{"product_id":"beckhoff-er2338-0002-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-input-output-module","title":"Beckhoff ER2338-0002 EtherCAT Box 8-channel Digital Input\/Output Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eDirect processing of decentralized digital signals within demanding IP67 environments is efficiently managed by the \u003cstrong\u003eBeckhoff ER2338-0002\u003c\/strong\u003e EtherCAT Box. This robust field module incorporates eight digital channels, each of which can be independently configured as either an input or an output, facilitating flexible system adaptation directly on the machinery. Designed with a robust zinc die-cast housing, the \u003cstrong\u003eER2338-0002\u003c\/strong\u003e establishes high-speed fieldbus communication via shielded M8 EtherCAT connections, eliminating the requirement for protective control cabinets and reducing field wiring complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\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\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreely Configurable I\/O:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eight independent channels customizable as 24 V DC digital inputs or 0.5 A digital outputs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e IP65, IP66, and IP67 certified enclosure constructed from zinc die-cast for extreme mechanical resilience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandardized Interfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reliable I\/O connectivity using 5-pin, A-coded M12 sockets alongside M8 EtherCAT communication interfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput Filtering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast 10-microsecond hardware input filter optimized for high-speed sensor signal detection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated short-circuit protection for sensor and load supply paths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: square; color: #2d3748; padding-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDecentralized manufacturing machinery and automotive assembly cells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRobotics end-of-arm tool integration where physical space for enclosures is limited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaterial handling conveyors and automated sorting lines exposed to moisture and debris.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh-vibration process industries demanding reliable, directly-mounted I\/O interfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\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    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold; width: 35%;\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eBeckhoff\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eModel \/ Article Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eER2338-0002\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eProtocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eEtherCAT\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNumber of Channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e8 digital inputs or outputs (individually configurable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eInput\/Output Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eM12, 5-pin, A-coded\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eBus Connection Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eInput Filter Time\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e10 microseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\"0\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\"1\" Signal Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eRated Load Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eMax. Output Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePower Supply Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eElectrical Isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e500 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eStorage Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eProtection Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eModule Net Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e265 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\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 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\u003eConnections and Pin Assignments\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; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold; width: 30%;\"\u003eM12 Connector Pin\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eSignal \/ Circuit Assignment\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: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePin 1\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003e+24 V DC Sensor Supply (Us)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePin 2\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eDigital Input \/ Output B\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePin 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eGND (Us)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePin 4\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eDigital Input \/ Output A\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem; font-weight: bold;\"\u003ePin 5\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 0.5rem;\"\u003eFunctional Earth (FE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\u003eEmpirical Engineering Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #2b6cb0; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eAlternative Models \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eThe ER2338-0002 belongs to the zinc die-cast housing line, providing enhanced physical protection compared to its plastic-clad equivalent, the EP2338-0002. While both modules operate with matching electronic properties, register configurations, and TwinCAT XML files, the ER series should be specified for installations subject to mechanical impacts, aggressive cutting fluids, or weld spatter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #2b6cb0; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eApplication Pitfalls \u0026amp; Engineering Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eWhen configuring channels as digital outputs to drive inductive loads (such as heavy contactor coils or hydraulic valves), ensure that back-EMF suppression is resolved. Although the module possesses internal protection, continuous unsuppressed voltage spikes accelerate thermal stress. Total current consumption across all channels must not exceed the maximum supply limits of the M8 power feed connector, typically capped at 4 A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #2b6cb0; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eCommissioning \u0026amp; Wiring Tips\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eTo preserve the IP67 physical protection seal, all unused M12 and M8 ports must be fitted with certified protective caps tightened to a specification of 0.6 Nm. Always use dual-shielded Cat5e cables for the EtherCAT run to guarantee solid electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the presence of high-frequency variable frequency drive (VFD) noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a365d; border-bottom: 2px solid #2b6cb0; padding-bottom: 0.25rem;\"\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 control power supplies feeding the system prior to mounting or connecting the EtherCAT Box. Failure to completely de-energize the load voltage lines (Up) and sensor supply lines (Us) may cause electrical arcing, leading to permanent hardware damage on the communication interfaces or connected field devices.\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    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eMount the module flat to a clean, vibration-resistant machine frame using two M3 screws through the integrated mounting eyelets.\u003c\/div\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    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eEstablish the functional ground connection using the designated earthing profile to ensure optimal EMC shielding performance.\u003c\/div\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    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eConnect the incoming M8 EtherCAT cable to the \"IN\" port and loop the outgoing network to the downstream device via the \"OUT\" port.\u003c\/div\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;\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"color: #2d3748;\"\u003eSecure the M12 field instrumentation sensors and actuators. Verify that all screw-type connectors are hand-tightened and torqued to exactly 0.6 Nm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106529304939,"sku":"ER2338-0002","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/er2338-0002-1p554kone5t.png?v=1776244791","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/products\/beckhoff-er2338-0002-ethercat-box-8-channel-digital-input-output-module","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}