Beckhoff EL6720 EtherCAT Terminal Lightbus Master

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Manufacturer: BECKHOFF
Product No.: EL6720
Country of origin:Germany
Product Type: EtherCAT Terminals
Payment: T/T, Western Union
Weight: 2000g
Dimensions: 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm
Shipping port: Xiamen
Warranty: 12 months

Description

Directly integrating legacy Lightbus networks into high-speed EtherCAT architectures, the Beckhoff EL6720 serves as a deterministic 1-channel communication interface. Operating as a Lightbus master terminal, this unit facilitates high-speed optical fiber communications, ensuring complete immunity to electromagnetic interference in harsh electrical environments. The Beckhoff EL6720 provides an direct gateway between TwinCAT-based EtherCAT control systems and existing Lightbus field devices, handling up to 254 nodes with precise synchronization and minimal latency.

Features

High-Speed Communication: Sustained data transfer rates of 2.5 Mbaud over fiber-optic networks.
Broad Node Capacity: Supports connection of up to 254 fieldbus devices and a maximum of 65,280 I/O points.
Optical Noise Immunity: Dual-channel fiber-optic standard connectors minimize electrical noise propagation.
Deterministic Processing: Utilizes three priority-controlled logical communication channels for optimized task execution.
Real-Time Status Monitoring: Integrated diagnostic layout featuring 3 front-panel LEDs for instant hardware and network status verification.

Applications

Retrofitting and upgrading legacy Beckhoff Lightbus machinery to modern EtherCAT architectures.
Heavy industrial environments requiring high optical isolation from electromagnetic noise.
Distributed I/O networks spanning long distances inside high-voltage switchgear cabinets.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification Value
Manufacturer	Beckhoff
Model / SKU	EL6720
Technology	Lightbus master terminal
Number of Fieldbus Channels	1
Data Transfer Rate	2.5 Mbaud
Interfaces	2 x fiber-optic standard connector Z1000 (plastic fiber) or Z1010 (HCS fiber)
Current Consumption E-bus	Typically 240 mA
Hardware Diagnostics	3 LEDs
Housing Dimensions (W x H x D)	24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm
Operating Temperature	0 to +55 degC
Storage Temperature	-25 to +85 degC
Relative Humidity	95 %, non-condensing
Vibration / Shock Resistance	Conforms to EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27
Protection Rating / Position	IP20 / Variable
Ex Marking	II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc
Net Weight	70 g
Shipping Weight (Calculated)	2.0 kg

Connections and Interfaces

Connector Type	Function Assignment
Tx Optical Port	Fiber-optic Lightbus Transmitter Output (Z1000 / Z1010 connection)
Rx Optical Port	Fiber-optic Lightbus Receiver Input (Z1000 / Z1010 connection)

Empirical Engineering Insights

Alternative Models & Compatibility

The EL6720 replaces legacy PCI master cards (such as the FC2001) by shifting the Lightbus controller functionality onto the standard DIN rail. TwinCAT 2.11 (or higher) and all versions of TwinCAT 3 fully support configuration of this module. Hardware topology requires a closed-ring configuration; ensure that there are no gaps in the optical line.

Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes

Do not exceed a minimum bend radius of 25 mm for standard plastic optical fiber (POF) lines. Tight bends degrade light intensity, causing intermittent framing errors or complete "Ring Interrupted" diagnostic states. Always verify the quality of POF termination cuts; rough or jagged cuts degrade transmission signal margins dramatically.

Commissioning & Wiring Tips

During initial commissioning in TwinCAT System Manager, utilize the "Scan" function under the EtherCAT Master device. If the EL6720 is correctly initialized but cannot discover Lightbus devices downstream, verify that the Tx and Rx fibers have not been crossed at the terminal connector interface.

Installation Guidelines

CRITICAL WARNING: Completely de-energize the entire Bus Terminal assembly and ensure the system is locked out before snapping the module onto or removing it from the DIN rail. Hot-plugging or live insertion of EtherCAT terminals can degrade internal E-bus spring contacts and trigger fieldbus faults across the entire network node.

1 Align the EL6720 with the DIN rail guide and push firmly until the mounting latch clicks securely into place.

2 Slide adjacent terminals together, ensuring that the lateral tongue-and-groove joint is locked to guarantee continuous electrical contact of the internal E-bus.

3 Insert clean, perpendicular-cut Z1000 or Z1010 fiber cables into the designated optical ports until locked.

Model Number / Title	Condition	Availability	Action
BECKHOFF EJ2889 EtherCAT Plug-in Module 16-Channel Digital Output	Original New	In Stock	View Details
EL4032 BECKHOFF 2-Channel Analog Output EtherCAT Terminal ±10 V	Original New	In Stock	View Details
EL2878-0005 BECKHOFF 8-Channel Digital Output Terminal Ribbon Cable Connection	Original New	In Stock	View Details

Key Features:

What optical fiber connectors are compatible with the EL6720?

The terminal is compatible with Z1000 standard plastic fiber (POF) and Z1010 HCS (silica-clad) fiber optic connectors.

How much current does the EL6720 draw from the E-bus?

The module typically draws 240 mA from the internal E-bus. Ensure your power supply coupler or power feed terminal can cover this budget.

Does the EL6720 terminal support Distributed Clocks (DC)?

No, the EL6720 does not support Distributed Clocks. All timing sync is managed via the priority-controlled logical Lightbus master channels.

Can I replace an FC2001 Lightbus PCI card with the EL6720?

Yes. The EL6720 provides standard Lightbus master functionality over EtherCAT, allowing you to configure legacy Lightbus I/O nodes directly within TwinCAT without legacy PC cards.

Global Express Shipping

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Express Dispatch: Same-day dispatch for in-stock orders placed before 2:00 PM (GMT+8).
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Returns & Warranty

30-Day Guarantee: Returns accepted for in-stock products in original, factory-sealed packaging.
12-Month Warranty: Every industrial component is backed by our professional technical warranty.

Orders are processed and delivered Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays).

For full eligibility, restocking fees, and international return details, please view our official Refund & Return Policy .

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Country of origin

Beckhoff EL6720 EtherCAT Terminal Lightbus Master