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EL6688 - Beckhoff EtherCAT Communication Interface
Beckhoff introduces the EL6688 Position Measurement & Communication, a precision EtherCAT Communication Interface designed for seamless industrial automation, enabling reliable data transfer and accurate position measurement across complex production systems.
| Brand | Beckhoff |
| Product Type | EtherCAT Communication Interface |
| Product | EL6688 |
EL6688 Beckhoff EtherCAT Communication Interface Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Distributed clocks | yes |
| Power supply | via the E-bus |
| Data transfer rates | 10/100 Mbit/s, IEEE 802.3u auto-negotiation, half or full duplex at 10 and 100 Mbit/s possible, automatic settings |
| Current consumption E-bus | typ. 310 mA |
| Electrical isolation | 500 V (E-bus/Ethernet) |
| Special features | usable in TwinCAT as a reference clock |
| Weight | approx. 75 g |
| Operating temperature | 0…55°C |
| Storage temperature | -25…+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 |
| Approvals/markings | CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, IECEx |
| Ex marking | ATEX:II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 GcIECEx:Ex ec IIC T4 Gc |
| Housing - Design form | compact terminal housing with signal LEDs |
| Housing - Material | polycarbonate |
| Housing - Dimensions (W x H x D) | 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 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 - Wiring | specific push-in connection |
| Cable length | up to 100 m twisted pair |
| Configuration | no |
| Number of Ethernet ports | 1 |
| Bus system | Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) |
| Ethernet interface | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet with 1 x RJ45 |
| Hardware diagnostics | status LEDs |
| Protocol | PTPv1 (IEEE 1588-2002), PTPv2 (IEEE 1588-2008) |
The Beckhoff EL6688 EtherCAT Communication Interface is designed for high-precision industrial automation, offering reliable position measurement and seamless communication. The EL6688 Beckhoff EtherCAT Communication Interface supports distributed clocks, ensuring synchronized operations across multiple devices. Powered via the E-bus with a typical current consumption of 310 mA, the Beckhoff EL6688 EtherCAT Communication Interface delivers fast data transfer rates of 10/100 Mbit/s with IEEE 802.3u auto-negotiation, allowing half or full duplex communication. Its compact polycarbonate housing of 24 mm x 100 mm x 52 mm and weight of approximately 75 g is optimized for DIN rail installation. With one RJ45 Ethernet port, support for PTPv1 and PTPv2 protocols, 500 V electrical isolation, and compliance with industrial standards like EN 60068-2-6 and EN 61000-6-2, the Beckhoff EL6688 EtherCAT Communication Interface ensures accurate, interference-free performance in demanding automation and position measurement applications.
The Beckhoff EL6688 Position Measurement & Communication is ideal for industrial applications requiring precise position feedback and reliable communication. It is widely used in automated production lines, conveyor systems, robotic applications, CNC machinery, and process control systems where synchronized operations are critical. Its compatibility with TwinCAT as a reference clock ensures seamless integration with other Beckhoff modules, improving overall system accuracy and efficiency.
Maintenance engineers and students can easily implement the EL6688 due to its intuitive push-in wiring, compact design, and visual status indicators via LEDs. Trusted certifications such as CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, and IECEx validate its reliability in hazardous and industrial environments. With precise timing, distributed clock support, and high-speed data transfer, the EL6688 enhances productivity, reduces downtime, and ensures accurate monitoring of motion and position in demanding industrial setups.
