EL6851 Beckhoff
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MPN: EL6851-0000
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The Beckhoff EL6851 is an EtherCAT master terminal from the EL EtherCAT Terminals series, designed to control DMX512 devices. It operates at a baud rate of 250 kbaud, supports 512 DMX channels, and uses RS485 as its physical layer. The terminal mounts on a 35 mm rail, is powered by the E-bus, and has an IP20 protection class.
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Product Description:
The EL6851 is a DMX master interface terminal produced by Beckhoff within the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. Installed in an EtherCAT I/O station, the unit bridges real-time fieldbus traffic to a DMX lighting network so automation controllers can address stage luminaires, architectural fixtures, or media facades from the same PLC program that runs machine logic. By assigning DMX telegram generation to an intelligent terminal, the controller offloads timing-critical bit streams while retaining individual control over the intensity, color, and movement parameters of each connected device.
For rapid transmission of dimmer data, the terminal operates at a baud rate of 250 kbaud, the fixed signaling speed used by the DMX standard. This transmission rate allows every fixture in the chain to receive a new frame approximately 44 times per second when a complete universe is transmitted. A complete frame carries 512 slots, allowing the controller to modulate up to 512 independent parameters such as brightness or pan position. Electrical signaling conforms to the differential characteristics of RS-485, providing noise immunity over long runs of shielded twisted-pair cable. Logic and driver circuits draw their operating current from the EtherCAT backplane through the E-bus, so no additional power wiring is required. As the network master, the terminal autonomously generates the break, mark-after-break, and data timing required for communication.
The housing has an IP20 protection rating, providing finger-safe openings for installation in enclosed control panels without exposure to liquids. DMX telegram formatting follows the DMX512 standard, ensuring direct compatibility with common lighting fixtures and dimmer packs. Snap-in tabs secure the unit to a 35 mm DIN rail alongside other EtherCAT terminals, keeping the bus connection compact and helping preserve shield continuity. The terminal provides one DMX universe, which supports the control of a single network segment from the EtherCAT system. Multiple terminals can be installed when an application requires separate DMX universes under the same controller. This arrangement allows lighting equipment to be organized into independent network segments while the PLC manages each terminal through the EtherCAT I/O station.
