What Is SCADA? Supervisory Control Without Replacing the PLC
SCADA sits above PLCs and RTUs: it acquires field data, alarms operators, and issues supervisory commands across plants and remote assets—without replacing local deterministic control.

Integrating decentralized field signals directly into PROFIBUS DP architectures, the Beckhoff IP3112-B318 functions as a highly robust Fieldbus Box designed for harsh operational environments. This module enables direct connection of physical industrial sensors and actuators without the need for an additional protective control cabinet. Operating seamlessly on PROFIBUS systems, it supports dynamic configuration options and handles data rates up to 12 Mbaud with automatic detection. The fully sealed housing delivers excellent dust and water ingress protection, making it suitable for direct machine mounting in heavy manufacturing environments.
| Specification Parameter | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Beckhoff |
| Model Number / SKU | IP3112-B318 |
| Protocol / Interface | PROFIBUS DP (with DP-V1 extensions support) |
| Data Transfer Rates | Up to 12 Mbaud (automatic detection) |
| Control Voltage Supply | 24 V DC (-15% / +20%) |
| Box Current Consumption | 85 mA + sensor current (maximum 0.5 A) |
| Electrical Isolation | Control voltage to fieldbus: No; Control voltage to I/O: according to I/O type |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 degC (Celsius) |
| Storage Temperature | -25 to +85 degC (Celsius) |
| Protection Rating | IP65 / IP66 / IP67 (conforms to EN 60529) |
| Vibration / Shock Resistance | Conforms to EN 60068-2-6 / EN 60068-2-27 |
| EMC Immunity / Emission | Conforms to EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4 |
| Approvals | CE, UL |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Shipping Weight (Calculated) | 2.00 kg |
| Package Dimensions (Calculated) | 126 x 30 x 27 mm |
| Connection Type | Hardware Interface | Pin Allocation / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fieldbus Input | 1 x M12 plug (B-coded) | 5-pin PROFIBUS DP connection with integrated tee-connector |
| Fieldbus Output | 1 x M12 socket (B-coded) | 5-pin downstream PROFIBUS DP connection |
| Power Feed | 1 x M8 male socket | 4-pin control voltage input (24 V DC) |
| Power Downstream | 1 x M8 female socket | 4-pin control voltage pass-through for downstream modules |
The IP3112-B318 belongs to the Beckhoff Fieldbus Box family. It is physically and electrically drop-in compatible with standard PROFIBUS DP networks utilizing B-coded M12 cabling. Parameters can be assigned using the standard GSD configuration file provided by the manufacturer or the specialized KS2000 configuration tool interface. Ensure firmware versions in your master controller support standard DP-V1 acyclic read/write data records for diagnostic access.
When daisy-chaining multiple IP-series modules using the M8 power distribution interfaces, calculate total cumulative current draw meticulously. The M8 connectors are rated for a maximum total feed current of 4 A. Exceeding this thermal threshold will cause permanent damage to the internal power plane. To prevent voltage drops across complex topologies, execute a fresh power feed loop injection whenever the maximum sensor load approaches 4 A.
Always utilize shielded twisted-pair copper cabling specifically rated for PROFIBUS DP transmission (typically 2 x 0.25 mm2 with a characteristic impedance of 150 ohms). To guarantee structural integrity of the IP67 seal rating, tighten all M8/M12 connectors using a calibrated torque wrench set to exactly 0.4 Nm for M8 and 0.6 Nm for M12. Unused connector sockets must be capped using certified industrial sealing plugs.
Do not perform hot-plugging or wiring modifications while the 24 V DC power network is live. Ensure all power supplies are de-energized and locked out before initiating the mounting or cable mating process. Improper grounding of the shield line can lead to communication degradation and physical hardware damage due to ground loops.
Mount the Fieldbus Box directly to the machine structure using the integrated mounting flanges. Ensure the mounting plane is flat to avoid structural tension on the housing body.
Establish the physical PROFIBUS connection using the B-coded M12 connectors, verifying that the integrated T-connector is correctly seated for continuous line topology.
Connect the 24 V DC control voltage line to the M8 feed connector. Ensure correct polarity to prevent reverse bias currents.
Secure all unused ports with screw-on IP67 caps. Turn on power, configure the device address using the master controller software, and perform logical validation.
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| Country of origin |
Germany
|