Product Description

EP2038-0001 is an EtherCAT box. It is designed and manufactured by Beckhoff, a global supplier of industrial automation solutions. Industrial control systems consist of centralized or distributed controllers connected to sensors and actuators located at the plant. EtherCAT is a patented Beckhoff technology for fast network-based communication between compatible control devices. EtherCAT boxes allow extension of control systems without the need of coupler boxes. Integrated EtherCAT support enables fast communication between distributed I/O and process controllers. Compact dimensions enable installation in restricted spaces. Each EtherCAT box has two EtherCAT connections, one for the upstream and one for the downstream direction. There are two supply voltage connections, one for the input and one for the downstream direction. The EP2038-0001 box is equipped with 8-channel digital outputs. It supports diagnostics, which allow higher reliability during operation.

The box can supply 2 Amps per output, and total 4 Amps for all outputs. All channels support short circuit protection and wire break/open-load detection. Connections for the outputs are via screw-type M8 connectors. The EtherCAT bus connections are also via M8 sockets. Ohmic, lamp, and inductive loads can be connected to the 8 outputs. The rated output voltage of the box is 24 Volts DC. Specified switching times are 200 microseconds for the ON state and 200 microseconds for the OFF state. Typical value of the short circuit current is 15 Amps. The power supply connection on the box is one M8 male socket for the downstream connection and one M8 female socket for the input. Weight of the EP2038-0001 box is 165 grams. It is made of PA6 (polyamide) and has dimensions at 30 x 126 x 26.5 millimeters.