Product Description:

Beckhoff manufactures the IL2302-B400-0000 for decentralized I/O collection in the IL Coupler Box Units series. As a coupler box, it links clusters of sensors and actuators to a higher-level controller, shortening field wiring in industrial automation lines. The unit attaches directly to the fieldbus trunk, converts local signals, and passes them to the network, reducing cabinet space while keeping bus integrity toward the central PLC.

The coupler communicates over the Interbus system, so its telegram structure matches standard remote I/O nodes in conveyor, packaging, and process cells. Four discrete sensing channels are provided, so 4 digital inputs can be read simultaneously. The output stage also offers 4 digital channels for driving solenoids or indicator lamps on the same update cycle. Upstream data moves through an IP-Link interface that uses Optical Fiber as the physical medium and transmits at 2 Mbit/s, which helps isolate the electronics from electromagnetic noise on the machine. Because the hardware is not programmable, it transfers bit states through the network without local logic processing. An integrated tee connector allows the drop to be spliced without external junctions, and its M12 bolted plugs secure the connections in any installation position.

Mechanical resilience is provided by a housing molded from PA6 polyamide and sealed to IP65/66/67, allowing washdown cleaning and exposure to dust or coolant splash. Internal cavities are filled with polyurethane potting to protect circuitry against vibration, while exposed fittings are made of nickel-plated brass for corrosion resistance. The coupler’s signal pins use CuZn contacts with gold plating to maintain low contact resistance through repeated mating cycles of the M12 connectors, and two M3 mounting holes permit direct fastening to panels or frames in any orientation.