I/O terminals with digital multimeter inside

June 16, 2010
In order to add even more measurement functions to low cost I/O terminals, Beckhoff Automation has released the new EL3681 and KL3681 terminals.

By integrating digital multimeters directly into I/O nodes, users can expect a streamlined and low cost alternative to stand-alone digital multimeters. The modules provide high precision and simple, high-resistance measurement from 300 mV to 300 V and cost just $305.00 (U.S. list) each.

Using the digital multimeter terminals with fieldbus interface for measuring current and voltage, measured values can be processed directly in the I/O system or by the master controller. These dynamic measuring terminals are available for both the Beckhoff Bus Terminal system, which offers support for most major fieldbuses as well as for the high performance EtherCAT® Terminal system.

Equipping industrial systems with the Beckhoff KL3681 (Bus Terminal) and EL3681 (EtherCAT Terminal) significantly increases flexibility thanks to the wide input range and automated measuring range selection.

In measuring applications, the expected voltage is often not known during the planning phase. Automatic adjustment of the measurement range simplifies use and reduces stock levels. Beckhoff’s digital multimeter terminals measure DC and AC voltages; in the case of AC voltage, the effective (RMS) value is determined.

Very high immunity to interference is achieved via the complete galvanic isolation of the electronic measuring system and a measurement interval of typically 200 ms. The measured result is equivalent to that of a good hand-held multimeter, but the I/O Terminals also have an interface to most major fieldbuses via which it can be read out and parameterized.

Measurement ranges:
- Voltage: 300 mV to 300 V DC, 100 mV to 300 V AC
- Current: 100 mA, 1 A, 10 A AC/DC

In applications that utilize a powerful CPU, ultra fast communication (e.g. via EtherCAT), real-time software and an I/O interface to the outside world, Beckhoff PC-based control technology represents the ideal system for high-precision, high-speed measuring equipment.

EtherCAT® is a registered trademark of Beckhoff Automation GmbH.

Beckhoff Automation - www.beckhoffautomation.com

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