Beckhoff expands hybrid connectors for standardized One Cable Automation systems

Beckhoff has developed a portfolio of ECP and ENP hybrid connectors that integrate industrial power, signal, and data communication into a single interface. The hardware is designed for One Cable Automation, enabling engineers to implement control cabinet-free architectures in modular machinery and distributed industrial systems.

Integration of Power and Data Transmission
The transition toward decentralized system concepts requires connectivity platforms that minimize cabling volume while maintaining power distribution and data integrity. The Beckhoff ECP and ENP connector series combine standard signaling with power supply to facilitate One Cable Automation. This approach reduces the physical footprint and material requirements for industrial cabling by consolidating previously separate channels into a unified data core. The hardware forms the technological foundation for control cabinet-free architectures, such as the Beckhoff MX-System, by providing direct I/O level connectivity directly on the machine floor.

Electrical Specifications and Form Factors
To accommodate varying power requirements across industrial applications, the hybrid connector portfolio includes B12, B17, B23, and B40 housing sizes. The electrical contacts are engineered to transmit 24 V DC at the I/O level, while high-power configurations support up to 630 V AC or 850 V DC. The connectors manage current capacities of up to 72 A, providing the necessary power bandwidth for servo drives and modular machine operations.

Standardization and Interoperability
The Beckhoff ECP and ENP series are implemented in accordance with the DIN EN IEC 61076-2-118 standard, which establishes international specifications for circular hybrid connectors. With hundreds of thousands of ECP and ENP interfaces already deployed in the field, the hardware demonstrates practical viability in operational environments. Compliance with the international standard ensures a uniform interface topology and verified compatibility across multi-vendor industrial networks. The standardization of the connector architecture secures supply chain viability and provides the electrical and mechanical reliability required for heavy-duty automation systems.

Additional Context:
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

The Beckhoff ECP and ENP connector series operate in the industrial hybrid connector market alongside alternatives such as the CONEC hybrid connector portfolio. Both manufacturers provide solutions based on the DIN EN IEC 61076-2-118 standard, incorporating a bayonet-locking mechanism and standardizing form factors across B12, B17, B23, and B40 sizes. While Beckhoff specifies voltage transmission up to 630 V AC or 850 V DC with current capacities up to 72 A for modular machinery, the CONEC hybrid series also targets decentralized servo drive systems, providing configurations for power classes exceeding 20 kW. Both connector architectures integrate power, signal, and data transmission into a single IP67-rated enclosure, enabling machine engineers to deploy cabinet-free automation systems with reduced wiring complexity.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals editor, assisted by AI.

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