Beckhoff EK1100 EtherCAT Bus Coupler

The Beckhoff EK1100 is the foundational EtherCAT Bus Coupler designed to connect high-speed EtherCAT fieldbus networks to Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx and ESxxxx series). Acting as the head module of an I/O station, the EK1100 converts incoming 100BASE-TX Ethernet telegrams into internal E-bus signal frames, passing real-time process data seamlessly to attached digital, analog, and functional terminal modules.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

• Brand: Beckhoff Automation

• Model: EK1100

• Component Type: EtherCAT Bus Coupler (Head Module)

• Bus Interface: 2 x RJ45 ports (EtherCAT IN / EtherCAT OUT)

• Transfer Rate: 100 Mbit/s (100BASE-TX full duplex)

• Fieldbus Distance: Up to 100 meters between two Ethernet nodes (CAT5/CAT5e)

• Internal Backplane Current: Supplies up to 2 A to the internal E-bus

• Power Supply: 24 V DC (-15% / +20%) via power contacts

• E-bus Connection: Direct snap-on connection for EtherCAT Terminals

• Status Diagnostics: LEDs for power supply, TC status, Link/Activity for RJ45 ports

• Housing Width: 44 mm DIN rail mounting profile

Key Advantages for High-Speed Automation

• Ultra-Fast Signal Processing: Directly bridges standard Ethernet physical media to internal E-bus signals without processing delays, enabling microsecond deterministic control.

• Flexible Network Daisy-Chaining: Dual RJ45 ports allow convenient line-topology pass-through to downstream EtherCAT slaves or additional coupler stations.

• Integrated Power Distribution: Feeds power directly to internal E-bus logic circuits and 24V DC power contacts for adjacent field sensors and actuators.

• Seamless TwinCAT Integration: Automatic hardware scanning and instant configuration within Beckhoff TwinCAT System Manager software.