Product Description:

The EL4104 is an analog EtherCAT output terminal developed by Beckhoff for the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. As a modular I/O element, it produces voltage signals that a controller can map directly onto a distributed machine network, eliminating separate analog wiring runs. The unit snaps beside other terminals on a common rail and exchanges process data through the internal E-bus, allowing high-density placement of analog outputs wherever motion axes, valves, or control devices need precise set-point commands inside an automation cell.

The E-bus logic and output circuitry draw a typical current of 190 mA, so power requirements for the terminal segment can be calculated accurately. Each channel converts digital set points into analog levels with 16 bits of signed resolution, providing one part in 65,536 for fine voltage adjustments. A local latch refreshes all channels together at up to 4 kSps when distributed clocking is disabled. The collected output data occupies 4 x 16-bit data in the controller’s process image, allowing the control system to address each value independently. The housing carries an IP20 rating, providing protection against accidental finger contact while requiring installation inside a suitable control cabinet.

The terminal fastens to a 35 mm DIN rail, and its variable installation position provides flexibility when arranging equipment within an enclosure. The output stages are designed for load impedances greater than 5 kΩ, making them suitable for standard PLC analog inputs or amplifier references. The terminal has 4 electrically isolated single-ended channels, which help prevent unwanted current paths between connected devices. All channels are updated in simultaneous mode, eliminating phase skew between their output signals. Clock synchronization through the EtherCAT distributed clocks feature maintains microsecond-level timing across multiple terminals, supporting coordinated signal changes in distributed control systems. Short-circuit protection helps prevent damage if a channel is accidentally grounded during operation. Both the electronics and field outputs receive power exclusively through the internal E-bus, reducing the amount of separate field wiring required inside the cabinet.