Product Description:

The EL1018 is an eight-channel digital input terminal manufactured by Beckhoff as part of the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. It serves as the interface between field sensors that use standard switching levels and the high-speed EtherCAT network used by machine controllers. By converting individual sensor states into bus data, the terminal allows a PLC to monitor limit switches, photo-eyes, and pushbuttons with fast updates across automated equipment racks and compact control systems. This makes the terminal suitable for straightforward acquisition of on/off signals rather than analog measurement tasks.

The module accepts a nominal signal level of 24 V DC across its 8 discrete channels, so it can read standard industrial switching signals from sensors and contact devices. A built-in input filter of 10 µs helps suppress switch bounce, and the 1-wire connection method lets each sensor share a common 0 V line while its signal conductor lands on the spring clamp. Compliance with EN 61131-2 Type 1/3 input behavior supports predictable current draw from sourcing devices. For installation, the housing snaps onto a 35 mm DIN rail, and the IP20 enclosure is intended for use inside a control cabinet or another protected housing.

The enclosure measures 12 × 100 × 68 mm and uses polycarbonate, which provides electrical insulation while keeping the terminal light for dense I/O rows. Power contacts can carry up to 10 A, allowing field power to continue through adjacent terminals when the assembly is arranged on the backplane. Within the EtherCAT process image, the terminal contributes 8 input bits, so one byte is enough to represent the state of all channels in cyclic communication. When an input changes state, the updated bit pattern is transferred to the controller for fast status monitoring of switches, sensors, and pushbuttons.