EL2014 by Beckhoff

The EL2014 terminal is a four-channel digital output module produced by Beckhoff within the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. It installs on a DIN I/O rack to switch 24 V field devices such as solenoids, contactors, or indicator lamps under the control of an EtherCAT master. By translating bus telegrams into discrete high-side switching signals, the unit distributes power to actuators while providing status information that supports deterministic sequencing in industrial automation.

The channels share a connection scheme based on the 1-Wire system interface, and each of the 4 outputs can source up to 0.5 A per channel to resistive, inductive, or lamp loads. A push high-side switch architecture simplifies wiring because the positive pole is switched, leaving the negative reference connected to the 0 V power contact. Nominal operation relies on a rated load voltage of 24 VDC, supplied to the electronics through the integrated power contacts, so no separate auxiliary feed is required. Built-in monitoring reports excessive temperature, power failure, short-circuit, and reverse-voltage conditions, allowing the PLC to shut down an affected channel when operational limits are exceeded. The module does not implement distributed clocks; therefore, precise output timing depends on the scan rate of the controlling node.

A mechanical foot locks the housing to a 35 mm mounting rail, while the 0 V power contact provides the reference potential. In the process image, the terminal contributes a 4-bit output field and an additional 20-bit diagnostics field, enabling detailed fault analysis without external test points. The enclosure has an IP20 rating, providing finger-safe terminals that require installation inside a cabinet. Reverse-voltage protection is active, and the terminal has no CoE storage, so it does not retain configurable CoE parameters when power is removed.