{"product_id":"beckhoff-ep2028-0001-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-output-module","title":"Beckhoff EP2028-0001 EtherCAT Box 8-channel Digital Output Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eDecentralized signal routing in demanding physical environments is optimized with the \u003cstrong\u003eBeckhoff EP2028-0001\u003c\/strong\u003e EtherCAT Box, an IP67-rated digital output module designed for mounting directly on machinery without control cabinets. This robust field device manages \u003cstrong\u003e8 digital outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e operating at 24 V DC, with each channel engineered to supply up to \u003cstrong\u003e2 A\u003c\/strong\u003e of load current. Featuring high-speed \u003cstrong\u003eEtherCAT\u003c\/strong\u003e system integration, industrial M8 connection interfaces, and comprehensive electrical isolation, it delivers reliable output control for ohmic, inductive, and lamp loads under aggressive physical stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; padding-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Current Output Capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplies up to 2 A per channel, allowing direct control of heavy actuator loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndividual Short-Circuit Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each channel is isolated and short-circuit proof, preventing localized faults from disrupting the entire system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial-Grade Sealing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Achieves IP65, IP66, and IP67 protection ratings, safeguarding inner electronics from moisture and particulate ingress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandardized M8 Connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utilizes robust M8 interfaces for both high-speed EtherCAT communications and system\/peripheral power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHazardous Location Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e ATEX Zone 2 approval permits deployment within explosive atmospheres.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; padding-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePneumatic valve terminal control and decentralized manifold switching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDirect machine-mount actuator control in automated material handling systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAutomated packaging and washdown environments requiring localized, cabinet-free I\/O.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProcess plants and chemical environments utilizing hazardous area (ATEX) regulations.\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 #2b6cb0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.75rem; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSpecification Parameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.75rem; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eTechnical 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;\"\u003eEP2028-0001\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;\"\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eEtherCAT Box (EP)\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;\"\u003eFieldbus Protocol\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;\"\u003eNumber of Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e8 digital outputs\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;\"\u003eNominal Output Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e24 V DC (-15 percent \/ +20 percent)\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;\"\u003e2 A per channel (individually short-circuit proof); Sum max. 4 A\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;\"\u003eShort-Circuit Current Limit\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eTypically 15 A\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 Delay\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eTON: 200 us (typical); TOFF: 200 us (typical)\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;\"\u003eSystem Power Consumption (US)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e120 mA from US\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 (UP)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e20 mA typical + load current\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 (system\/auxiliary power to control logic)\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 Range\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 Range\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;\"\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;\"\u003eEx Marking\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eII 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc\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;\"\u003eApprovals\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eCE, UL, ATEX\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;\"\u003eUnit Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003eApprox. 165 g\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 #2b6cb0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.75rem; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eInterface Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.75rem; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eConnector Style\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.75rem; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAssignment Function\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;\"\u003eInbound and downstream EtherCAT network routing\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 Outputs (0 to 7)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003e8 x M8 socket, 3-pin, A-coded\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.75rem;\"\u003ePin 1: +24 V DC auxiliary out; Pin 3: GND; Pin 4: 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 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;\"\u003e24 V DC system power (US) and peripheral power (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;\"\u003eDownstream Power\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;\"\u003ePower distribution loop to subsequent EtherCAT Box units\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;\"\u003eWhen standardizing field wiring layouts, contrast the \u003cstrong\u003eEP2028-0001\u003c\/strong\u003e (utilizing compact M8 connectors) with the \u003cstrong\u003eEP2028-0002\u003c\/strong\u003e (designed with dual M12 connection ports). Direct interchangeability is straightforward via the EtherCAT configuration files (ESI), although physical wiring adaptations are required if substituting M8 connectors for M12 variants. Ensure your TwinCAT system manager configurations are aligned with the exact hardware suffix to maintain cyclic communication timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eApplication Pitfalls \u0026amp; Engineering Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eA primary engineering constraint of this module is the \u003cstrong\u003e4 A aggregate current limit\u003c\/strong\u003e for all channels combined. While individual outputs can switch up to 2 A, simultaneous high-current operation across multiple channels must not exceed 4 A. Exceeding this collective thermal limit will trip system diagnostic flags and may trigger short-circuit protective mechanisms. Engineers must calculate duty cycles and load profiles during design to avoid nuisance thermal shut-offs in high-load actuator applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eCommissioning \u0026amp; Wiring Tips\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eFor industrial environments with heavy electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensure the metal mounting brackets of the EtherCAT Box are directly grounded to the machine frame. Use shielded M8 network cables and torque connections to the OEM specification (0.4 Nm) to guarantee IP67 sealing. All unused output or power ports must be fitted with screw-on protective IP67 plastic caps to prevent moisture condensation or particulate contamination from compromising the internal signal paths.\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  \u003cstrong style=\"color: #9b2c2c; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eCRITICAL WARNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color: #9b2c2c; margin: 0;\"\u003eIsolate all electrical power sources (both control system US power and peripheral UP power) before mounting, routing cables, or plugging\/unplugging connections on the module. Live insertions can damage sensitive solid-state switching elements and compromise communication bus performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0; margin-right: 0.75rem;\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003ePosition and secure the EtherCAT box onto a flat, vibration-resistant machine frame using M3 or M4 screws. Avoid applying excessive torque to the mounting tabs.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0; margin-right: 0.75rem;\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eConnect the incoming EtherCAT bus cable to the top-left M8 socket. Loop downstream EtherCAT segments via the adjacent output socket.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0; margin-right: 0.75rem;\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eTerminate the 4-pin M8 auxiliary power feed (US\/UP). Verify that polarity and voltage drops across long cable runs remain within specified operational limits.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #2b6cb0; color: #ffffff; width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; flex-shrink: 0; margin-right: 0.75rem;\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eSecure all M8 actuator leads onto ports 0 through 7. Hand-tighten all knurled locking nuts to secure the IP67-rated seals against external environment infiltration.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106532778347,"sku":"EP2028-0001","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/ep2028-0001-z2nhk0n1tlf.png?v=1776244646","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/ms\/products\/beckhoff-ep2028-0001-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-output-module","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}