BECKHOFF EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler with Integrated Digital I/O

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

Electrical Data

Digital Inputs

Digital Outputs

Mechanical and Environmental

Connection Specifications

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.