{"product_id":"beckhoff-er2338-0001-ethercat-box-digital-i-o-module","title":"Beckhoff ER2338-0001 EtherCAT Box Digital I\/O Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\nDesigned to operate directly in harsh industrial environments without a control cabinet, the \u003cstrong\u003eBeckhoff ER2338-0001\u003c\/strong\u003e enables decentralized routing of bidirectional digital control signals. This EtherCAT Box module features \u003cstrong\u003e8 digital channels\u003c\/strong\u003e that are individually and freely configurable as either inputs or outputs. By supporting dynamic configuration, this module simplifies field I\/O layout adjustments and reduces the overall hardware footprint in complex processing lines. Each channel is processed with high temporal precision, offering integrated input filtering and short-circuit protection for connected sensors.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; padding-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible I\/O Configuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 digital channels that can be configured independently as inputs or outputs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRobust Industrial Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully cast zinc die-cast construction with IP65, IP66, and IP67 ingress ratings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Speed Communication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual M8 shielded, screw-type EtherCAT interfaces for direct line topology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSensor and Load Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short-circuit-proof sensor supply up to 0.5 A total and thermal overload output protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard M8 Connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e A-coded 3-pin M8 sockets provide standard industrial physical interfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIndustrial Applications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; padding-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomotive Assembly Lines:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decentralized sensor and actuator routing on robotic arms and welding cells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood and Beverage Processing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Washdown zones requiring robust environmental protection without enclosure housing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConveyor and Material Handling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Localized distribution of photoelectric sensors, solenoid valves, and pneumatic switches.\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;\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eTechnical Parameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 0.75rem; 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: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eBeckhoff\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eModel Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eER2338-0001\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eProtocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eEtherCAT\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eBus Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e2 x M8 socket, shielded, screw type\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNumber of Channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e8 digital inputs or outputs, freely configurable\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eI\/O Connections\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eM8 x 1, 3-pin, A-coded\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eInput Filter Time\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e10 microseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\"0\" Signal Voltage Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\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: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\"1\" Signal Voltage Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e11 to 30 V, 6 mA input current (EN 61131-2, type 3)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSensor Supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eFrom load supply voltage, max. 0.5 A total, short-circuit proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSupported Load Types\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eOhmic, inductive, lamp load\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eRated Load Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\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: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eMax. Output Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e0.5 A per channel\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSwitching Times\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003etyp. TON: 50 microseconds, typ. TOFF: 100 microseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eCurrent Consumption (US)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e120 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAuxiliary Power Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003etyp. 20 mA + load\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePower Supply Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eFeed: 1 x M8 male 4-pin; Downstream: 1 x M8 female 4-pin\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eElectrical Isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e500 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eProtection Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eIP65\/IP66\/IP67 (conforms to EN 60529)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\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: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eStorage Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e-40 to +85 degC\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePhysical Module Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eapprox. 265 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eShipping Weight (Calculated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e2.0 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePort and Wiring Configurations\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;\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eInterface Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eConnector Form Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAssignment \u0026amp; Purpose\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: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eEtherCAT Bus Input\/Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e2 x M8 socket, shielded, screw-type\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eEtherCAT communication downstream\/upstream linking.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eDigital I\/O Channels (0-7)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e8 x M8 female socket, 3-pin, A-coded\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eConfigurable digital signal and sensor supply. Pin 1: +24 V DC sensor supply, Pin 3: GND, Pin 4: Input\/Output signal.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePower Supply Feed\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e1 x M8 male socket, 4-pin\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eSystem\/sensor voltage (Us) and peripheral load voltage (Up).\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePower Supply Downstream\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e1 x M8 female socket, 4-pin\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eFeed-through power to adjacent EtherCAT Box modules.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eEmpirical Engineering Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAlternative Models \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\nThe ER2338-0001 features fully configurable channels, which makes it an ideal, high-efficiency spare part replacing either pure digital input (ER1008) or pure digital output (ER2008) units in machine modifications. Note that TwinCAT ESI (EtherCAT Slave Information) configurations must specifically define the operational profile (Input vs. Output mode) for each channel to match the physical wiring.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eApplication Pitfalls \u0026amp; Engineering Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\nThermal management inside completely enclosed, non-ventilated routing channels must be monitored closely. Although rated up to +60 degC ambient, driving all 8 outputs at their maximum 0.5 A inductive rating simultaneously causes significant localized heating within the cast housing. Ensure proper spacing or metallic surface heat sinking is utilized if cumulative output current exceeds 3.0 A.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eCommissioning \u0026amp; Wiring Tips\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\nDuring commissioning, verify that the Us (system power) and Up (load power) loops are isolated appropriately if safety relays are installed. A common fault is tying Us and Up to the same field supply line, which overrides safety-related external output de-energization loops. Always torque all M8 connectors to exactly 0.4 Nm to preserve environmental sealing.\n\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; color: #9b2c2c;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eCRITICAL WARNING:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prior to wiring, mounting, or performing maintenance on the module, ensure all 24 V DC control power (Us) and peripheral load power (Up) sources are completely de-energized. Verify the absence of voltage using a calibrated test instrument. Failure to isolate power lines can result in hardware damage or unexpected device actuation, leading to equipment damage or personal injury.\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=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eMechanical Mounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Secure the physical chassis directly to the machine frame or mounting profile using two M3 screws. Ensure the mounting surface is clean to optimize thermal conduction.\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eEtherCAT and Power Cabling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connect the shielded M8 EtherCAT cabling to the IN and OUT ports. Connect the 4-pin M8 power cable supplying 24 V DC to the input feed port. Secure unused ports with IP67 protective caps to prevent ingress of moisture or particulates.\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0;\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eSoftware Configuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Power up the system, scan the EtherCAT network in TwinCAT, and import the relevant XML (ESI) file. Map the individual channels as inputs or outputs within your PLC project prior to system logic execution.\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106511839595,"sku":"ER2338-0001","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/er2338-0001-z2qim15bkbc.png?v=1776244791","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/id\/products\/beckhoff-er2338-0001-ethercat-box-digital-i-o-module","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}