If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralised way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main cabinet – the Solidot EC5R series offers a compact, low-profile EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distributor – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. Status LEDs right next to each channel show every input and output directly at the terminal point. Every channel has three dedicated terminals: signal, 24 V and 0 V – so sensors and actuators are powered directly at the module, with no separate distribution terminals. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet – and speeds up troubleshooting. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralised machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply added in series. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 cables run per module. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralised I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal direction: From a pure 32-channel input or output module to the 16/16 combination. On the 1616B+ model, you set 16 channels in groups of four as inputs or outputs via DIP switch – or the module detects the direction automatically from the wiring. So one variant still fits even when requirements change. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC5R module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbit/s) and is daisy-chained – no additional switch required. Cycle times from 250 µs are possible. The module is imported into the master via its EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and can be configured immediately. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC5R series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. The inputs of the 3200 and 1616B types accept either NPN or PNP sensors – handy when both sensor types exist in your installed base. On the 1616B+, the inputs are PNP only. ⚙️ Parameters in the EtherCAT master Input filter: adjustable per module from “no filter” up to 20 ms (factory setting 3 ms) – short noise pulses are suppressed. Outputs on bus failure: Clear/Hold selectable – output 0, output 1 or hold the last value, per module or per channel. Diagnostics: The module reports faults such as missing load voltage or a disturbed output to the master via alarm codes. Set via DIP switch, it runs as the Alarm version and the codes appear directly in the process data. Firmware update and PDO access via SDO are supported. 🔌 Design and connection 3 terminals per channel: Signal, 24 V and 0 V are available on every channel – sensor and actuator supply is integrated in the module. That saves the entire supply distribution in the cabinet. Push-in spring terminals: Insert solid conductors and conductors with ferrules directly. To release, press the actuator with a small flat-blade screwdriver (≤ 3 mm). Mounting: on a 35 mm DIN rail or screwed directly to the wall using fold-out mounting ears. Compact low-profile housing (182 mm × 58 mm × 34 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC, permissible 21 – 28 V DC. Green status LED per channel, right at the terminal. ⚠️ Limits stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for control cabinets or protected enclosures, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 21 – 28 V DC, no AC supply. Outputs max. 0.5 A per channel, 6 A in total per 16 channels – lower at high ambient temperatures. Operation from −20 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC5R modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specialises in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC5R modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated (500 V AC) and the transistor outputs are short-circuit proof with automatic recovery. Reverse polarity and surge protection on the field side are integrated; the module is tested for vibration (IEC 60068-2-6) and shock (IEC 60068-2-27). spstiger offers the series with German-language advice and support.

If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralized way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main control cabinet – the Solidot EC4 series offers a compact EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit right where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distribution box – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralized machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply daisy-chained on. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires running to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 lines per module are needed. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralized I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal types: Digital, analog (current/voltage), relay, temperature or encoder – a suitable module for every signal type from the same building-block system. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all daisy-chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC4 module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbps) and is looped through – no additional switch required. The module is read into the master via the EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and is ready to configure immediately. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC4 series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. 🔌 Design and connection Removable spring-clamp terminals: Power supply and I/O sit on removable terminal blocks – when replacing a module, the block is simply unplugged and the wiring stays in place. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact housing (102 × 72 × 25 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC nominal, permissible 18 – 36 V DC. Status via LEDs (PWR, RUN, ERR) on each module. ⚠️ Limitations stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for a control cabinet or protected enclosure, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 18 – 36 V DC, no AC supply. Operation from -10 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety-rated) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC4 modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specializes in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC4 modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; on the analog modules the channels are galvanically isolated (500 V, optocoupler). spstiger offers the series with expert advice and support.

