Product Description:

Beckhoff manufactures the IP2302-B310 within its IP Compact Box Units series. This module is a compact digital I/O station for industrial automation that allows sensors and actuators to be wired at the machine rather than inside a control cabinet. Its sealed housing supports decentralized architectures by allowing field nodes to reside directly on moving or wet equipment. By combining sensor acquisition and actuator control in one enclosure, the device reduces wiring complexity on conveyor lines, assembly cells, and packaging machines where distributed I/O is required.

Communication with the PLC is accomplished over PROFIBUS, letting the box join standard networks through a single drop. Each input draws only 6 mA, and the built-in 3.0 ms filter removes contact bounce before data are forwarded. Galvanic control and fieldbus isolation shields the bus from ground faults. A 24 VDC feed powers the electronics, and output drivers consume 20 mA per channel when active, which simplifies current calculations for the control supply. The four digital inputs accept PNP sensors and are reported once per bus cycle, providing deterministic signal capture for high-speed sequence control.

On the actuator side, each channel can supply 0.5 A continuously, while an electronic fuse limits fault currents to 1.5 A. The controller exchanges a compact 4 Bits In / 4 Bits Out process image, which reduces overhead on the fieldbus. The enclosure is rated IP65, IP66, IP67, so it withstands dust, low-pressure water jets, and temporary immersion. Power enters through one 4-pin M8 plug with a 4-pin M8 socket for looping, and sensors share a 0.5 A auxiliary feed. Reverse-polarity protection helps prevent damage if the supply leads are connected incorrectly. Signal wiring is handled by an M12 screw-in connector, and the four digital outputs switch inductive or resistive loads sourced from the common supply.