Products
EPIxxxx | industrial housing
IP67 modules with IO-Link Class A or Class B device interface, for use directly on the machine.
ERIxxxx | zinc die-cast housing
IP67 modules with IO-Link Class A or Class B device interface, for extremely difficult industries and process environments.
IO-Link box modules
The IO-Link communication system has been available worldwide since 2013 as an international standard according to IEC 61131-9. Based on this standard, Beckhoff offers an extensive range of IO-Link box modules (devices) in IP67 for the establishment of cost-effective point-to-point connections directly in the field. In addition, an extensive range of master connections in IP20 and IP67 is available.
The EPIxxxx IO-Link box modules in plastic housing and the ERIxxxx in zinc die-cast housing allow the connection of digital and complex sensors and actuators in the field. The modules and the respective IO-Link master are connected via a min. 3-pin M12 connection cable (port class A). In case of modules with increased current consumption, an additional voltage infeed is possible (port class B). Economical wiring is possible through the use of unshielded industrial cables. The modules are designed according to IO-Link specification V1.1; the range of the point-to-point connection is 20 m in accordance with the specification. Due to the storage of the parameters in the master, the connected IO-Link devices can be universally identified, diagnosed and, if necessary, easily exchanged without having to perform a new parameterization.
Thanks to their compact design the IO-Link box modules are suitable for the most diverse operating situations. The IO-Link connections are integrated both in the proven plastic housing (EPI) as well as in the die-cast zinc housing (ERI), thus providing for additional protection in extremely harsh environments. Binary sensors can be connected to 8 or 16-channel modules with an M8 or M12 screw connection. The universal digital I/O modules with 8 or 16 freely usable input/output channels are particularly flexible in use. Analog signals can be acquired and output with the 4-channel analog input box or combi-box with two analog inputs and two analog outputs.
In addition to the process data, the IO-Link box modules also transmit acyclic data, such as device information (parameters, identification data, diagnostics, etc.) and events (e.g., error message, warning). Beckhoff offers IO-Link masters in IP20 and IP67 formats:
- EL6224 EtherCAT Terminal (IP20)
- EP622x EtherCAT Box (IP67)
- EPP622x EtherCAT P Box (IP67)
- EJ6224 EtherCAT plug-in module (IP20)
- KL6224 Bus Terminal (IP20)
The IO-Link configuration tool is integrated directly into the TwinCAT software system. In addition to the programming of the control system, TwinCAT collects the cyclic data of various fieldbuses in process images, including the data of the IO-Link devices. Due to the integrated configuration tool, all relevant parameters can be set directly during programming. If necessary, these parameters are then automatically downloaded to the connected devices when the program is started.
With TwinCAT higher-level fieldbuses such as EtherCAT can be connected conveniently to the sensor/actuator level and configured simply in one software. The scan function of the IO-Link devices additionally facilitates their integration. In connection with the import of the device description file IODD (IO Device Description), the parameters and diagnostic data can be accessed directly via the configuration tool. Access to these data from a user program is also simple and convenient with the help of the TwinCAT software system.