Product Description:

The EL4024 is a four-channel analog output terminal produced by Beckhoff in the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. As a compact I/O slice for EtherCAT bus systems, it converts digital process data from the controller into voltage signals for field devices such as proportional valves or transducers in automated machinery. The terminal mounts on a DIN rail beside other EL modules and relies on the EtherCAT backplane to exchange real-time data and power, giving machine builders a scalable way to distribute analog outputs without remote marshaling panels.

This terminal draws its logic power via the E-bus, so no extra wiring is needed for the electronics. The four outputs share a field supply of 24 VDC through the power contacts, which simplifies daisy-chain feeding along the terminal row. Each channel can drive loads down to < 350 Ω, which sets the minimum impedance for full-scale voltage. Conversion precision is 12-bit, splitting the range into 4096 steps. The terminal provides 4 independent outputs, and each channel is refreshed sequentially during each EtherCAT cycle. It occupies a 4 × 16-bit area in the controller’s process image, so every channel can be addressed directly.

For synchronization across distributed stations, the EL4024 supports Distributed Clocks, allowing its outputs to align with global time within sub-microsecond accuracy. The terminal uses multiplex operation, so one digital-to-analog converter is time-shared while refresh intervals remain deterministic. Signal generation uses a single-ended reference, tying every negative terminal to the common 0 V rail supplied on the power contacts. The integrated ground terminal can conduct up to 500 mA, which lets several low-current actuators share the module without external distribution blocks. This arrangement keeps the output reference common across the channels and supports consistent wiring for connected field devices.