Product Description:

The EJ1101-0022 is an EtherCAT plug-in coupler manufactured by Beckhoff as part of the EJ EtherCAT Plugins series. Mounted directly on a signal distribution board, the unit serves as the primary gateway that transfers the external fieldbus connection to the internal E-bus used by all subsequent plug-in modules. By locating the network interface at the machine, it simplifies wiring and allows distributed I/O to be arranged as compact, card-edge components for industrial automation assemblies.

The physical data channel operates at 100 MBaud, so telegrams from the EtherCAT master reach the E-bus without rate matching. Propagation through the coupler adds a typical delay of just 1 µs, helping maintain deterministic timing for drive or sensor cycles. The internal circuitry draws approximately 310 mA from the backplane, and the logic side is supplied by a control cabinet rail providing 24 VDC. Upstream cabling can extend to 100 m when shielded Category 5 Ethernet cable is used as the transmission medium, giving machine builders flexibility when positioning controllers. Up to 256 configurable IDs are available and can be selected with an external hexadecimal switch, allowing node addresses to be assigned without software tools. Installation requires a signal distribution board rather than DIN-rail clips, which positions the plug-in modules precisely over pre-routed copper planes and maintains a controlled layout.

Field wiring reaches the coupler through two RJ45 sockets that carry traffic to the next station while presenting the local device as an EtherCAT slave. Communication complies with the EtherCAT Device Protocol, ensuring that process data, mailbox access, and diagnostics follow the standard telegram structure. The housing provides IP20 protection, so the unit must be installed inside an enclosure and kept free of conductive dust. Reliable operation is supported at altitudes of up to 2,000 m, accommodating most industrial facilities and plant elevations.