Minimal Example El2004

A complete hardware + software walkthrough

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Requirements
3. Hardware Setup
4. Software Setup
5. Demo
6. References
7. Acknowledgements

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1. Introduction

The EL2004 LED Toggle Example is a minimal demonstration showing how to control digital outputs on a Beckhoff EL2004 EtherCAT terminal using the QiTech machine framework.
It represents the simplest possible hardware interaction in the system:
toggling LED outputs using the QiTech Control Dashboard.

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2. Requirements

Hardware

• Beckhoff EL2004 EtherCAT Terminal (4-channel digital output)
• Beckhoff EK1100 EtherCAT Coupler
• 24 V DC power supply (AC/DC adapter + DC hollow plug)
• Jumper / bridge wires (0.5–1.5 mm² recommended)
• A Linux PC (Ubuntu/Debian recommended)
• Standard Ethernet cable
• Flat screwdriver

Software

See Device Example Basics for software prerequisites.

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3. Hardware Setup

3.1 Schematic

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3.2 EK1100 Wiring

This wiring configuration powers the EL2004 and prepares it for LED control.
It is not the only possible wiring but is the simplest functional setup.

⚠️ Always disconnect power before wiring. See Device Example Basics for the safe wiring procedure.

3.2.2 Wiring Steps (Used in This Example)

We supply power using a DC hollow-plug adapter, like this one:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B093FTFZ8Q

Perform the following wiring on the EK1100:

1. Red wire (+24 V) → Terminal 2
2. Black wire (0 V) → Terminal 3
3. Jumper wire from Terminal 1 → Terminal 6
4. Jumper wire from Terminal 5 → Terminal 7

After wiring, your module should look like Figure 1.

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Figure 1 — EK1100 Minimal Wiring

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3.3 EL2004 Integration

Slide the EL2004 onto the right side of the EK1100 until it locks.
The EtherCAT E-Bus and power contacts connect automatically — no wiring required.

Figure 2 — EL2004 Terminal

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3.4 Final Assembled Setup

Figure 3 — EK1100 + EL2004 Connected

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3.5 Power & Ethernet

Power

Connect the 24 V adapter to the hollow plug used earlier. Example AC/DC Adapter (Figure 4):

Ethernet

Use a standard LAN cable to connect your PC → EK1100. The final powered up and connected setup should look like this:

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4. Software Setup

See Device Example Basics to install and run the software, then return here for the device-specific demo steps.

5. Demo

5.1 Assigning Devices in the Dashboard

Once the backend + frontend are running, you should see:

• EK1100 Coupler

• EL2004 Digital Output Terminal

Steps:

• Click Assign on the EK1100

• Select TestMachine V1

• Enter a serial number (use the same for EK1100 + EL2004)

• Click Write

• Repeat for the EL2004

5.2 Testing LED Control

Navigate to:

Machines → TestMachine You will see this interface:

You can now toggle the four digital outputs of the EL2004.

6. References

This guide incorporates information from official Beckhoff documentation. All diagrams, product names, and figures belong to Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG and are used here solely for educational purposes.

Referenced Manuals

Beckhoff EK1100 Documentation

Beckhoff EL2004 Documentation

7. Acknowledgements

This tutorial is inspired by the clarity and educational quality of Beckhoff manuals. All wiring illustrations and hardware descriptions in this guide are provided for demonstration purposes only and do not replace official Beckhoff installation guidelines.