Product Description:

Beckhoff’s EPI2338-0002 belongs to the EP Digital Input Modules series and serves as an eight-channel IO-Link Class B field device for decentralized machine I/O. The module collects 24 V DC discrete sensor signals and forwards them to higher-level controllers over the same IO-Link connection, allowing deterministic signal acquisition in industrial automation networks. Its compact housing is designed for direct mounting on machines where space and wiring reduction are critical. This layout helps place signal collection close to sensors and shortens field cabling on moving or crowded equipment.

The module presents 8 digital input channels, each scanned through an internal default filter of 3 ms to suppress bounce. Communication is handled on an IO-Link Class B port using IO-Link version V1.1; at the highest COM 3 setting, data is exchanged at 230.4 kbaud, permitting cyclical process data updates with minimal latency. Logic circuitry draws only 100 mA from the L+ supply, while individual sensor lines admit an input current of 3 mA and share a 0.5 A total sensor supply budget. The inputs are referenced to a rated load voltage of 24 V DC, and integrated current limiting opens at a short-circuit threshold of 1.5 A to protect upstream power distribution.

Mechanical integration is supported by an M12 screw-type I/O connection and an external interface consisting of a single 5-pin, A-coded M12 plug. The enclosure, molded from PA6 polyamide, measures 30 x 126 x 26.5 mm, allowing installation alongside other EP modules on a machine frame. The housing is sealed to IP65/IP66/IP67, which keeps out dust and resists low-pressure water jets or temporary immersion in industrial service. Each sensor port can source up to 0.5 A per channel, enabling the same connector to power inductive or optical sensors without an auxiliary power rail.