{"product_id":"beckhoff-el2521-ethercat-terminal","title":"BECKHOFF EL2521 EtherCAT Terminal","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe BECKHOFF EL2521 is an EtherCAT Terminal featuring a single-channel pulse train output designed for incremental encoder simulation. This compact I\/O module communicates directly over the EtherCAT network, providing precise frequency generation and differential output signals via RS422. It is engineered for industrial automation tasks that require accurate position simulation, frequency output control, and integrated travel distance management within a modular control system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEquipped with support for distributed clocks, the terminal ensures synchronous and time-critical signal generation. It processes input signals through two channels for control and feedback functions, while the output stage delivers RS422-compatible differential pulse trains up to a base frequency of 500 kHz. Housed in a standard DIN-rail-mountable enclosure, the device integrates seamlessly into BECKHOFF terminal segments using spring-loaded connection technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1-channel pulse train output with incremental encoder simulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRS422 differential output specification supporting frequencies up to 500 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDistributed clocks support for high-precision synchronization\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated ramp function and travel distance control modes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProcess image bit width of 14 bytes for output and 8 bytes for input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eElectrical isolation of 500 V between the E-bus and field potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact polycarbonate housing with diagnostic LEDs for status monitoring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncremental encoder simulation for drive commissioning and testing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOpen-loop and closed-loop motion control tasks requiring pulse-direction interfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFrequency generation for speed and position reference profiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDistributed automation systems requiring synchronized pulse trains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\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\u003eExact Model\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEL2521\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eEtherCAT Terminal\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNumber of Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e1 channel (2 differential outputs A, B)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNumber of Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e2 (+T, +Z)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eLoad Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMin. 120 ohm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eOutput Specification\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eRS422, differential\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSignal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eRS422 level\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMax. Output Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e50 mA (RS422 specification, short-circuit proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBase Frequency\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0 to 500 kHz (50 kHz default)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eResolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMax. 15 bit (16 bit + sign)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eStep Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e10 mHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eDistributed Clocks\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBit Width in Process Image\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e14 byte output, 8 byte input\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eVia controller\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCurrent Consumption E-Bus\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eTyp. 280 mA (load-dependent)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eElectrical Isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e500 V (E-bus \/ field potential)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConnection Technology\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eSpring actuation by screwdriver (solid, stranded, and ferrule conductors)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConnection Cross-Section (Solid \/ Stranded)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.08 to 2.5 mm² (AWG 28 to 14)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eConnection Cross-Section (Ferrule)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0.14 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 26 to 16)\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    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eDimensions (W x H x D)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e12 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eNet Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eApprox. 50 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e0 to +55 degC\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eStorage Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e-25 to +85 degC\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\u003eApprovals\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCE, UL, ATEX (II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGermany\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\u003eVerify that the system power and field supply are completely de-energized before performing any mechanical or electrical installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMount the BECKHOFF EL2521 terminal onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail (conforming to EN 60715) by snapping it into place using the built-in locking mechanism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eConnect the module side-by-side to adjacent EtherCAT terminals using the integrated double slot and key connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStrip conductors to the specified length of 8 to 9 mm and insert solid, stranded, or ferrule-fitted wires into the spring-loaded terminals using a suitable screwdriver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEnsure proper shielding and grounding practices are applied to RS422 signal lines to prevent electromagnetic interference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRestore power only after verifying all wiring connections, terminal alignment, and network integrity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106527076715,"sku":"EL2521","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/el2521-jvwcjzwhjq4.png?v=1776244403","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/products\/beckhoff-el2521-ethercat-terminal","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}