EL4122 by Beckhoff

The EL4122 is a two-channel analog output terminal manufactured by Beckhoff for the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. It snaps onto a DIN rail and connects to neighboring terminals through the E-Bus backplane, forming a compact remote I/O island. Acting as a voltage source, the terminal translates 16-bit setpoints from the controller into stable output levels for actuators, proportional regulators, or data acquisition devices. This function allows precise, time-synchronized analog control within distributed industrial automation systems.

It offers two outputs whose control electronics are powered via E-Bus, while the analog stage receives its field supply through power contacts that can carry up to 4 A to downstream terminals. Each channel delivers voltage with a native 16-bit resolution, providing 65,536 discrete steps across the configured range. Conversions are triggered in hardware with simultaneous sampling, so both outputs refresh within the same EtherCAT cycle without phase skew. The terminal inserts two 16-bit words into the process image, enabling direct numeric access by the PLC without additional scaling. Typical quiescent demand on the power contacts is 15 mA plus the external load, and the integrated shielding path supports consistent signal quality for high-speed motion or process loops.

Field wiring is protected by the IP20 enclosure, making the terminal suitable for closed control cabinets where protection against contact with hazardous internal parts is required. The outputs share a single-ended reference, simplifying common-ground installations. Each channel can drive a <500 ? load across its full range without exceeding the stated accuracy limits. A dedicated drain path can conduct up to 100 mA of shield current, helping divert interference from sensitive analog signal paths. The variable installation position allows the module to be mounted horizontally or vertically alongside other EtherCAT terminals. Its compact terminal format also allows multiple analog and digital functions to be arranged within the same DIN-rail assembly while communicating through the shared backplane.