The Beckhoff EL5002 is a versatile EtherCAT Terminal designed to interface with two SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface) encoders. By supporting precise and synchronised acquisition of encoder data, it enables reliable position and motion feedback in demanding automation environments. Its dual-channel design, high-speed data rates, and EtherCAT integration make it a powerful tool for motion control applications across industries.

Supporting two independent SSI encoders, the EL5002 allows engineers to capture position, speed, or angle data simultaneously. Each channel connects via dedicated signal pairs (D+, D– for data and Cl+, Cl– for clock), ensuring accurate and noise-resistant communication. This setup makes the terminal ideal for machinery requiring multiple encoder inputs, such as multi-axis systems, robotics, or synchronised motion applications.

The module is highly flexible in terms of communication speed, offering variable data transfer rates up to 1 MHz, with a default of 250 kHz. This range ensures compatibility with a wide variety of SSI encoders, from standard low-speed devices to high-resolution encoders requiring fast updates. By accommodating multiple encoder specifications, the EL5002 simplifies system design and supports future scalability.

Integration with EtherCAT distributed clocks is one of the terminal’s strongest features. By synchronising encoder data acquisition with the EtherCAT system clock, the EL5002 ensures highly deterministic behaviour. This capability is essential for precise motion control, coordinated axis movements, and applications where timing accuracy directly impacts process quality.

The EL5002 operates from a 24 V DC supply via the system’s power contacts, ensuring straightforward integration into existing power architectures. External power for the encoders themselves is provided through Beckhoff’s power supply terminals, such as the EL91xx series, enabling flexible and stable encoder operation.

Compact and modular, the EL5002 is designed for seamless installation into Beckhoff’s EtherCAT Terminal system. It can be combined with digital, analog, or other communication terminals to create custom I/O configurations tailored to specific applications. Its modularity supports easy expansion, making it an excellent choice for dynamic and evolving automation systems.

Hardware diagnostics and communication monitoring are also integrated, allowing users to quickly detect wiring errors, encoder faults, or communication issues. This built-in feedback reduces commissioning time and simplifies maintenance, contributing to higher system uptime and reliability.

In practical applications, the EL5002 is widely used in machine tools, printing machinery, material handling, packaging lines, and other automation systems where precise position feedback is essential. Its ability to process two encoder channels at once makes it especially cost-effective in multi-axis or synchronised applications, reducing both hardware footprint and wiring effort.

In summary, the Beckhoff EL5002 is a robust and efficient SSI encoder interface terminal offering two channels, variable data rates up to 1 MHz, distributed clock support, and seamless EtherCAT integration. With its flexibility, precision, and compact design, it provides a reliable foundation for motion control systems requiring accurate and synchronised position feedback.