Product Description

The EK1818-0000 is an EtherCAT coupler designed by Beckhoff Automation as part of its attempt to improve the automation communication system. The Coupler is built according to international standards to link EtherCAT protocol at the fieldbus level to the EtherCAT Terminals. The Coupler also features an additional eight digital inputs and four digital outputs, which is suited for applications with a small number of inputs and outputs. The EK1818-0000 Coupler features two RJ45 sockets which are both Ethernet interfaces. Customers can establish connection to the higher network through the upper Ethernet interface on the product. The lower interface can be used to establish connection with other EtherCAT components. The maximum connection length between two of this EtherCAT coupler is about 100 meters; there are also about 65,535 terminals in the overall system.

The power supply delivered to the EK1818-0000 is about 24 volts; the supplied voltage is also used to provide all connected EtherCAT terminals with the current they require for communication. The maximum current that can be supplied through this Coupler is 1 ampere, while the maximum voltage is about 5 volts. If a higher current is required, additional power feed terminals have to be integrated with the Coupler. The input filter on this product is about 3.0 milliseconds.

The EK1818-0000 is equipped with reverse voltage protection; it can also withstand short-circuit currents of less than 2 amperes. During operation, the environmental temperature around the Coupler should be kept between -25 to about 60 degrees. During storage, ambient temperature can be between -40 to about 85 degrees. The EK1818-0000 housing is made from high-density material with Signal Light light-emitting diodes for real-time diagnosis. The installation material should be done on 35-millimetre DIN rail, which conforms to EN 60715 with lock.