The Beckhoff EL1124 is a high-speed 4-channel digital input EtherCAT Terminal designed for low-voltage, time-critical applications. With its 5 V DC input level, ultra-fast response of 0.05 µs, and low current consumption, the EL1124 provides exceptional precision in capturing rapid digital signals, making it ideal for specialised control and measurement environments.

Equipped with four inputs, the terminal supports both 2- and 3-wire connection technologies, offering flexible wiring options to suit different installation scenarios. Each input channel operates at a nominal voltage of 5 V DC, with a typical input current of just 50 µA. This low input current makes the EL1124 particularly well suited for interfacing with sensitive devices, low-power sensors, or electronic circuits that cannot supply higher drive currents.

The standout feature of the EL1124 is its speed. With an input response time of only 0.05 µs, achieved through advanced CMOS input technology, the terminal is capable of reliably detecting even the fastest digital events. This makes it an excellent choice for high-frequency applications such as pulse acquisition, encoder signal monitoring, or digital measurements in test and laboratory setups. The ability to capture extremely fast signal changes ensures that no events are missed, even in demanding real-time applications.

Electrical isolation is also a key design element, with 500 V separation between the EtherCAT E-bus and the field potential. This galvanic isolation ensures that disturbances or fluctuations on the field side do not interfere with the system bus, enhancing overall reliability and protecting sensitive control hardware.

In terms of efficiency, the EL1124 is lightweight on system resources. It consumes approximately 90 mA from the E-bus and around 14 mA plus the load from the power contacts, making it highly suitable for inclusion in large-scale or distributed I/O systems without significant impact on overall power demands.

Practical applications of the EL1124 are wide-ranging in areas where speed and precision are essential. It is particularly well suited to electronics testing and quality assurance, where high-frequency signals must be captured accurately. In automation, it can be used for ultra-fast event detection, monitoring signals from high-speed machinery, or interfacing with devices that output low-voltage signals. It also finds use in laboratory research and development environments, where accurate digital signal acquisition forms the basis for analysis and experimentation.

In summary, the Beckhoff EL1124 is a compact and ultra-fast digital input terminal offering four 5 V DC inputs with advanced CMOS input technology. Its unique combination of 0.05 µs response time, low input current, electrical isolation, and seamless EtherCAT integration makes it an outstanding choice for high-frequency, low-voltage signal applications. Whether in industrial automation, testing, or laboratory systems, the EL1124 ensures precise and reliable digital input performance.