EL6021 - Beckhoff EtherCAT Communication Interface
Beckhoff EL6021 Position Measurement & Communication is a high-performance EtherCAT Communication Interface for RS422/RS485 serial connections in automation.
| Brand | Beckhoff |
| Product Type | EtherCAT Communication Interface |
| Product | EL6021 |
EL6021 Beckhoff EtherCAT Communication Interface Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power supply | via the E-bus |
| Data transfer rates | 2400â¦115,200 baud; default: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit |
| Current consumption E-bus | typ. 170 mA |
| Electrical isolation | 500 V (E-bus/signal voltage) |
| Weight | approx. 55 g |
| Operating temperature | -25…+60°C |
| Storage temperature | -40…+85°C |
| Relative humidity | 95%, no condensation |
| Vibration/shock resistance | conforms to EN 60068-2-6/EN 60068-2-27 |
| EMC immunity/emission | conforms to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4 |
| Protect. rating/installation pos. | IP20/variable |
| Pluggable wiring | for all ESxxxx terminals |
| Approvals/markings | CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, IECEx, DNV GL, cFMus |
| Ex marking | ATEX:II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 GcIECEx:Ex ec IIC T4 GccFMus:Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, DClass I, Zone 2, AEx ec IIC T4 Gc |
| Housing - Design form | compact terminal housing with signal LEDs |
| Housing - Material | polycarbonate |
| Housing - Dimensions (W x H x D) | 12Â mm x 100Â mm x 68 mm |
| Housing - Installation | on 35 mm DIN rail, conforming to EN 60715 with lock |
| Housing - Side by side mounting by means of | double slot and key connection |
| Housing - Marking | labeling of the BZxxxx series |
| Housing - Wiring | solid conductor (s), flexible conductor (st) and ferrule (f): spring actuation by screwdriver |
| Housing - Connection cross-section | s*: 0.08…2.5 mm², st*: 0.08…2.5 mm², f*: 0.14…1.5 mm² |
| Housing - Connection cross-section AWG | s*: AWG28…14, st*: AWG28…14, f*: AWG26…16 |
| Housing - Stripping length | 8…9 mm |
| Housing - Current load power contacts | Imax: 10 A |
| Data transfer channels | TxD and RxD, full/half duplex |
| Interfaces | 1 x RS422/RS485 |
| Cable length | approx. 1000 m twisted pair |
| Providing external supply | â |
| Data buffer | 864Â bytes receive buffer, 128Â bytes transmit buffer |
| Configuration | no address setting, configuration via PLC |
| Bit transfer | with differential signal |
The Beckhoff EL6021 EtherCAT Communication Interface is designed to provide reliable position measurement and communication across industrial automation networks. It integrates one RS422/RS485 interface, supporting full and half duplex data transfer, with transmission rates ranging from 2400 to 115,200 baud. Offering a buffer of 864 bytes for receive and 128 bytes for transmit, it ensures smooth communication even in high-load applications. The module is powered directly via the E-bus and consumes just 170 mA, ensuring efficiency without compromising performance.
Engineered for industrial reliability, the EL6021 Position Measurement & Communication module offers 500 V electrical isolation between E-bus and signal voltage, protecting both system hardware and connected devices. Its polycarbonate housing, only 12 mm wide, is compact yet robust, with side-by-side mounting on DIN rails for space efficiency. Diagnostic LEDs simplify fault detection, while its IP20 protection rating makes it suitable for standard cabinet installations. With compliance to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4 EMC standards, vibration and shock resistance per EN 60068, and approvals including CE, UL, CCC, ATEX, IECEx, and DNV GL, this module is trusted for global industrial use.
In practice, the Beckhoff EL6021 EtherCAT Communication Interface is widely applied in machine tools, robotics, packaging systems, and process control where RS422/RS485 serial communication is essential. Its ability to transmit data up to 1000 meters over twisted pair makes it suitable for large factory environments. Junior engineers value its plug-and-play configuration via PLC, while senior automation specialists rely on its stability in distributed systems. For engineering students and trainees, the EL6021 demonstrates real-world serial communication principles integrated into modern EtherCAT networks. Compact, efficient, and versatile, the Beckhoff EL6021 strengthens industrial connectivity, making it a trusted choice for long-term automation strategies.
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