Product Description

EP2308-0001 is an EtherCAT box. This and similar boxes from Beckhoff are used to deploy distributed I/O effectively and reliably. EtherCAT is a communication protocol developed by Beckhoff. This high-speed protocol allows rapid data exchange between controllers and I/O connected to EtherCAT boxes. With native EtherCAT connectivity, the boxes can interface with EtherCAT networks without requiring additional coupler boxes. The EP2308-0001 box is equipped with four digital input channels and four digital output channels. The inputs are equipped with a 3 millisecond input filter. Input filters are used to reduce noise and prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from reaching the power line and affecting other equipment. Inputs on the EP2308-0001 can connect to sensors for process control. The outputs can connect to actuators and different types of loads.

Outputs on the box provide currents of up to 0.5 Amps. Short-circuit protection and reverse polarity protection is available on the output channels. M8 connectors are available for the input and output signal wiring. The EtherCAT bus connections are made through two separate M8 connectors for the upstream and downstream directions. For the inputs, voltages between -3 and 5 Volts translate to a binary 0, and voltages between 11 and 30 Volts translate to a binary 1. Beckhoff specified 100 microseconds delay for the OFF state and 50 milliseconds for the ON state switching. The typical short-circuit current value is 1.5 Amps. The EtherCAT interfaces are protected from the other circuits via 500 Volts isolation. In addition to preventing data corruption, isolation protects equipment and personnel. With an IP65 rated enclosure, the box can be deployed in wet, dirty and dusty conditions. It weighs around 165 grams.