{"product_id":"beckhoff-ek1818-ethercat-coupler-with-integrated-digital-i-o","title":"BECKHOFF EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler with Integrated Digital I\/O","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBECKHOFF EK1818\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBECKHOFF EK1818\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated 8-channel digital inputs and 4-channel digital outputs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eE-bus current supply capacity of up to 1000 mA for downstream terminal communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDual RJ45 Ethernet ports for flexible line or daisy-chain topology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDirect plug-in (push-in) wiring technology for solid conductors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh Density (HD) polycarbonate housing with dedicated signal state LEDs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eElectrical isolation of 500 V between power contacts, supply voltage, and Ethernet interfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact control cabinets requiring a dense combination of coupler and digital I\/O.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDistributed automated assembly systems and handling machinery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMachine tool integration where localized sensor inputs and actuator outputs are concentrated near the network drop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFieldbus expansion installations with limited physical footprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGeneral Specifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBECKHOFF\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEK1818\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eProtocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEtherCAT\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eData Transfer Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e100 Mbit\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBus Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e2 x RJ45\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eDistance Between Stations\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMaximum 100 m (100BASE-TX)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNumber of EtherCAT Terminals\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eUp to 65,534\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eElectrical Data\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNominal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e24 V DC (-15% \/ +20%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCurrent Supply E-bus\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e1000 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCurrent Consumption from UP\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e40 mA + load\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCurrent Consumption from US\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e100 mA + (Sum of E-bus current \/ 4)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCurrent Load Power Contacts\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMaximum 10 A\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eElectrical Isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e500 V (power contact\/supply voltage\/Ethernet), 500 V (E-bus\/field potential)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eDigital Inputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNumber of Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEN 61131-2, type 1\/3\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\"0\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e-3 to +5 V (EN 61131-2, type 1\/3)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\"1\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e11 to 30 V (EN 61131-2, type 3)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eInput Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e3.0 ms\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eInput Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eTypical 3 mA (EN 61131-2, type 3)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eDigital Outputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNumber of Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eLoad Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eOhmic, inductive, lamp load\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMaximum Output Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eShort-Circuit Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eTypical \u0026lt; 2 A\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eReverse Voltage Protection\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBreaking Energy\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 150 mJ per channel\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSwitching Times\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eTypical TON: 60 microseconds, Typical TOFF: 300 microseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eMechanical and Environmental\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eDimensions (W x H x D)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e44 mm x 100 mm x 67 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eHousing Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003ePolycarbonate\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMounting Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with lock\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e-25 to +60 Celsius\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eStorage Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e-40 to +85 Celsius\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eRelative Humidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e95%, no condensation\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eProtection Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eIP20\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eVibration\/Shock Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConforms to EN 60068-2-6 \/ EN 60068-2-27\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEMC Immunity\/Emission\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConforms to EN 61000-6-2 \/ EN 61000-6-4\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eApprovals\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCE, UL\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eConnection Specifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eParameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpecification\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSolid Conductors (s)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.08 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 28 to 16) - Direct plug-in\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eStranded Conductors (st)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 22 to 16)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eFine-Stranded with Ferrule (f)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.14 to 0.75 mm² (AWG 26 to 19) - Spring actuation\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eStripping Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e8 to 9 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Guidelines\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEnsure the entire automation system and field power supply are de-energized before mounting, wiring, or removing components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMount the coupler on a standard 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715. Securely engage the locking mechanism to prevent movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eConnect the EtherCAT incoming and outgoing network cables to the RJ45 ports using shielded RJ45 plugs (minimum Category 5).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStrip 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVerify that the 24 V DC system supply (US) and peripheral\/load supply (UP) conform to the specified tolerances before energizing the system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReplacement Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen replacing an existing unit with a new \u003cstrong\u003eBECKHOFF EK1818\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106498142571,"sku":"EK1818","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/ek1818-wpwm3qinkrc.png?v=1776244364","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/products\/beckhoff-ek1818-ethercat-coupler-with-integrated-digital-i-o","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}