Product Description:

The EP3162-0002 is an analog input module produced by Beckhoff as part of the EP Digital Input Modules series. It accepts two voltage channels from sensors and transducers and places the sampled data onto an EtherCAT segment so that a controller can process it in real time. The device performs signal acquisition directly on the machine, reducing internal cabinet wiring and allowing compact, decentralized I/O expansion in industrial automation lines.

Each of the two inputs is wired through 2 × M12, 5-pin sockets, and the converter samples every channel with a 16-bit resolution, yielding 65,536 discrete values across the measuring range. Galvanic separation between the sensor side and logic side is rated at 300 V, protecting upstream electronics against ground loops. An internal analog filter limits the bandwidth to 5 kHz, which suppresses high-frequency noise while preserving the dynamic content of typical process signals. The input circuitry is referenced to earth through a minimum impedance of 200 kΩ, minimizing loading on high-impedance sources. Power for the transducers is derived from the Up supply rail, which must be a regulated 24 VDC feed delivered through the neighboring M12 power daisy chain.

The EtherCAT interface is presented on two M8 sockets that allow line or ring wiring and remain electrically separated from the power domain by 500 V of fieldbus isolation. Under calibrated conditions, the module guarantees a total measuring deviation of no more than 0.3%, supporting accurate feedback in closed-loop control. Sensor cables may be routed up to 30 m when they are shielded correctly. Control electronics draw only 120 mA from the 24 V Us logic rail, while the parallel Up circuit can source as much as 4 A for field loads, enabling stable operation of externally powered transmitters.