BECKHOFF EL3112 EtherCAT Terminal

Description

The BECKHOFF EL3112 is a 2-channel analog input terminal designed to process standard current signals in the range of 0 to 20 mA. It operates with a high resolution of 16 bits, enabling precise signal conversion and detailed diagnostic feedback for industrial automation processes. Featuring differential inputs, this terminal minimizes common-mode noise and ensures signal integrity in electrically active environments.

As part of the EtherCAT Terminal system, the BECKHOFF EL3112 connects directly to the E-bus for power and high-speed data transmission. The hardware design incorporates Distributed Clocks (DC) technology, allowing the analog inputs to be sampled with sub-microsecond precision, synchronized across the entire EtherCAT network. This makes the terminal suitable for fast, dynamic control loops and synchronized measurement tasks.

In addition to precise conversion, the terminal supports software-configurable options including activatable digital filters (FIR/IIR) and limit value monitoring. The compact, DIN-rail-mountable housing includes status LEDs for active diagnostic signaling, ensuring clear local monitoring of terminal operation and network communication.

Features

• 2 differential analog input channels for 0 to 20 mA current loops.
• High-resolution 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion for precise process control.
• Distributed Clocks (DC) support, enabling highly accurate network synchronization.
• Configurable internal digital filters (FIR and IIR) to reject unwanted signal noise.
• Complete electrical isolation of 500 V between the E-bus and the analog signal circuitry.
• Compact 12 mm housing width maximizing panel space efficiency.

Applications

• High-accuracy monitoring of standard 0 to 20 mA current transmitters.
• Dynamic closed-loop feedback systems in assembly and processing machinery.
• Multi-axis machine synchronization requiring synchronized analog measurement.
• Industrial process control and distributed data acquisition networks.

Technical Specifications

General

Electrical

EtherCAT and Communication

Mechanical and Environmental

Installation Guidelines

1. Ensure all power supplies connected to the PLC rack and the field devices are de-energized before mounting or wiring.
2. Mount the terminal on a standard 35 mm DIN rail. Secure the double slot and key connection with adjacent terminals to establish a solid physical and electrical connection.
3. Connect the differential current input lines to the dedicated terminal contacts according to the signal assignments. Ensure analog signal cables are properly shielded to minimize electrical interference.
4. Verify that the E-bus contact surfaces are clean and fully engaged with the adjacent modules.
5. Turn on system power and configure the terminal parameters, including IIR/FIR filters and limit settings, inside the TwinCAT System Manager.

Replacement Recommendations

When replacing an existing unit with a new BECKHOFF EL3112, always back up the active TwinCAT system configuration. Note the current process image mapping and wiring configuration before removal. Unmount the existing terminal by releasing the locking mechanism, insert the replacement unit onto the DIN rail, restore wire connections precisely, and confirm that the hardware ID aligns with the existing EtherCAT configuration in the controller software.