EL4001 by Beckhoff

The EL4001 analog output terminal is produced by Beckhoff as part of the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. Designed for industrial automation, this module converts numerical values from a PLC or IPC into a voltage signal that can drive actuators, transducers, or control loops directly over the EtherCAT I/O system. Because it occupies only 12 mm on the DIN rail, the single-channel unit is suited for distributed installations where space and deterministic fieldbus timing matter.

One output channel is provided, and its digital data are rendered with a 12-bit resolution, giving 4,096 discrete steps for analog scaling. Each conversion cycle completes in 100 µs, so the terminal can refresh process values at 10 kHz. Internal electronics draw 140 mA from the E-bus, while the analog stage is powered by an external 24 VDC supply routed through the power contacts. The 0 V return path can conduct up to 500 mA, allowing multiple terminals to share the same common line without a significant voltage drop. Sampling is multiplexed, and the module mounts on the standard rail while preserving EtherCAT signal integrity through the backplane connectors.

For host controllers, the terminal appears in the process image as a 1 × 16-bit AO output, so scaling and calibration are handled in software. The electrical design uses a single-ended ground reference, simplifying wiring when sensors and actuators share the same 0 V plane. The housing meets the IP20 protection class and clips onto a 35 mm mounting rail without tools. Power contacts pass up to 40 mA to the load side, while the shield terminal supports 100 mA for cable shielding. Distributed clock capability keeps update jitter within the sub-microsecond range for synchronized motion or measurement tasks.