Description
Precision measurement in high-speed industrial control systems is achievable with the EL3101 EtherCAT analog input terminal. This compact 12 mm module is engineered to process differential analog signals within the range of +/-10 V with a digitized resolution of 16 bits (including sign). Operating directly on the Beckhoff EtherCAT E-bus system, it delivers rapid conversion speeds alongside advanced Distributed Clocks (DC) synchronization, achieving precision of less than 1 us. The hardware architecture incorporates a robust 500 V electrical isolation boundary between the communication bus and the signal circuits to protect downstream control infrastructure.
The EL3101 supports custom signal processing behaviors through configurable digital filters, including FIR (Finite Impulse Response) and IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) options. Integrated software features like limit value monitoring and adjustable process image mappings allow automation engineers to tailor data representation to specific application needs, making it a reliable choice for demanding testing, power, and process manufacturing environments.
Features
- Single-channel differential analog input designed for +/-10 V signal ranges.
- High-resolution 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion for sensitive measurement tasks.
- Distributed Clocks (DC) hardware support with synchronization accuracy under 1 us.
- Built-in 500 V electrical isolation between the internal E-bus and the analog signal input.
- Configurable process images with switchable data representation and active limit monitoring.
- Internal hardware input filter with a limit frequency of 5 kHz to attenuate high-frequency noise.
- User-selectable digital noise filtering via programmable FIR and IIR filters.
- Compact DIN-rail form factor featuring integrated status LEDs for immediate field diagnostics.
Applications
- High-precision drive feedback and motion control loops.
- Industrial test stands and automated calibration systems.
- Heavy machinery, power generation, and turbine control systems.
- Process manufacturing loops requiring synchronized multi-channel voltage recording.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer |
BECKHOFF |
| Model / Part Number |
EL3101 |
| Product Type |
EtherCAT Terminal |
| Number of Inputs |
1 (Differential) |
| Signal Voltage Range |
-10 V to +10 V |
| Resolution |
16 bit (including sign) |
| Power Supply |
Via the internal E-bus |
| Current Consumption (E-bus) |
Typically 130 mA |
| Internal Input Resistance |
> 200 kOhm |
| Input Filter Limit Frequency |
5 kHz |
| Conversion Time |
Approximately 40 us |
| Measuring Error |
< +/-0.3 % (relative to full scale value) |
| Common-mode Voltage (Ucm) |
Max. 35 V (relative to internal GND) |
| Electrical Isolation |
500 V (E-bus / signal voltage) |
| Distributed Clocks (DC) |
Yes (precision < 1 us) |
| Process Image Width |
4 bytes input |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
12 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm |
| Weight |
Approx. 60 g |
| Operating Temperature |
-25 to +60 degC |
| Storage Temperature |
-40 to +85 degC |
| Relative Humidity |
95 %, non-condensing |
| Housing Material |
Polycarbonate |
| Protection Class |
IP20 |
Connections and Interfaces
| Terminal Contact |
Signal Connection Function |
| Terminal 1 |
+ Analog Input (Differential +) |
| Terminal 5 |
- Analog Input (Differential -) |
| Terminal 3 |
Shield / Ground Connection |
| Terminal 4 / 8 |
Internal GND reference |
Installation Guidelines
- Mount vertically on standard 35 mm DIN rails conforming to EN 60715.
- Ensure the double slot and key connection is fully locked with adjacent terminals.
- Strip field wire insulation to 8-9 mm before insertion.
- Depress the spring tension clamp using a standard flathead screwdriver during terminal wiring.
- Use solid conductors, stranded wire, or wire-end ferrules ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mm² (AWG 28-14).
- Keep ventilation pathways clear to allow convective heat dissipation in enclosed cabinets.
Compliance and Certifications
- CE
- UL
- ATEX (II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc)