Continuous development of the I/O system for the control cabinet

The ED series is the next evolutionary stage for the tried-and-tested EtherCAT Terminals. As an I/O upgrade, it combines modernized hardware with an optimized design and improves efficiency during installation, and for diagnostics and maintenance without compromising on the proven performance of the EtherCAT system.

• tool-free installation: with push-in connection technology, wiring can be carried out much more quickly and easily
• app-based diagnostics: the data matrix code on the terminal enables easy product identification and quick access to the product status and diagnostic information via smartphone
• improved overview: all connections, LEDs, and markings are on one level; the consistent form factor (12/24 mm wide, 100 mm high) facilitates setup and handling
• future-proof: modern electronics assure a long service life and greater availability

Push-in technology: rigid wires or wires with ferrules are plugged in directly, without requiring tools. This is significantly faster than spring or screw-type connections.

The connection cross-sections in the ED series are identical to the EL series:

Yes – the EF variant (8-channel housing) offers a pluggable wiring level for selected terminals; EF variants are listed in the housing data and ordering information.
When replacing terminals, the pluggable wiring level means that the entire wiring harness can simply be pulled off without needing to disconnect individual wires.

The ED Terminals are fully mechanically compatible with the EtherCAT Terminal portfolio (couplers, EL, ELX, ELM, Safety, etc.), which means that upgrades can be carried out in stages; there is no need to change the entire system. ED and EL Terminals can be used together in the same segment.

It upgrades the technology in the portfolio with improved installation, diagnostics, and maintenance while preserving the current system architecture. The EL series remains available and will not be discontinued.

The smartphone connects to the ED6060 EtherCAT diagnostic terminal via the Beckhoff Diagnostics app. Process and status data is displayed live – without requiring a multimeter or PC.

No – communication is acyclic (not EtherCAT real-time cycles). The data is retrieved from the master as required. This is sufficient for troubleshooting when network traffic is low.

The data available depends on the specific device. Typical examples include:

• EtherCAT status of the devices
• LED status
• selected process values (e.g., 4…20 mA current values from pressure sensors or temperature readings from Pt100 sensors)
• error and alarm messages
• additional device-specific diagnostic parameters

The diagnostic data available depends on the specific EtherCAT device and its implementation.

Generally, one ED6060 is sufficient per EtherCAT segment. It may make sense to use multiple ED6060s in large or spatially distributed systems. Diagnostic terminals can be named individually in the PLC program.

No – the app is primarily designed for visualization and troubleshooting. Parameterization must be performed using the engineering tools (TwinCAT, System Manager).

The Beckhoff Diagnostics app is available for Apple^®iOS and Android.

Each ED Terminal has a Data Matrix code (BTN) on the front. The Beckhoff Diagnostics app scans this code and opens the specific diagnostic view for that terminal directly.