Seamlessly Optimized EtherCAT Terminals: The ED Series Provides a Smart I/O Upgrade
November 3, 2026
Continuous development of the I/O system for the control cabinet
Users have long appreciated Beckhoff’s EtherCAT Terminals for their excellent performance, modular scalability, and user-friendliness. The entire portfolio has received a technological upgrade with the ED series: modernized design, tool-free assembly, and app-based diagnostics make signal acquisition more efficient than ever. Existing series remain fully mechanically compatible: the user-friendly ED series sets a standard for the future.
Product features
- future-proof platform allows easy implementation with new signals and functions
- modernized and cost-efficient portfolio with mechanical compatibility with existing equipment
- push-in wiring connection speeds up installation and simplifies handling
- consistent form factor facilitates setup, maintenance, and diagnostics
- overview in the control cabinet via uniformly arranged LEDs
- App-based diagnostics reduce downtime.
- status monitoring and fault diagnosis via Beckhoff Diagnostics app
- DMC code on front of terminal ensures fast product identification and traceability
- fast and familiar EtherCAT communication down to the last terminal
Benefits for your machine designs
- future-proof investment protection thanks to flexible integration options
- faster installation, commissioning, and maintenance thanks to simplified handling
- simple terminal traceability for quality assurance and spare parts management
- I/O system can be uniquely adapted to a wide range of machine concepts
- high scalability according to signal type, number of channels, resolution, and functionality
- flexible integration of other fieldbus systems through bus coupler and terminals
- very user-friendly thanks to quick and easy wiring
- wiring connections can be directly plugged into the terminal
- high productivity and quality with fast reactions to process events
- reduce system costs without compromising on performance
Products
- EK/EC1xxx, BK1xx0 | EtherCAT Coupler
- The EtherCAT Couplers are the link between the EtherCAT protocol at fieldbus level and the EtherCAT Terminals. Learn more
- EL/ED1xxx | Digital input
- The EL/ED1xxx EtherCAT Terminals enable the acquisition of binary signals from the process level. Learn more
- EL/ED2xxx | Digital output
- The EL/ED2xxx EtherCAT Terminals generate binary signals and forward them to the process level. Learn more
- EL/ED3xxx | Analog input
- The EL/ED3xxx EtherCAT Terminals process analog input signals for voltage, current, temperature and other measured variables. Learn more
- EL/ED4xxx | Analog output
- The EL/ED4xxx EtherCAT Terminals output analog signals with the levels 0 to 10 V, ±10 V, 0 to 20 mA and 4 to 20 mA. Learn more
- EL/ED5xxx | Position measurement
- The EL/ED5xxx EtherCAT Terminals are intended for the evaluation of complex signals from absolute and incremental encoders. Learn more
- EL/ED6xxx | Communication
- With the EL/ED6xxx EtherCAT Terminals, terminal stations become a universal gateway between different systems. Learn more
- EL/ED/ELM7xxx | Compact drive technology
- The EtherCAT Terminals from the EL/ED7xxx and ELM7xxx series enable the direct connection of various drive technologies. Learn more
- EL/EDxxxx | Multi-functional
- The multi-functional EtherCAT Terminals combine the acquisition of digital and analog input and output signals. Learn more
- EL/ED9xxx | System
- The EL/ED9xxx EtherCAT Terminals complete the I/O system with functions such as power supply, fusing and filtering. Learn more
FAQs
What is the Beckhoff ED series?
The ED series is the next evolutionary stage for the tried-and-tested EtherCAT Terminals. As an I/O upgrade, it combines modernized hardware with an optimized design and improves efficiency during installation, and for diagnostics and maintenance without compromising on the proven performance of the EtherCAT system.
What are the main advantages of the new ED series?
- tool-free installation: with push-in connection technology, wiring can be carried out much more quickly and easily
- app-based diagnostics: the data matrix code on the terminal enables easy product identification and quick access to the product status and diagnostic information via smartphone
- improved overview: all connections, LEDs, and markings are on one level; the consistent form factor (12/24 mm wide, 100 mm high) facilitates setup and handling
- future-proof: modern electronics assure a long service life and greater availability
Which connection technology has been implemented for the ED series?
Push-in technology: rigid wires or wires with ferrules are plugged in directly, without requiring tools. This is significantly faster than spring or screw-type connections.
Which connection cross-sections can I use with the ED series?
The connection cross-sections in the ED series are identical to the EL series:
| Connection | 8 connection points | 8 connection points, pluggable wiring level | 16 connection points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample product | ED1008 | EF1008 | ED1809 |
| Solid wire | 0.08…2.5 mm² (AWG28…14) | 0.08…1.5 mm² (AWG28…16) | 0.08…1.5 mm² (AWG28…16) |
| Stranded wire | 0.08…2.5 mm² (AWG28…14) | 0.08…1.5 mm² (AWG28…16) | 0.25…1.5 mm² (AWG22…16) |
| Ferrule | 0.14…1.5 mm² (AWG26…16) | 0.14…1.5 mm² (AWG26…16) | 0.14…0.75 mm² (AWG26…19) |
Is the ED series also available with a pluggable wiring level?
Yes – the EF variant (8-channel housing) offers a pluggable wiring level for selected terminals; EF variants are listed in the housing data and ordering information.
When replacing terminals, the pluggable wiring level means that the entire wiring harness can simply be pulled off without needing to disconnect individual wires.
How does the ED series contribute to investment protection?
The ED Terminals are fully mechanically compatible with the EtherCAT Terminal portfolio (couplers, EL, ELX, ELM, Safety, etc.), which means that upgrades can be carried out in stages; there is no need to change the entire system. ED and EL Terminals can be used together in the same segment
How does the ED series offer me added value compared to the tried-and-tested EL series?
It upgrades the technology in the portfolio with improved installation, diagnostics, and maintenance while preserving the current system architecture. The EL series remains available and will not be discontinued.
How do the app-based diagnostics work?
The smartphone connects to the ED6060 EtherCAT diagnostic terminal via the Beckhoff Diagnostics app. Process and status data is displayed live – without requiring a multimeter or PC.
Is the real-time data displayed in the Beckhoff Diagnostics app?
No – communication is acyclic (not EtherCAT real-time cycles). The data is retrieved from the master as required. This is sufficient for troubleshooting when network traffic is low.
Which diagnostic data is displayed in the Beckhoff Diagnostics app?
The data available depends on the specific device. Typical examples include:
- EtherCAT status of the devices
- LED status
- selected process values (e.g., 4…20 mA current values from pressure sensors or temperature readings from Pt100 sensors)
- error and alarm messages
- additional device-specific diagnostic parameters
The diagnostic data available depends on the specific EtherCAT device and its implementation.
How many EtherCAT diagnostic interfaces (ED6060) are required in a system?
Generally, one ED6060 is sufficient per EtherCAT segment. It may make sense to use multiple ED6060s in large or spatially distributed systems. Diagnostic terminals can be named individually in the PLC program.
Can the Beckhoff Diagnostics app also perform write access operations/parameterization?
No – the app is primarily designed for visualization and troubleshooting. Parameterization must be performed using the engineering tools (TwinCAT, System Manager).
Which devices can the Beckhoff Diagnostics app run on?
The Beckhoff Diagnostics app is available for Apple®iOS and Android.
How can I identify an individual component in a large terminal segment quickly?
Each ED Terminal has a Data Matrix code (BTN) on the front. The Beckhoff Diagnostics app scans this code and opens the specific diagnostic view for that terminal directly.
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