The Beckhoff EL3773 EtherCAT Terminal is a powerful and versatile multi-function analog input module designed for detailed power monitoring and grid analysis in industrial automation systems. With its ability to measure three voltages and three currents simultaneously, the EL3773 provides comprehensive insight into electrical energy consumption, power quality, and system performance.

The terminal supports voltage measurements up to 500 V AC (3-phase, ULX-N: max. 288 V AC) and 410 V DC, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial power systems. Current measurement is supported up to 1 A AC or 1.5 A DC directly, with higher current ranges available via external current transformers (e.g., x A AC/1 A AC scaling). This flexibility makes the EL3773 applicable to both low- and medium-voltage environments where detailed electrical data acquisition is critical.

With its 16-bit resolution (including sign), the EL3773 ensures high measurement accuracy across its entire operating range. This resolution provides precise detail for monitoring power quality, capturing transients, and supporting energy management applications. The signed values make it possible to monitor both consumption and feedback energy, which is increasingly important in distributed generation and renewable energy systems.

A standout feature of the EL3773 is its oversampling capability, with a selectable factor of n = 1…100. This enables extremely fine-grained data acquisition with conversion times as short as 100 µs for all channels simultaneously. Oversampling provides valuable insight into fast-changing electrical signals, enabling the detection of transients, harmonics, and other power quality issues that standard measurement systems may miss.

The EL3773 is particularly well suited for applications that demand real-time monitoring and analysis of electrical energy. In automation systems, it allows engineers to track energy efficiency, monitor load profiles, and detect anomalies before they become critical. Its ability to synchronously measure three voltages and three currents makes it ideal for analysing three-phase systems, delivering accurate data on active, reactive, and apparent power as well as power factor and frequency.

As part of Beckhoff’s EtherCAT I/O system, the EL3773 integrates seamlessly into distributed automation architectures. Measured data is mapped directly into the process image, ensuring fast and deterministic communication with the controller. This makes it possible to integrate detailed power measurement into real-time automation processes without the need for separate monitoring equipment.

With its compact design and rugged build quality, the EL3773 is well suited for cabinet installation in demanding industrial environments. It supports engineers in meeting modern requirements for energy management, process optimisation, and predictive maintenance, while providing the flexibility needed for integration into both new and existing systems.

In summary, the Beckhoff EL3773 EtherCAT Terminal is a high-precision, multi-function input module for detailed power measurement and grid analysis. With its wide measuring ranges, 16-bit resolution, oversampling capability, and seamless EtherCAT integration, it is an indispensable tool for advanced energy monitoring in industrial automation.