What Is SCADA? Supervisory Control Without Replacing the PLC
SCADA sits above PLCs and RTUs: it acquires field data, alarms operators, and issues supervisory commands across plants and remote assets—without replacing local deterministic control.

Engineered for high-precision electrical measurement, the EL3681 EtherCAT Terminal functions as an integrated digital multimeter, enabling direct AC and DC electrical measurements within a standard EtherCAT I/O station. This 1-channel analog input terminal processes signal voltages up to 300 V AC/DC and currents up to 10 A, making it highly suitable for comprehensive power and load monitoring applications.
The module supports both manual and automatic range selection across multiple voltage (300 mV to 300 V) and current (100 mA to 10 A) measurement intervals. Utilizing advanced measurement procedures, the EL3681 performs arithmetic averaging for DC signals and True RMS (root-mean-square) calculations for AC signals. Data is transmitted directly to the controller via a 32-bit process image for high-accuracy analysis.
| Manufacturer | Beckhoff |
| Part Number / Model | EL3681 |
| Product Type | EtherCAT Terminal (1-channel analog input, multimeter) |
| Measurement Channels | 1 voltage or 1 current (10 A / 1 A) |
| Measuring Range (Voltage) | 300 mV, 3 V, 30 V, 300 V AC/DC (max. 300 V) |
| Measuring Range (Current) | 100 mA, 1 A, 10 A via high current path (max. 10 A) |
| Resolution | 18 bit + sign in each measurement range |
| Measuring Error | 0.01% DC voltage measurement at 40 degC |
| Internal Resistance | 3 mOhm / 0.2 Ohm / 12.5 MOhm (range-dependent) |
| Conversion Time | 0.5 s preset (1 s during range switching); min. 65 ms |
| E-bus Current Consumption | 150 mA typical |
| Electrical Isolation | 1500 V (E-bus / field potential) |
| Process Image Width | 32 bit data, 16 bit control/status |
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate (compact housing with signal LEDs) |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 12 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 70 g |
| Operating Temperature | -25 to +60 degC |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +85 degC |
| Relative Humidity | 95%, non-condensing |
| Connection Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wiring Method | Spring actuation by screwdriver (solid, flexible, or ferruled conductors) |
| Solid/Stranded Wire Section | 0.08 to 2.5 mm² (AWG 28 to 14) |
| Ferruled Wire Section | 0.14 to 1.5 mm² (AWG 26 to 16) |
| Stripping Length | 8 to 9 mm |
| Current Load Power Contacts | Max. 10 A |
The EL3681 EtherCAT Terminal is designed for direct mounting on 35 mm DIN rails conforming to EN 60715. Side-by-side mounting is achieved securely via an integrated double slot and key connection mechanism. Ensure the mounting position provides adequate heat dissipation to keep operating temperatures within the -25 to +60 degC range. For wiring, use correct stripping lengths of 8 to 9 mm to guarantee secure clamping contact within the spring terminals.
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| Country of origin |
Germany
|