Product Description:

Beckhoff’s EL7201-0010 is a single-axis EtherCAT terminal in the EL EtherCAT Terminals series that closes the gap between compact I/O and decentralized servo drives. By combining power electronics, motion control, and fieldbus interface in 12 mm of rack width, the unit drives a permanent-magnet synchronous motor directly from the backplane and handles integrated one-cable technology (OCT) feedback. This arrangement lets machine builders place motor control next to sensors and standard I/O, reducing cabinet space and simplifying industrial automation wiring.

The servo algorithm runs on a current controller clocked at 32 kHz, allowing tight torque regulation and low ripple even on motors with fine pole pitches. A separate PWM stage switches at 16 kHz, so power devices deliver the commanded waveform without excessive switching loss. The power section supplies up to 2.8 A rms continuously and can surge to 5.7 A rms for 1 s to handle acceleration peaks before reverting to nominal current. Control electronics are fed from the backplane with a stabilized 24 V DC. One channel is provided, matching single-motor applications where each axis occupies its own EtherCAT slot. Motor braking is supported by an internal switch rated for 0.5 A at 24 V DC, enabling holding torque without external relays.

The housing measures 12 × 100 × 68 mm, so axis density can reach eight terminals per standard 96 mm card width while still allowing convection airflow. Power contacts on the front carry up to 10 A, giving margin for the terminal’s 170 W rated mechanical output and helping keep the copper tracks within temperature limits. Even at full load, the servo stage dissipates only 1.6 W, minimizing thermal impact on adjacent I/O slices. Direct OCT motor connection keeps resolver or encoder cabling off the wiring duct, and the 24 V brake supply stays inside the safety extra-low-voltage domain.