The Beckhoff EL3104 EtherCAT Terminal is a high-performance analogue input module designed to deliver reliable and precise voltage acquisition in distributed control systems. With four differential inputs, it provides engineers and system integrators with a robust solution for capturing analogue data in applications where accuracy, synchronisation, and efficiency are critical.

Each of the four inputs is capable of measuring signals in the range of –10 V to +10 V, covering a wide spectrum of industrial analogue sensors, transducers, and measurement devices. The differential input design improves immunity to common-mode noise and ensures more accurate signal acquisition, especially in electrically noisy environments typically found in industrial automation. With an input resistance greater than 200 kΩ, the terminal minimises loading effects on connected signal sources, preserving signal integrity across all channels.

The EL3104 delivers 16-bit resolution, providing fine granularity for precise analogue-to-digital conversion. This high resolution allows even small variations in sensor output to be captured and processed, which is particularly important in quality control, process monitoring, and closed-loop control systems.

A standout feature of the EL3104 is its support for EtherCAT distributed clocks, which enable synchronised data acquisition with a precision significantly better than 1 µs. This ensures that analogue signals are precisely aligned with other process data across the EtherCAT network, allowing for real-time, coordinated control in multi-axis motion systems, robotics, and advanced process automation. The integrated input filter with a 5 kHz limit frequency further enhances measurement stability by suppressing high-frequency noise without compromising responsiveness to dynamic signals.

The terminal is powered directly through the E-bus, simplifying integration and reducing wiring complexity. As part of Beckhoff’s modular EtherCAT I/O system, the EL3104 can be seamlessly combined with other terminals to build highly customised, decentralised I/O configurations tailored to individual project requirements. Its compact terminal format saves valuable cabinet space while offering industrial-grade durability and long-term reliability.

When used with TwinCAT automation software, the EL3104 provides a complete platform for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics, further simplifying engineering tasks. This integration ensures that analogue signals can be efficiently incorporated into control strategies, visualisations, and advanced analytics with minimal development effort.

In summary, the Beckhoff EL3104 EtherCAT Terminal is a versatile and high-precision analogue input module. With its four differential ±10 V channels, 16-bit resolution, synchronised acquisition via distributed clocks, and robust noise immunity, it provides an ideal solution for capturing critical analogue data in modern industrial automation systems.