EPP1816-0008 by Beckhoff

The EPP1816-0008 is an I/O box module from Beckhoff that belongs to the EPP EtherCAT P Box Modules series. It mounts directly on machines to gather field-level signals and transmit them over EtherCAT P. Data and power share a single cable, reducing the amount of wiring required for decentralized control architectures in industrial automation. The machine-mounted design also places signal collection close to sensors and other field devices, limiting the need to route individual connections back to a central control cabinet.

This unit provides 16 sink/source channels that comply with Type 3 input requirements. Signals are evaluated through a 10 µs input filter that suppresses contact bounce and helps prevent brief disturbances from being interpreted as valid state changes. Logic circuits receive a 24 VDC control voltage, while actuators connected through the feed-through use the same 24 VDC peripheral rail. Fieldbus pass-through uses two M8, 4-pin, P-coded sockets, enabling an in-line topology without additional splitters. The unit supports a combined control current of 3 A for power forwarded to downstream devices. Its compact dimensions of 30 × 126 × 26.5 mm allow installation in narrow cable trays and crowded machine areas. Hardware-assisted distributed clocks keep timestamp errors below one microsecond, supporting synchronized signal acquisition across a large EtherCAT P network.

The electronics have a module current draw of 100 mA from the upstream feed, leaving available capacity for connected field equipment. The integrated supply provides a total sensor current of 0.5 A, allowing proximity switches and optical sensors to operate without separate power lines. The molded housing carries an IP65/IP66/IP67 ingress protection rating, blocking dust and resisting washdown water or outdoor spray. This protection supports installation near material-handling equipment and other process areas where a separate cabinet may be impractical. Consistent 24 V wiring simplifies power distribution between the module, its sensors, and downstream EtherCAT P devices without requiring different supply levels at the node.