IL2301-B901-0000 by Beckhoff

The IL2301-B901-0000 is an I/O coupler produced by Beckhoff for the IL Coupler Box Units series. Installed on machines or conveyors, it acts as a decentralized node for industrial automation. It collects sensor states and drives actuators through a single Ethernet backbone, reducing cabinet wiring.

The unit communicates over Ethernet TCP/IP, so it connects directly to standard plant networks. All internal electronics are powered by a control voltage of 24 V DC. Four optically isolated channels accept signals from switches or proximity sensors, giving the station 4 digital inputs. Another four channels use sourcing transistor stages to provide 4 digital outputs for small solenoids or indicator lamps. Additional functions can be connected through the high-speed IP-Link interface on the device end plate. A D-coded M12 female connector serves as the fieldbus port, while separate M8 connectors supply and daisy-chain auxiliary 24 V power. The housing components are molded from flame-retardant PA6. An internal polyurethane potting compound improves vibration resistance and seals the circuitry.

The coupler can address up to 120 extension modules across the connected IP-Link string without losing update speed. During each cycle, the controller exchanges 512 bytes in and 512 bytes out with its host, supporting bit-level diagnostics and analog words in the same telegram. The output stages draw no more than 0.5 A of control current, which is compatible with common Class 2 power sources. The cast polymer housing has an ingress protection rating of IP65/66/67, allowing direct mounting on machines exposed to coolant, dust, or washdown spray. Wiring to sensors and actuators is secured by an M8 bolted signal connection. A single four-pin M8 plug supplies power to the unit, while a matching socket forwards the supply voltage to the next device.