Product Description:

The EK1501-0000 is a fiber-optic EtherCAT coupler supplied by Beckhoff within the EK EtherCAT Couplers series. Designed to link remote terminal strings to a controller over fiber-optic media, the module converts optical frames to the internal E-bus format used by Beckhoff I/O slices. In industrial automation lines, it provides deterministic real-time communication while electrically isolating distributed field devices, which supports topologies that must span long plant segments without copper cabling. Its slim DIN-rail profile eases panel layout, helps maintain clear airflow in densely populated enclosures, and leaves service access unobstructed.

On the optical side, the coupler transmits EtherCAT frames at 100 MBaud through a pair of 2 × SC duplex connectors that terminate multimode glass fiber. The 1310 nm laser source delivers at least -20 dBm of average power, and the receiver tolerates signals down to -31 dBm, which supports reliable links up to 2 km. Typical propagation through the internal FPGA introduces only 1 µs typ. of forwarding latency, so cycle times remain short. Communication complies with the EtherCAT Device Protocol and supports distributed clocks and cable redundancy.

Upstream of the optical interface, the module is fed by a 24 VDC control rail, and its power supply distributes a stabilized 5 V E-bus voltage to the attached terminals. The local power contacts can conduct 10 A, so actuators and sensors can receive auxiliary power without extra wiring. Logical expansion is generous because the coupler recognizes 4096 hot-connect IDs for segment changes and manages 65535 EtherCAT Terminals on the E-bus. All circuitry is housed in a DIN-rail enclosure with an IP20 protection class that is suited for installation inside control cabinets and supports convection cooling clearance.