IE2310 by Beckhoff

The IE2310 is a compact digital I/O extension box manufactured by Beckhoff within the IE Extension Box Units series. It mounts directly on machinery or cable trays in any orientation, adding decentralized sensor and actuator points to a fieldbus network while maintaining galvanic separation between the control electronics and connected devices. A single M8 feed connector supplies 24 V DC power and bus signals, while a matching downstream M8 connector passes both to the next module, enabling daisy-chain layouts that minimize cable runs in industrial installations.

This unit provides 4 input channels and 4 output channels to the controller, with each channel connected through an 8 mm snap-on terminal that speeds field wiring. All circuitry operates from a bus-coupled supply of 24 V DC, so no local voltage conversion is required. The input stages conform to EN 61131-2 Type 2, allowing PNP sensors to be connected directly while internal current limiting protects the electronics. A built-in digital filter with a response time of 0.2 ms suppresses contact bounce and high-frequency noise before data enters the process image. The straightforward channel arrangement supports deterministic scanning on busy industrial networks.

Each output can source up to 0.5 A and includes short-circuit monitoring. If the load current rises above the internal trip point of 1.5 A, the affected channel shuts down to prevent damage. Steady-state consumption on the supply rail remains low because the outputs draw only 20 mA per channel when idle, permitting multiple nodes on a single power segment. Controller communication uses a process image containing four input bits and four output bits, which maps directly into PLC memory and eliminates conversion overhead. The fieldbus and control sections remain electrically isolated, helping prevent ground loops and maintain reliable operation in environments with substantial electrical noise.