If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralized way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main control cabinet – the Solidot EC4 series offers a compact EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit right where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distribution box – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralized machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply daisy-chained on. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires running to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 lines per module are needed. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralized I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal types: Digital, analog (current/voltage), relay, temperature or encoder – a suitable module for every signal type from the same building-block system. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all daisy-chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC4 module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbps) and is looped through – no additional switch required. The module is read into the master via the EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and is ready to configure immediately. 💡 Working with EtherNet/IP instead of EtherCAT? The same modules are available as the Solidot EI4 series (EtherNet/IP) – same hardware, same building-block system, just a different fieldbus. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC4 series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. 🔌 Design and connection Removable spring-clamp terminals: Power supply and I/O sit on removable terminal blocks – when replacing a module, the block is simply unplugged and the wiring stays in place. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact housing (102 × 72 × 25 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC nominal, permissible 18 – 36 V DC. Status via LEDs (PWR, RUN, ERR) on each module. ⚠️ Limitations stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for a control cabinet or protected enclosure, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 18 – 36 V DC, no AC supply. Operation from -10 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety-rated) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC4 modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specializes in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC4 modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; on the analog modules the channels are galvanically isolated (500 V, optocoupler). spstiger offers the series with expert advice and support.

Do you want to run the I/O modules of the Odot C series not right next to the PLC, but distributed at the machine or in a sub-distribution? Then put a bus coupler in front of them. It connects up to 32 C-series modules via the fieldbus of your controller, whether your PLC comes from Siemens, Beckhoff, Kinco, Odot or another manufacturer. You just choose the coupler with the matching fieldbus. 🏭 Typical applications Distributed I/O at the machine: sensors and actuators are wired on site, only one network or bus cable runs to the PLC. Expanding existing plants: if a Siemens or Beckhoff controller is short of channels, you add them via PROFINET, EtherCAT or PROFIBUS without replacing the PLC. Together with the Odot C4374: the C4374 is a master for Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, EtherCAT and CANopen. The matching couplers are CN-8031, CN-8011, CN-8033 and CN-8021. This lets you build additional I/O stations controlled by the PLC. Building automation and control systems: with BACnet/IP or Modbus TCP the modules deliver their data directly to BMS or SCADA systems. 🌐 Available fieldbuses Modbus RTU (CN-8011) · PROFIBUS DP (CN-8012) · CANopen (CN-8021) · DeviceNet (CN-8022) · Modbus TCP (CN-8031) · PROFINET with MRP (CN-8032) · PROFINET without MRP (CN-8032-L) · EtherCAT (CN-8033) · EtherNet/IP (CN-8034) · POWERLINK (CN-8035) · BACnet/IP (CN-8038). The Ethernet versions have 2 RJ45 ports (10/100 Mbit/s) for daisy-chaining in line topology. 💡 Device description files: the matching GSD, GSDML, EDS or XDD files for integration into your PLC software are in the Downloads tab of each coupler. You configure the I/O modules with the free Odot software IO-Config. 🔧 Technical data (all couplers) Expansion: up to 32 I/O modules of the Odot C series per coupler Supply: system and field supply 24 V DC, galvanically isolated, with reverse polarity protection; field current max. 8 A Environment: operation −35 °C to +70 °C for horizontal, −35 °C to +60 °C for vertical mounting; storage −40 °C to +85 °C; protection class IP20 Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, push-in terminals, dimensions 51.5 × 115 × 75 mm (W × H × D), 130 g ⚠️ Don't forget the end module: every station needs an end module CT-5801 at its end. It is not included with the bus coupler, please order it as well. 🏷️ Manufacturer Odot Automation (Sichuan Odot Automation System Co., Ltd.) specialises in IEC 61131-3 controllers and distributed I/O systems. The bus couplers are part of the C-series system and work with all digital, analog, temperature and special modules of the series.

