Quick Takeaways
- Beckhoff's September 8 update highlights ECP and ENP hybrid connectors for One Cable Automation in modular machinery.
- The connector families combine industrial power with signal and data communication in one-cable architectures.
- Beckhoff says the portfolio is compatible with DIN EN IEC 61076-2-118, an important standardization point for buyers.
- Reported connector sizes include B12, B17, B23 and B40, with stated coverage up to 630 V AC, 850 V DC and 72 A.
Industry Update
Beckhoff has presented an expanded hybrid connector portfolio for One Cable Automation, centered on its ECP and ENP connector series. According to the September 8 Automation.com report, the connectors combine industrial power with signal and data communication so machine builders can reduce separate cabling in automation systems.
The article states that the ECP and ENP families are compatible with DIN EN IEC 61076-2-118 and are built around a modular platform with a uniform data core. Beckhoff also reports that the portfolio includes B12, B17, B23 and B40 connector sizes for different machinery requirements.
For power coverage, the source lists 24 V DC at the I/O level and higher-power ranges up to 630 V AC or 850 V DC, with current ratings up to 72 A. Beckhoff links the connector families to modular and distributed automation concepts, including control cabinet-free system approaches such as its MX-System hardware platform.
Buyer Considerations
For servo motor, gear motor and automation drive buyers, the main sourcing point is not only cable count. One-cable architectures can simplify machine wiring, but they also make connector standard, current rating, voltage rating, shielding, installation practice and supplier compatibility more important during motor and drive selection.
Buyers evaluating Beckhoff-based machines should confirm which connector size is used, whether the motor and drive combination matches the electrical envelope, and whether the selected cable assembly fits the machine's bending, routing and service requirements. The stated compatibility with DIN EN IEC 61076-2-118 is useful, but it should still be checked against the exact connector, cable and drive part numbers.
The update is also relevant for OEMs comparing decentralized automation layouts. If power, feedback and communication can be consolidated reliably, panel space and commissioning work may change, but maintenance teams still need clear spare-part planning and documented connector handling procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Beckhoff announce?
Beckhoff highlighted its ECP and ENP hybrid connector families for One Cable Automation, including standardized connector sizes for combining power, signal and data communication.
Does this affect servo motor and drive buyers?
Yes. Buyers specifying Beckhoff-compatible servo motors or automation drives should review connector standard, voltage and current rating, cable routing and replacement-part availability.
Which applications could use these connectors?
The source connects the portfolio to modular machinery, distributed automation and control cabinet-free automation concepts where reduced cabling can be valuable.
What should buyers verify before adopting a one-cable design?
Buyers should verify the exact connector family, cable assembly, drive and motor compatibility, installation environment, service procedure and applicable standards documentation.
Source
This article summarizes publicly available source information. Confirm technical details, pricing and compliance requirements with the original source before making purchasing decisions.
Source date: 2026-09-09