Product Description:

The EK1501-0018 is a fiber-optic EtherCAT coupler produced by Beckhoff as part of the EK EtherCAT Couplers series. It serves as the network head for a string of EtherCAT Terminals, translating the real-time fieldbus protocol arriving over multimode glass fiber into the local E-bus used by the terminals. Within an automation cabinet, the device links distributed I/O stations while isolating electrical noise and extending segment length.

The coupler uses a 2 x SC duplex interface, and the multimode glass fiber specified supports a transceiver wavelength of 1310 nm. At this wavelength, the transmitter offers -20 dBm average output on 62.5/125 µm core fiber, while the receiver tolerates optical levels down to -31 dBm. These optical parameters allow a maximum segment length of 2 km between two couplers without repeaters. Communication follows the EtherCAT Device Protocol at 100 MBaud, and each telegram experiences only a 1 µs internal forwarding delay. Electrical supply is simplified: the terminal side draws from a 24 VDC system rail, and the coupler itself requires a control voltage of 24 VDC plus 130 mA and one-quarter of the aggregate E-bus current. The internal backplane distributes 5 V to the terminals and can source up to 2 A, accommodating mixed signal modules without additional regulators.

Up to 65 535 EtherCAT Terminals can be addressed behind the EK1501-0018, constrained mainly by application cycle time rather than node count. Field wiring for actuators or sensors may be routed through power contacts that are rated at 24 VDC / 10 A, enabling direct load supply along the terminal chain. The enclosure carries an IP20 rating, so installation is limited to control cabinets with controlled humidity and dust levels. Propagation through the device adds only 1 µs of delay, maintaining the deterministic timing required for synchronized motion, high-speed packaging, or inspection systems.