Beckhoff EL72x1-9014 EtherCAT servo terminals feature STO functionality

Nov. 28, 2016 – Aiming to increase safety technology in motion control applications, the Beckhoff Automation EL72x1-9014 EtherCAT servo terminals implement STO (Safe Torque Off) functionality.

The integrated features correspond to safety level Cat 3/PL d, according to EN ISO 13849-1:2015. The I/O terminal form-factor of the EL72x1-9014 promotes space-saving, cost-effective motion solutions via advanced servo drive technology with built-in safety functionality and One Cable Technology, which combines power and feedback signals to servomotors into one standard cable, says the company. In addition, two-channel shut-off with corresponding contactors in the motor cable provides a “considerable reduction in cabling effort, space requirements and cost” — a single cable connects the TwinSAFE safety output terminal (e.g. EL2904) and the STO input of the servo terminal. As well, the OCT solution promises to minimize cable costs and space needed for motor connections. The EL7201-9014 variant comes in a 12-mm terminal housing and supplies an output current of up to 2.8 ARMS, while the 24 mm EL7211-9014 version can supply a maximum of 4.5 ARMS. Both are designed to power servomotors from the Beckhoff AM8100 series.