Product Description:

The EL3101 is a single-channel analog input terminal from Beckhoff's EL EtherCAT Terminals series. It connects bipolar process voltage signals to an EtherCAT network, allowing controllers to acquire feedback from sensors, transducers, and control loops without external converters. The terminal installs directly on a DIN rail alongside digital I/O and motion terminals, helping consolidate distributed signal acquisition in machines and production cells. Its single-channel design is suitable for applications that require an isolated measurement point without occupying space for unused inputs.

The input range spans ±10 V, and conversion is performed at a 16-bit resolution, providing 65,536 discrete codes for fine signal granularity. A configurable analog filter limits the bandwidth to 5 kHz, removing high-frequency components beyond the needs of the connected control system. The terminal uses simultaneous sampling, preserving time alignment when multiple units are triggered through Distributed Clocks. The front end has an input impedance greater than 200 kΩ, which minimizes loading on high-impedance signal sources. Differential ground referencing allows both signal leads to float relative to the system 0 V plane, helping suppress common-mode noise over long cable runs. Support for Distributed Clocks enables sub-microsecond timestamping for synchronized data capture across an EtherCAT installation.

The signal input is protected for a maximum continuous current of 40 mA, helping guard the measurement circuitry against excessive current. The circuitry tolerates up to 35 V of common-mode displacement before measurement integrity is affected. The housing carries an IP20 protection rating and is intended for installation inside a suitable control cabinet that prevents exposure to conductive debris. Total gain and offset drift remain within ±0.3% across an operating temperature range of 0 °C to 55 °C, reducing measurement variation as cabinet temperatures change. Nonvolatile storage retains configuration and calibration data when power is removed. Differential wiring also improves rejection of interference shared by both input conductors, which is useful when low-level measurement cables run near switching equipment or motor leads.