Product Description:

The EL6201-0000 is an AS-Interface master terminal manufactured by Beckhoff and supplied as part of the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. The unit inserts directly into a standard I/O slice and provides a gateway between an EtherCAT bus coupler and a single AS-i network. By translating process data from up to 62 sensors or actuators into EtherCAT telegrams, the terminal simplifies decentralized wiring and allows the PLC to exchange cyclic data with field devices without a separate stand-alone gateway.

The terminal uses a single AS-i channel that transfers user data at 167 kbit/s, which is the serial rate used for AS-i physical layer timing. Protocol compatibility extends to V2.0, V2.11, V3.0 (Rev. 4), allowing older and newer slave profiles to operate on the same line. The electronics occupy only 12 × 100 × 68 mm, which helps conserve cabinet space, and the housing snaps onto a 35 mm DIN rail for control-panel installation. The enclosure has an IP20 rating for protected cabinet use, and the EtherCAT backplane draws only 120 mA of E-bus current so the external AS-i power supply remains available for field loads.

Field wiring is clamped to two spring-force conductors, and the segment draws 40 mA during typical operation. Current can rise to 60 mA during worst-case polling cycles, which helps with AS-i power supply sizing and line planning. Node addresses can be configured manually or assigned automatically, which makes startup more straightforward on systems with repeated device layouts. The unit tolerates up to 95 % non-condensing humidity, and the heat-resistant polycarbonate shell supports stable operation in enclosed panels. Because no power contacts pass through the terminal and supply voltage is taken only from the E-bus, the slice remains compact and reduces wiring complexity.