EL4104

Product information

Product Overview

The EL4104 is the 16-bit counterpart of the EL4004: four analog voltage outputs in the range 0 … 10 V, with 16-bit resolution, electrical isolation and an output rate of up to 4 ksps.

Choose it where 12-bit resolution is the limiting factor — fine speed or force commands, precision positioning, analog setpoints where a single-bit step would be visible in the process.

Why Buyers Specify This Model

12 bit versus 16 bit, in process terms

A 12-bit output across a 0 … 10 V span has a step size of roughly 2.4 mV. Over a 0 … 10 V drive reference that is 0.024% of span per step and is invisible in most applications. The EL4104’s 16-bit output has a step roughly sixteen times finer.

The practical question is whether your process can see one step. If a 2.4 mV change at the drive command produces a measurable jump in a force, a flow or a position, you need 16 bit. If it does not, the EL4004 is the cheaper answer.

Faster output rate and E-bus supply

The EL4104 specifies an output rate of max. 4 ksps, where the EL4004’s conversion time is approximately 250 µs. It is supplied via the E-bus rather than the 24 V power contacts, drawing typically 190 mA — another figure to add into the coupler’s 2000 mA E-bus budget.

Like the EL4004 it supports Distributed Clocks with accuracy well below 1 µs and lists a parameterisable watchdog plus activatable user synchronisation. The load requirement, greater than 5 kΩ with short-circuit protection, and the < 0.1% output error are the same.

The watchdog is the part that matters on a machine

An analog output that freezes at its last command when the controller stops is a machine safety question, not a signal-quality question. Beckhoff’s parameterisable watchdog lets you define the value the output goes to instead, optionally with a ramp rather than a step.

Configure this explicitly. It is one of the few settings on an analog output terminal that can be the difference between a controlled stop and a damaged machine.

Technical Specifications (Official Beckhoff Data)

Parameter	Official value
Number of outputs	4
Power supply	via the E-bus
Signal voltage	0…10 V
Distributed clocks	yes
Distributed clock accuracy	<< 1 µs
Load	> 5 kΩ (short-circuit proof)
Resolution	16 bit (incl. sign)
Output error	< 0.1% (relative to end value)
Electrical isolation	500 V (E-bus/signal voltage)
Output rate	max. 4 ksps
Current consumption power contacts	–
Current consumption E-bus	typ. 190 mA
Bit width in the process image	4 x 16 bit AO output
Special features	Watchdog parameterizable; user synchronization can be activated.
Weight	approx. 65 g
Operating temperature	-25…+60°C
Storage temperature	-40…+85°C
EMC immunity/emission	conforms to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4
Relative humidity	95%, no condensation
Vibration/shock resistance	conforms to EN 60068-2-6/EN 60068-2-27
Protect. rating/installation pos.	IP20/variable
Pluggable wiring level	for all ESxxxx terminals
Approvals/markings	CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, IECEx, cFMus
Ex marking	ATEX: / II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc / IECEx: / Ex ec IIC T4 Gc / cFMus: / Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D / Class I, Zone 2, AEx ec IIC T4 Gc

Specifications are Beckhoff’s official product data for the EL4104. The ES4104 variant is identical but with a pluggable wiring level.

Housing, Installation and Wiring

Data	Official value
Design form	compact terminal housing with signal LEDs
Material	polycarbonate
Installation	on 35 mm DIN rail, conforming to EN 60715 with lock
Side by side mounting by means of	double slot and key connection
Marking	labeling of the BZxxxx series
Wiring	solid conductor (s), flexible conductor (st) and ferrule (f): spring actuation by screwdriver
Connection cross-section	s*: 0.08…2.5 mm², / st*: 0.08…2.5 mm², / f*: 0.14…1.5 mm²
Connection cross-section AWG	s*: AWG28…14, / st*: AWG28…14, / f*: AWG26…16
Stripping length	8…9 mm
Current load power contacts	I max : 10 A
Dimensions (W x H x D)	12 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm

Ordering Information and Variants

Beckhoff’s own ordering information for this product:

Order code	Official description
EL4104	EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel analog output, voltage, 0…10 V, 16 bit
ES4104	EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel analog output, voltage, 0…10 V, 16 bit, pluggable wiring level

Material Compliance

The following is Beckhoff’s published material compliance data for this product, reproduced unchanged. Beckhoff notes that absence of a substance is not verified by analytical tests.

Item	Official statement
REACH SVHC	no
POP	compliant
RoHS	compliant with exemption
RoHS exemption	7c-I: Lead-containing electrical and electronic components in glass and ceramic materials, excluding dielectric ceramics in capacitors
China-RoHS	www.beckhoff.com/china-rohs-io
CA Prop65	www.beckhoff.com/prop65

Official Documentation

Every figure in the table above is published by Beckhoff. We reproduce it rather than paraphrase it, so that you can check it against the manufacturer’s own documentation:

• Beckhoff official product page — EL4104 — the source of every specification on this page.
• Beckhoff official documentation for EL4104 — downloadable PDF from Beckhoff’s documentation server.
• Canonical Beckhoff documentation link for EL4104.

Ordering This Part

Tell us the model and, where an order code exists, the complete code — Beckhoff variants differ in ways that matter, as set out above. For discontinued models, a nameplate photograph is the fastest way to confirm exactly what you have.

• Exact model or order code (including any suffix such as -0111 or -ES variants)
• Quantity required
• Whether you need the terminal alone or a complete station with coupler and power supply
• For replacements: a photo of the existing nameplate or the old order code

We confirm availability and condition before quoting. We do not publish stock levels or lead times on this page because they change; ask and we will answer specifically for your requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I pay more for the EL4104 instead of the EL4004?

16-bit resolution instead of 12 bit, and a 4 ksps output rate. A 12-bit step over a 0 … 10 V span is about 2.4 mV; if your process can see that step, you need the EL4104. If it cannot, the EL4004 is the economical choice.

How is it powered?

Via the E-bus, typically 190 mA. That differs from the EL4004, which takes its supply from the 24 V power contacts. Budget the E-bus current against your coupler.

Does it support Distributed Clocks?

Yes, with an accuracy well below 1 µs. User synchronisation can be activated, and the watchdog is parameterisable.

What load can I connect?

Greater than 5 kΩ, short-circuit proof, with an output error below 0.1% of the end value. It is a voltage source for a drive or amplifier reference, not a power output.

Is there a current-output version?

Beckhoff’s analog output range includes current output terminals for 4 … 20 mA loops. If your device expects a current reference rather than a voltage, tell us the model number you are working with and we will identify the correct terminal.