Product Description:

The EP2308-0001 is an EtherCAT-based distributed I/O device fabricated by Beckhoff as part of its EP Digital Input Modules series. This module combines four sinking inputs with four sourcing outputs in a sealed field enclosure so that sensors and actuators can be wired directly on a machine without a control cabinet. In an automation network it provides point-level signal acquisition and power switching at 24 V DC, allowing a central PLC to monitor status bits and drive loads across a single EtherCAT drop.

Each channel group offers 4 inputs + 4 outputs, a configuration that halves installation space compared with separate input and output blocks. Control logic is supplied through the EtherCAT protocol, which supports cycle times below 1 ms and is marked here as EtherCAT. The module draws only 120 mA from the segment supply, so it introduces minimal load on upstream power supplies. Output stages are rated for 0.5 A per channel, yet the internal power distribution limits the combined draw to 4 A; this protects wiring and connectors from thermal overload. For input sensing the rated load voltage is 24 V DC, and each input sinks 6 mA through a 3 ms digital filter that suppresses contact bounce. The dual M8 shielded sockets on the bus side maintain signal integrity while daisy-chaining additional EtherCAT devices.

The mixed I/O is presented on M8 x 1, 3-pin connectors, and the standardized pinout simplifies field wiring. A PA6 polyamide housing resists oils and vibration, and the compact envelope of 30 mm × 126 mm × 26.5 mm fits between machine struts. Field cables may extend up to 30 m without repeaters, matching typical sensor runs on indexing tables. If a short occurs, electronic limiting caps the fault line at 1.5 A; once cleared, normal operation resumes without manual fusing. The integrated sensor feed provides 0.5 A in total so proximity switches and light curtains can be powered directly from the module.