EL3208 Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal, 8-Channel RTD Input, Pt100, 16 bit
The EL3208 is an 8-channel analog input terminal from Beckhoff. It reads resistance sensors directly. The HD housing is only 12 mm wide. Each channel supports 2-wire RTD wiring. It handles Pt100, Pt1000, Ni120, Ni1000, and KTY types. Resolution is 0.1 °C per digit. Measuring error stays under ±0.5 °C for Pt sensors. The terminal converts resistance to temperature onboard. Status LEDs and process image bits show channel health. It suits dense temperature monitoring in EtherCAT systems.
Oiltech Controls’s Insight
- Eight channels in 12 mm saves DIN rail space. That matters in crowded control cabinets.
- The integrated digital filter cuts noise on long sensor runs. Filter frequency is typically 1 kHz.
- Conversion time is configurable from 3 ms to 1600 ms. Default is about 170 ms. You can trade speed for stability.
- Limit value monitoring runs inside the terminal. This reduces PLC scan load.
- Electrical isolation is 500 V between E-bus and signal. That protects the controller from field faults.
- Measuring current stays below 0.5 mA. Self-heating at the sensor stays low.
Oiltech Controls Review
- We supply the EL3208 as tested surplus or refurbished stock. Each unit is checked before packing.
- Engineers use it to replace failed RTD cards in older EtherCAT racks. The 12 mm HD width keeps the same rail footprint.
- Only 2-wire technology is supported. For long cable runs, check lead resistance error before you commit.
- The terminal needs no external power. It draws about 140 mA from the E-bus.
- For support, email info@oiltechcontrols.com or message +86 158 8020 0923 on WhatsApp.
Technical Data
| Brand | Beckhoff |
| Model | EL3208 |
| Type | EtherCAT Terminal, analog input, RTD |
| Number of Inputs | 8 |
| Power Supply | Via E-bus |
| Technology | 2-wire |
| Signal Type | Single-ended |
| Sensor Types | Pt100, Pt200, Pt500, Pt1000, Ni100, Ni120, Ni1000, KTY, resistance |
| Measuring Range | -200 … +850 °C (Pt); -60 … +250 °C (Ni) |
| Resolution | 0.1 °C per digit |
| Measuring Error | < ±0.5 °C for Pt sensors |
| Measuring Current | < 0.5 mA |
| Conversion Time | ~170 ms default, 3 … 1600 ms configurable |
| Input Filter | Typ. 1 kHz limit frequency |
| Electrical Isolation | 500 V (E-bus/signal) |
| E-bus Current | Typ. 140 mA |
| Special Features | Digital filter, limit value monitoring |
| Operating Temperature | -25 … +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 … +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 95 %, no condensation |
| Vibration/Shock | EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27 |
| EMC | EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4 |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Approvals | CE, UL |
| Housing | HD, polycarbonate, signal LEDs |
| Dimensions | 12 x 100 x 68 mm |
| Mounting | 35 mm DIN rail per EN 60715 |
| Wiring | Solid direct plug-in; stranded with spring |
| Cross-section | 0.08 … 1.5 mm² |
| Stripping Length | 8 … 9 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 60 g |
Which Equipment Uses This Terminal?
- EtherCAT control cabinets with many RTD points.
- Plastic molding machines that watch barrel temperature.
- Food processing lines with Pt100 probes.
- Test benches that log eight channels at once.
- Retrofit racks replacing older 8-channel RTD cards.
- Ovens and dryers with Ni1000 or KTY sensors.
Installation Notes
- Snap onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 60715.
- Join side by side using the double slot and key.
- Use 2-wire RTD wiring per channel.
- Strip wires to 8 … 9 mm.
- Solid wire goes in directly. Stranded wire needs a screwdriver to open the spring.
- Label with BZxxx series markers.
Commissioning and Maintenance
- Check LEDs and process image bits for channel state.
- Set the sensor type in the EtherCAT configuration.
- Tune conversion time from 3 ms to 1600 ms as needed.
- Enable limit value monitoring to cut PLC load.
- Verify lead resistance on long 2-wire runs.
- Keep ambient between -25 °C and 60 °C.
Why Buy From Oiltech Controls?
- More than 15 years in industrial automation spare parts.
- Shipping to most countries worldwide.
- Tested surplus and refurbished options in stock.
- 12-month warranty on eligible products.
- Technical check before every shipment.
- Help with obsolete control systems.
- Contact: info@oiltechcontrols.com or +86 158 8020 0923 on WhatsApp.
Shipping, Warranty and Packing
- Shipping methods: FedEx, UPS, DHL.
- Dispatch in 24 to 28 hours after payment.
- Warranty: 12 months against defects.
- Packing list: 1 x Beckhoff EL3208 EtherCAT terminal.
- Technical verification before shipment.
FAQ
Q: Can I use 3-wire or 4-wire Pt100 sensors with this terminal?
A: No. The EL3208 is 2-wire only. For 3-wire or 4-wire, choose a different EL3xxx model. With 2-wire, long cables add lead resistance error. Keep runs short or compensate in software.
Q: How fast can this terminal read temperature?
A: Default conversion time is about 170 ms. You can set it from 3 ms to 1600 ms. Faster settings may increase noise. Balance speed and stability for your process.
Q: My readings drift. What should I check first?
A: Check wiring first. Loose terminals and long 2-wire runs are common causes. Also confirm the sensor type in the config. Use the digital filter and limit monitoring to catch faults early.
Q: What sensor types does it support?
A: It reads Pt100, Pt200, Pt500, Pt1000, Ni100, Ni120, Ni1000, and KTY types. It also measures plain resistance, such as a potentiometer from 10 Ω to 1/4 kΩ. Set the type in the EtherCAT configuration.
Q: How do I pick the right replacement?
A: Match the channel count, sensor type, and 2-wire technology. Confirm the 12 mm HD housing fits your rail. Check approvals CE and UL for your site. Send us the old label if unsure.
Long-Tail Keywords
- Beckhoff EL3208 8-channel RTD EtherCAT terminal
- EL3208 Pt100 input terminal 16 bit 12 mm
- Beckhoff EL3208 2-wire temperature input module
- EL3208 EtherCAT terminal obsolete replacement
- Beckhoff EL3208 refurbished with 12-month warranty
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