EJ1101-0022 by Beckhoff

The EJ1101-0022 is an EtherCAT interface plug produced by Beckhoff for the EJ EtherCAT Plug-ins series. Mounted directly on a signal distribution board, the device acts as the first node of an embedded fieldbus segment, converting the E-bus backplane into a detachable Ethernet line for downstream modules. Within automated machinery, this junction supplies the real-time link that synchronizes distributed I/O and motion controllers while preserving the compact footprint required in plug-in-style control cabinets.

Data throughput on the EJ1101-0022 reaches 100 MBaud, and a typical forward delay of 1 µs keeps telegram timing tight so drive axes receive synchronous setpoints. The internal electronics draw 310 mA from the E-bus, a factor that must be considered when calculating the overall current budget of the plug-in row. External wiring can extend up to 100 m over a shielded Ethernet CAT-5 cable, letting panel builders separate remote terminal boxes without repeaters. The board receives power from a 24 VDC auxiliary rail, which supplies the integrated physical interface and logic used to implement the EtherCAT Device Protocol. The physical medium is a twisted-pair link with shielding that protects communications against electromagnetic interference in factory environments.

Network cabling terminates on 2 × RJ45 sockets, providing automatic line-in and line-out topology for straight-through or daisy-chain installation. Station identity can be set with an external hexadecimal rotary switch, enabling up to 256 configurable IDs so identical machines can share a common control program. The assembly provides IP20 protection, so it must be installed inside an enclosure but requires no additional sealing after it is mounted on the carrier board. Reliable communication is maintained at operating altitudes up to 2,000 m without derating. The embedded controller processes frames according to the EtherCAT Device Protocol standard.