With the rugged EP2338 EtherCAT Box, Beckhoff has extended its IP67 I/O system with a dynamic 8-channel digital variant. The channels on the EP2338 can be used either as inputs or outputs, which permits extremely flexible use of this compact EtherCAT Box. This way, engineering efforts and spare parts inventory can be simplified significantly, since the inputs and outputs can be connected as needed when the machine is wired.
The moisture- and dust-resistant EP2338 EtherCAT Box has eight freely selectable digital inputs or outputs in one flexible device. The filter constant of the inputs is 10 μs. The outputs handle load currents of up to 0,5 A, are short-circuit-proof and protected against inverse polarity. If a channel is used as an output, the input is read back in parallel and can additionally be used for short-circuit analysis.
Pre-assembled cables simplify EtherCAT and signal wiring, while helping prevent wiring faults so that commissioning time is optimised. In addition to pre-assembled EtherCAT, power and sensor cables, field-configurable connectors and cables are available from Beckhoff for maximum flexibility. The signals are connected optionally via M8 (EP2338-0001) or M12 (EP2338-0002) screw type connectors.
The EtherCAT Box family with direct EtherCAT interface expands upon Beckhoff’s IP67-rated I/O system solutions. With these compact modules the impressive performance of EtherCAT at 100 Mbit/s is retained down to each IP67 box. The EtherCAT Box system is particularly suitable for applications where space is limited or a control cabinet is not viable, such as in packaging machines. The light weight also facilitates applications with requirements for a moving I/O interface, such as robot arms.
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