features 8 digital inputs compliant with EN 61131-2 (type 1/3) specifications, featuring a typical 3.0 ms input filter and an operating signal range of 11 to 30 V DC for a active '1' state.

What are the digital output capacities of the BECKHOFF EK1818?

The BECKHOFF EK1818 integrates 4 digital outputs, each capable of switching a maximum current of 0.5 A. These outputs are short-circuit proof and suitable for ohmic, inductive, and lamp loads.

What wiring technology is used for terminal connections on the BECKHOFF EK1818?

The BECKHOFF EK1818 uses High Density (HD) housing terminal points with direct plug-in technology for solid conductors and spring-actuated clamping for fine-stranded wires.

Global Express Shipping

  • Standard Delivery: 4-6 Business Days via DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
  • Express Dispatch: Same-day dispatch for in-stock orders placed before 2:00 PM (GMT+8).
  • Worldwide Coverage: Serving over 150 countries, including rapid delivery to Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Returns & Warranty

  • 30-Day Guarantee: Returns accepted for in-stock products in original, factory-sealed packaging.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Every industrial component is backed by our professional technical 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 .

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Country of origin
Germany

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