Beckhoff ELX series EtherCAT Terminals

The Beckhoff ELX series EtherCAT Terminals has been expanded by the addition of analog input terminals with TwinSAFE SC (single-channel) technology.

These compact I/O terminals can be used to support applications in hazardous areas that require both intrinsically safe signal transmission and functional safety capabilities.

The terminals, which are certified in compliance with the specifications of the ATEX and IECEx standards, enable direct connection of intrinsically safe field devices through to Zone 0/20 based on an integrated safety barrier.

The new terminal designs extended by TwinSAFE SC technology also make it possible to achieve a safety level equivalent to PL d/Cat. 3 according to EN ISO 13849-1 or SIL 2 according to EN 62061. In this way, it is possible to use all process data existing in a system for safety technology too, such as to monitor the speed of fans in areas sensitive to explosion hazards, for example.

The I/Os are available as 12 mm wide terminals with two or four analog input channels for 0/4…20 mA, and for RTD resistance sensors, thermocouples/mV and strain gauges. Furthermore, a single-channel terminal is available for the direct connection of intrinsically safe incremental encoders, which evaluates a diagnostic-enabled NAMUR signal in accordance with IEC 60947-5-6.