IE2403-0000 by Beckhoff

The IE2403-0000 is an I/O extension box manufactured by Beckhoff within the IE Extension Box Units series. Intended for distributed installations, it attaches to an existing IP-Link backbone and supplies additional discrete signal capacity for PLC-controlled machinery. The module converts field-level signals from switches and actuators into a memory-mapped process image that can be transferred over EtherCAT without separate gateway hardware, making it suitable for compact control cabinets or tight machine frames.

Of the sixteen channels, 8 function as digital inputs, while the remaining lines act as digital outputs, bringing the total channel count to 16. Each output can switch loads up to 0.5 A per channel, and every line draws a steady 20 mA per channel when energized, which assists with power-budget calculations. Logic devices are supplied by the system's rated load voltage of 24 VDC, and the housing has an IP20 protection rating for panel-mounted environments. The control and fieldbus sides remain isolated through IP-Link, so transients on the field side do not couple into the upstream controller. The internal process image is organized as eight input bits and eight output bits, simplifying address assignment within TwinCAT software. Sensors powered through each channel share the same current limit as the load path.

During operation, the inputs sink only 6 mA per point, and a 3.0 ms filter suppresses contact bounce before the data reaches the controller. The outputs are protected by a 1.5 A short-circuit threshold that removes drive current during fault conditions. Downstream devices connect through one 4-pin M8 socket, while upstream power is supplied through a matching M8 connector with four contacts. A sensor supply of 0.5 A per channel is available for proximity switches that require auxiliary voltage. The ZS2001 KM signal connector organizes the wiring set. The process image travels transparently over the power feed through the combined data and energy design.