The EL3161 analog input terminal acquires a single 0…10 V DC voltage signal and digitizes it with a 16‑bit A/D converter (including sign), then transmits the measured value via EtherCAT to the higher‑level controller, electrically isolated from the backplane. The input is single‑ended with a common reference ground, simplifying wiring for typical voltage transmitters and sensors, while still providing robust performance for industrial measurement tasks. An internal input resistance >200 kΩ minimizes loading on the signal source, and the maximum dielectric strength at the input is 30 V, protecting the terminal against typical overvoltage conditions.
The terminal features an input filter with 5 kHz limit frequency and a fast conversion time of approximately 35 µs, allowing rapid, low‑latency acquisition suitable for dynamic signals and closed‑loop control. The specified measurement error is < ±0.3% of full scale, and additional FIR/IIR filters plus limit value monitoring can be activated via the terminal’s standard or compact process image for improved noise suppression and alarm handling. The process image provides 1 × 16‑bit input value and 1 × 8‑bit status per terminal, enabling both the measured voltage and diagnostic/status information to be read by the PLC or motion controller.
The signal state is indicated by LEDs on the housing, instantly showing channel status and terminal run/error conditions for easier commissioning and troubleshooting. Power for the electronics is drawn via the EtherCAT E‑bus (typical consumption ~130 mA), while the terminal does not use power contacts for analog measurement; the power contacts are simply passed through with a maximum current load of 10 A for supplying downstream terminals. The EL3161 supports EtherCAT Distributed Clocks, allowing precise time‑synchronized sampling across many terminals in measurement systems.
Mechanically, the EL3161 uses the standard EL‑12‑8pin polycarbonate housing (compact terminal) with a width of 12 mm, height 100 mm and depth 68 mm, with spring‑clamp wiring compatible with solid, stranded and ferruled conductors up to 2.5 mm². It mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) using Beckhoff’s double slot/key system for side‑by‑side mounting with other EtherCAT Terminals. Environmental ratings include −25…+60 °C operating temperature, −40…+85 °C storage, up to 95% relative humidity (non‑condensing), and compliance with EN 60068‑2‑6 / EN 60068‑2‑27 vibration/shock and EN 61000‑6‑2 / EN 61000‑6‑4 EMC standards. The terminal carries CE, CCC, UL, ATEX and IECEx approvals, with Ex marking ATEX II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc / IECEx Ex ec IIC T4 Gc, enabling use in Zone 2 hazardous areas when installed per Beckhoff guidelines.
Typical applications include single‑channel 0…10 V measurements from analog sensors, potentiometric transducers, pressure/level/position transmitters and reference voltages in machine building, process equipment and test stands, especially where accurate, fast and synchronized analog acquisition over EtherCAT is required.
Key Specifications
