EK1818 - Beckhoff EtherCAT Coupler
Beckhoff EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler integrates EtherCAT Terminals with high-speed networks, delivering compact I/O, efficiency, and flexibility for industrial automation.
| Brand | Beckhoff |
| Product Type | EtherCAT Coupler |
| Product | EK1818 |
EK1818 Beckhoff EtherCAT Coupler Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Task within EtherCAT system | coupling of EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx) to 100BASE-TX EtherCAT networks |
| Data transfer medium | Ethernet/EtherCAT cable (min. Cat.5), shielded |
| Distance between stations | max. 100 m (100BASE-TX) |
| Number of EtherCAT Terminals | up to 65,534 |
| Protocol | EtherCAT |
| Delay | approx. 1 µs |
| Data transfer rates | 100 Mbit/s |
| Bus interface | 2 x RJ45 |
| Current consumption from U S | 40 mA + load |
| Current consumption from U P | 100 mA + (â E-bus current/4) |
| Current supply E-bus | 1000 mA |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V DC (-15%/+20%) |
| Number of inputs | 8 |
| Number of outputs | 4 |
| Load type | ohmic, inductive, lamp load |
| Max. output current | 0.5 A (short-circuit proof) per channel |
| Short-circuit current | typ. < 2 A |
| Reverse voltage protection | yes |
| Breaking energy | < 150 mJ/channel |
| Switching times | typ. T ON : 60 µs, typ. T OFF : 300 µs |
| Input current | typ. 3 mA (EN 61131-2, type 3) |
| Electrical isolation | 500 V (power contact/supply voltage/Ethernet), 500 V (E-bus/field potential) |
| Operating temperature | -25…+60°C |
| Storage temperature | -40…+85°C |
| EMC immunity/emission | conforms to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4 |
| Relative humidity | 95%, no condensation |
| Vibration/shock resistance | conforms to EN 60068-2-6/EN 60068-2-27 |
| Protect. rating/installation pos. | IP20/variable |
| Approvals/markings | CE, UL |
The Beckhoff EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler is designed for coupling EtherCAT Terminals into 100BASE-TX networks with precision and reliability. Supporting up to 65,534 terminals, it enables scalable expansion for advanced control systems. With an E-bus current supply of 1000 mA, nominal 24 V DC input, and electrical isolation of 500 V across circuits, this model ensures secure and stable operation even under heavy industrial loads.
Engineered with 8 digital inputs and 4 outputs, each capable of handling ohmic, inductive, or lamp loads, the EK1818 Coupler offers short-circuit proof channels at 0.5 A per output. Fast switching times of 60 µs ON and 300 µs OFF make it suitable for dynamic machine control tasks. Compliance with EN 61000-6-2/6-4 EMC standards, a working range from -25°C to +60°C, and certifications including CE and UL reinforce its trustworthiness for demanding environments.
In real-world use, the EK1818 EtherCAT Coupler is applied in manufacturing lines, packaging machinery, and process automation where quick signal response and reliable data transfer are critical. Engineers benefit from its compact IP20 housing, vibration-tested durability, and support for shielded Cat.5 cabling up to 100 m distance. With proven robustness and scalability, Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminals like the EK1818 continue to be trusted for modern automation systems worldwide.
