Product Description:

The EPP2308-0001 is an EtherCAT P I/O box from Beckhoff that belongs to the EPP EtherCAT P Box Modules series. It combines both sensor supply and communication on a single hybrid line, allowing the module to collect four digital input signals and drive four digital outputs in compact machinery or conveyor segments. Within an automation cell, the unit is mounted close to actuators or sensors so that wiring is shortened and field data reach the controller over real-time EtherCAT P.

The unit draws only 20 mA from the UP 24 V power rail for logic and 100 mA from the US rail that feeds the sensors, which keeps the backbone current budget low. Each of the four outputs sources up to 0.5 A per channel, and an internal monitor limits short-circuit events to 1.5 A so the segment fuse is not triggered unnecessarily. The four inputs present a 6 mA load at 24 VDC and are debounced by a 3.0 ms input filter to block contact bounce. Output transistors react in 50/100 µs on and off, enabling deterministic actuation of pneumatic valves or pilot relays. Process data, auxiliary voltage, and shielding pass through two M8, 4-pin, P-coded EtherCAT P ports, so the module can be inserted anywhere along the line without additional terminals. Eight separate M8 sockets provide the signal connection points for the field devices.

The enclosure measures 30 × 126 × 26.5 mm, allowing installation on machine frames where space is tight. Line segments may extend up to 30 m between modules while still meeting timing requirements. Output circuits are supplied with 24 VDC from UP, and sensors receive their supply of 24 VDC from US over dedicated pins. When all channels are active, the shared high-side switches can deliver a combined 3.0 A without thermal derating. Signal routing is organized through eight M8 connectors to keep field connections orderly and reduce wiring errors.