{"product_id":"beckhoff-ep2338-0001-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-input-output-module","title":"Beckhoff EP2338-0001 EtherCAT Box 8-channel Digital Input\/Output Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eEngineered for direct machine-mount deployment, the \u003cstrong\u003eBeckhoff EP2338-0001\u003c\/strong\u003e EtherCAT Box offers decentralized I\/O processing in a robust, compact form factor. This module features \u003cstrong\u003e8 digital channels\u003c\/strong\u003e that are individually and freely configurable as either inputs or outputs, optimizing field-level signal distribution without requiring intermediate terminal boxes. Operating over the native EtherCAT protocol, it interfaces via shielded, screw-type \u003cstrong\u003eM8 bus connections\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring high-speed data transmission and determinism in high-vibration applications. Housed in a polyamide PA6 enclosure, it provides comprehensive protection against dust, water jets, and temporary immersion, making it suitable for wet or dirty manufacturing environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfigurable I\/O Flexibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 channels that can be dynamically designated as digital inputs (Type 1\/3) or digital outputs (0.5 A per channel).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRuggedized Industrial Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Encased in PA6 polyamide housing with IP65, IP66, and IP67 ratings for wet, dusty, or washdown conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect EtherCAT Bus Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual-channel M8 connection with built-in shielding to maintain signal integrity over distributed topologies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShort-Circuit Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Individually short-circuit proof outputs with active current-limiting and automatic recovery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHazardous Location Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e ATEX Zone 2\/22 (II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc) rated for safe installation in explosive environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDecentralized conveyor control and sorting systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAutomotive assembly lines and robotic end-of-arm tooling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePackaging machinery requiring distributed IP67-rated sensor\/actuator integration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProcess plants and chemical environments requiring ATEX Zone 2 field modules.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctable style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; color: #2d3748; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 2px solid #cbd5e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSpecification Value\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eBeckhoff Automation\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eModel Identifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eEP2338-0001\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eCommunication Protocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eEtherCAT\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eNumber of Channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e8 digital inputs or outputs, bidirectional\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eInput Specification\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eEN 61131-2, Type 1\/3 (10 microsecond filter)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\"0\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e-3 to +5 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\"1\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e11 to 30 V (6 mA nominal current)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eSensor Supply Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eMax. 0.5 A total from load supply, short-circuit proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eNominal Load Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e24 V DC (-15% \/ +20%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eMax. Output Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof, typical 1.5 A peak limit)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eSwitching Delays\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eTON: 50 microseconds (typ.), TOFF: 100 microseconds (typ.)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eCurrent Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e120 mA from US (system voltage)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eElectrical Isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e500 V (channel-to-logic)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eEnclosure Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003ePolyamide PA6\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eProtection Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eIP65\/66\/67 (conforms to EN 60529)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e-25 to +60 degC\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003ePhysical Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e30 mm x 126 mm x 26.5 mm (W x H x D)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eNet Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e165 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eShipping Weight (Calculated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003e0.50 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnections and Interfaces\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctable style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; color: #2d3748; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 2px solid #cbd5e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eInterface Connection\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eConnector Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eConfiguration Detail\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eEtherCAT Bus Input\/Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e2 x M8 socket (shielded, screw connection)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eProvides physical-layer uplink\/downlink communication for EtherCAT frame processing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003eChannel Interfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e8 x M8 x 1, 3-pin (a-coded)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eConfigured dynamically via controller for physical sensor or actuator connection.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003ePower Feed\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e1 x M8 male connector, 4-pin\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eInput for system\/sensor voltage (US) and actuator\/load voltage (UP).\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003ePower Downstream\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e1 x M8 female connector, 4-pin\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px;\"\u003eProvides daisy-chained supply lines for downstream EtherCAT Box nodes.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAlternative Models \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eFor installations using larger cabling architectures, the EP2338-0002 features the same internal electrical logic as the EP2338-0001 but uses M12 circular connectors instead of M8. When transitioning systems from older non-EtherCAT topologies, this model directly replaces legacy Profibus or CANopen boxes. Ensure that TwinCAT 2.11 (or higher) XML configuration files are updated to map the correct hardware revision to prevent mismatch errors during system startup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication Pitfalls \u0026amp; Engineering Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eA critical parameter during deployment is the sensor supply limit of 0.5 A total across all channels. If multiple heavy-draw inductive sensors or photo-eyes are fed from the same unit, ensure their combined quiescent and peak operational current does not exceed this limit. Overcurrent conditions will cause the sensor power rail (derived from US) to trip, resulting in field offline errors in TwinCAT. Additionally, although the outputs are protected against inductive load energy, fast-cycling inductive solenoids should be installed with external suppression elements to prolong the lifetime of the switching driver circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommissioning \u0026amp; Wiring Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eAlways ensure that the M8 fieldbus and power connections are torqued to the manufacturer-specified 0.4 Nm. Under-tightening compromises the IP67 moisture seal, while over-tightening can crack the polyamide housing or damage internal thread inserts. When integrating into electrically noisy environments (such as near large variable frequency drives), the mounting plate of the module should have a low-impedance ground connection. Use a serrated washer on at least one of the M3 mounting screws to bite through anodized or painted backplates and establish a reliable path to earth ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Guidelines\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #fff5f5; border-left: 4px solid #c53030; padding: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-weight: bold; color: #9b2c2c;\"\u003eCRITICAL WARNING:\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0; color: #9b2c2c;\"\u003eDe-energize all system and load power supplies (US and UP) before physically mounting or mating cables with the EtherCAT Box. Hot-plugging fieldbus or power connections in Zone 2 hazardous locations can result in electrical arcing, posing severe explosion hazards and risking immediate destruction of the unit's internal microprocessor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #2d3748;\"\u003ePosition the module on a flat, vibration-free surface. Mark and drill two mounting holes with a diameter of 3.5 mm to match the integrated fixing points spaced along the housing length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #2d3748;\"\u003eSecure the unit using two standard M3 screws. Ensure proper grounding by establishing metallic contact between the mounting plate and the machine chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #2d3748;\"\u003eAttach and tighten the incoming and downstream EtherCAT M8 cables. Seal unused M8 ports with protective plastic caps to maintain the IP67 ingress rating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #2d3748;\"\u003eConnect the M8 auxiliary power cables, verifying that the input voltage for both US (system) and UP (actuator load) is strictly within the allowed range of 24 V DC (-15% \/ +20%).\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106566758763,"sku":"EP2338-0001","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/ep2338-0001-i1jwy1vvrwt.png?v=1776244656","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/de\/products\/beckhoff-ep2338-0001-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-input-output-module","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}