At SPS Smart Production Solutions 2024, Beckhoff presented several new Ethercat terminals. On the one hand, the manufacturer has developed further Ethercat digital input and output terminals. The new “EL14xx” and “EL24xx” Ethercat terminals complement the broad Beckhoff portfolio in the field of digital inputs and outputs. They combine proven functionality with an optimized circuit architecture. The use of modern components ensures future-proofing and long-term availability. These product families, now also with up to 32 channels, enable a high degree of flexibility for standard applications with basic functionality. 

The following I/Os are initially available in the new terminal series: 

• EL1409: 16-channel digital input, 24 V DC, input filter 3 ms, positive switching
• EL1489: 16-channel digital input, 24 V DC, input filter 3 ms, ground switching
• EL1429: 16-channel digital input, 24 V DC, input filter 3 ms, positive/ground switching
• EL1417: 32-channel digital input, 24 V DC, adjustable, positive switching
• EL2409: 16-channel digital output, 24 V DC, 0.5 A, positive switching
• EL2489: 16-channel digital output, 24 V DC, 0.5 A, ground switching
• EL2407: 32-channel digital output, 24 V DC, 0.5 A, positive switching

Ethercat terminals for power measurement with safe power monitoring

On the other hand, Beckhoff exhibited the "EL3453-0090" Ethercat power measurement terminal at the Nuremberg trade fair. It has voltage inputs for direct monitoring of powerful generators up to 690 volts AC, such as those used in the wind industry. An upstream voltage converter is not necessary. With Twinsafe SC technology, safe power monitoring is now easy to implement.

Ethercat terminals with Twinsafe Single Channel technology

Twinsafe Single Channel technology makes standard signals available for safety-related tasks in any network or fieldbus. For this purpose, the Twinsafe SC function is added to Ethercat I/Os such as the new power measurement terminal. In doing so, they retain their signal-typical properties and standard functionalities. The technology enables communication via a Twinsafe protocol. These connections differ from the usual secure communication via Safety over Ethercat. The data from the Twinsafe SC components are forwarded to the Twinsafe Logic, where they can be used in the context of safety-relevant applications for secure power monitoring.

Power quality analysis up to the 63rd harmonic

The four electrically isolated current inputs of the EL3453-0090 power measurement terminal enable use in all common current transformer circuits, such as 2- or 3-transformer arrangements in star or delta connections, including neutral conductor current measurement. The network analysis is carried out up to the 63rd harmonic and summarized in the power quality factor for simplified diagnosis. The harmonic content, like all measured values of the terminal, can be read out via the process data. In addition to the “ExtendedRange” feature, which provides the full technical measuring range of 130 percent of the specified nominal measuring range, the “EL3453-0090” now also offers Twinsafe SC technology.