The Beckhoff EL3356 EtherCAT Terminal is a specialised analogue input module designed for high-precision acquisition of signals from measuring bridges and full-bridge sensors, such as strain gauges and force transducers. With a combination of high resolution, configurable sampling rates, and robust filtering, the EL3356 is ideally suited for demanding measurement and monitoring applications.

At the heart of the EL3356 is its ability to measure differential voltages up to ±27 mV (UD) while simultaneously supporting reference voltages up to ±13.8 V (UREF). This makes it particularly effective for sensors with low output levels that require high sensitivity, such as those used in weighing, torque measurement, and structural monitoring. Its design includes high internal resistance (>200 kΩ for UREF and >1 MΩ for UD), ensuring that connected sensors are not significantly loaded and that signal integrity is maintained across long-term operation.

The module offers 16-bit resolution, presented in a 32-bit data format, enabling highly detailed measurement results with stable numerical representation for processing in automation systems. This precision ensures accurate detection of even the smallest changes in load, pressure, or force, which is critical in quality assurance, material testing, and laboratory applications.

A standout feature of the EL3356 is its flexible conversion rate, which can be adjusted between 100 samples per second for dynamic signal acquisition and 4 samples per second for high-accuracy averaging. This flexibility allows engineers to balance speed and precision depending on the application requirements.

To ensure stable operation in real-world conditions, the terminal integrates a 10 kHz low-pass input filter (–3 dB). This effectively suppresses high-frequency noise and interference, allowing reliable measurements even in electrically noisy industrial environments. Combined with EtherCAT’s deterministic communication and distributed clock synchronisation, the EL3356 supports precise and coordinated measurement within complex automation networks.

The terminal is powered directly via the E-bus, which also handles communication and system integration. As part of Beckhoff’s modular EtherCAT I/O system, the EL3356 can be seamlessly combined with other digital, analogue, and specialty terminals, enabling tailored solutions for applications of any scale.

Typical uses of the EL3356 include weighing systems, strain measurement, force monitoring, torque measurement, and material testing. Its high resolution, stability, and robust design make it a dependable choice in industries such as packaging, robotics, process control, and scientific research.

In summary, the Beckhoff EL3356 EtherCAT Terminal offers engineers a high-performance solution for precise measuring bridge signal acquisition. With its ±27 mV input range, 16-bit resolution, configurable sampling, and robust filtering, it ensures reliable, accurate, and noise-immune measurement for demanding industrial and laboratory applications.