Product Description:

The EL1819 is a digital input terminal manufactured by Beckhoff for the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. Designed for decentralized control cabinets, the unit attaches to the system’s E-bus and translates field signals into the cyclic process image used by the controller. It collects discrete sensor statuses across machinery so sequence logic and safety interlocks can be executed in software. Sixteen inputs are packed into a housing that occupies only 12 mm of DIN-rail space, supporting high channel density while maintaining clear wiring.

The terminal operates from a power contact of 24 VDC, the common supply level for industrial control devices, so sensors with the same voltage can share the same feed. Each of the 16 input channels draws just 3 mA (typ.), minimizing the load on sensor outputs and allowing long cable runs without excessive voltage drop. Internal logic and EtherCAT communication consume approximately 100 mA (typ.) from the E-bus, a value that must be considered when sizing the segment’s power distribution. A hardware debounce time of 10 µs acts as an input filter, removing very short transients before they reach the process image and improving signal integrity at high switching frequencies.

Field wiring uses the Direct Plug-In / Push-In connection method, which accepts conductors without tools and supports the module’s 1-wire signal technology. This arrangement simplifies individual channel wiring while using a shared 0 V reference ground. The housing clips onto a 35 mm mounting rail and carries an IP20 protection rating, so it is intended for installation inside an enclosed panel where contaminants and moisture are controlled. Process data is transferred as a 16-bit input image, allowing the controller to read the state of every channel during cyclic communication. The variable installation position allows the terminal to fit either horizontal or vertical cabinet layouts without derating.