Product Description:

The EP6224-0042 is a compact digital input and IO-Link master produced by Beckhoff as part of the EP Digital Input Modules series. Mounted directly on the machine frame, it gathers discrete sensor signals and IO-Link device data and forwards them to the higher-level controller. This decentralized approach reduces cabinet size and shortens unshielded sensor runs, which improves electromagnetic immunity in conveying, packaging, or machining lines. The molded metal housing delivers IP67 protection, so the unit can withstand oil mist and washdown conditions common on factory floors.

All power and control loops are referenced to a nominal 24 V DC supply that is fed through a 7/8-inch, 5-pin plug-and-socket pair, simplifying daisy-chain distribution along a machine segment. Field communication uses EtherCAT, and two shielded, D-coded M12 connectors support line topology without additional hubs. The module offers 8 IEC 61131-2 Type 3 digital inputs, each drawing only 3 mA from the sensor and each accepting cable runs up to 30 m. A fixed hardware filter of 10 µs suppresses contact bounce so high-speed counting is possible without software debouncing. The inputs, port electronics, and status LEDs are integrated in a 60 × 150 × 26.5 mm body that can be mounted with M4 screws.

Four master channels are available for IO-Link devices, and the ports are standard M12 Class A connections that comply with V1.1 Class A signaling. Each port can source up to 1.4 A on the auxiliary L+ rail, while the shared internal limiter caps the group at 5.6 A to protect upstream wiring. The allowed IO-Link cable length is 20 m, so valves or sensors can be placed away from the module while remaining within the same protection zone. With 4 configurable ports, the block can combine smart sensors and digital inputs on one unit without extra network nodes.