If you need to read or switch digital signals right at the machine – no control cabinet, no terminal wiring, and even where things get wet, dusty or full of swarf – the Solidot EC7A series is built for it. Rugged field I/O in an IP67 metal housing that simply plugs into the line via M12 connectors. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralised instead of a cabinet: connect sensors and actuators right at the process – saving wiring and junction boxes. Conveyor and packaging: field-level I/O on moving or distributed machinery where IP20 modules won't survive. Washdown areas: food, filling, cleaning zones – the IP67 metal housing handles splash water and cleaning. Retrofit: extend an existing EtherCAT line with rugged field peripherals without touching the controller. ⚙️ Key specifications 16 digital channels, PNP – depending on the variant 16 inputs, 16 outputs or 8 + 8. 24 V DC supply (18–30 V), outputs rated 0.5 A per channel, overcurrent protection. Green status LED per channel, IP67, operating temperature −25 to +70 °C. 🔌 Connection technology All-M12 connectivity: bus via 2× M12 (D-coded), I/O via M12, power via M12. Standard cables, plugged rather than screwed – quick to install and to replace. 🌐 EtherCAT in the field Standard EtherCAT: connects to common EtherCAT masters such as Beckhoff TwinCAT. Configuration file (ESI) supplied by Solidot. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (Nanjing Solidot Electronic Technology) specialises in decentralised I/O and fieldbus technology. The EC7A modules are designed for continuous industrial use in Europe, CE-marked and RoHS-compliant. 🔧 Mounting and dimensions Direct mounting via two fixing holes. Dimensions 226 × 63 × 33 mm, weight approx. 0.66 kg.

If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralized way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main control cabinet – the Solidot EC4 series offers a compact EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit right where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distribution box – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralized machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply daisy-chained on. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires running to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 lines per module are needed. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralized I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal types: Digital, analog (current/voltage), relay, temperature or encoder – a suitable module for every signal type from the same building-block system. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all daisy-chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC4 module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbps) and is looped through – no additional switch required. The module is read into the master via the EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and is ready to configure immediately. 💡 Working with EtherNet/IP instead of EtherCAT? The same modules are available as the Solidot EI4 series (EtherNet/IP) – same hardware, same building-block system, just a different fieldbus. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC4 series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. 🔌 Design and connection Removable spring-clamp terminals: Power supply and I/O sit on removable terminal blocks – when replacing a module, the block is simply unplugged and the wiring stays in place. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact housing (102 × 72 × 25 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC nominal, permissible 18 – 36 V DC. Status via LEDs (PWR, RUN, ERR) on each module. ⚠️ Limitations stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for a control cabinet or protected enclosure, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 18 – 36 V DC, no AC supply. Operation from -10 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety-rated) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC4 modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specializes in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC4 modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; on the analog modules the channels are galvanically isolated (500 V, optocoupler). spstiger offers the series with expert advice and support.

If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralized way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main control cabinet – the Solidot EC4 series offers a compact EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit right where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distribution box – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralized machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply daisy-chained on. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires running to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 lines per module are needed. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralized I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal types: Digital, analog (current/voltage), relay, temperature or encoder – a suitable module for every signal type from the same building-block system. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all daisy-chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC4 module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbps) and is looped through – no additional switch required. The module is read into the master via the EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and is ready to configure immediately. 💡 Working with EtherNet/IP instead of EtherCAT? The same modules are available as the Solidot EI4 series (EtherNet/IP) – same hardware, same building-block system, just a different fieldbus. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC4 series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. 🔌 Design and connection Removable spring-clamp terminals: Power supply and I/O sit on removable terminal blocks – when replacing a module, the block is simply unplugged and the wiring stays in place. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact housing (102 × 72 × 25 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC nominal, permissible 18 – 36 V DC. Status via LEDs (PWR, RUN, ERR) on each module. ⚠️ Limitations stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for a control cabinet or protected enclosure, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 18 – 36 V DC, no AC supply. Operation from -10 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety-rated) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC4 modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specializes in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC4 modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; on the analog modules the channels are galvanically isolated (500 V, optocoupler). spstiger offers the series with expert advice and support.

If you want to connect sensors and actuators to a controller in a decentralized way – without running every single wire all the way back to the main control cabinet – the Solidot EC4 series offers a compact EtherCAT remote I/O system. The modules sit right where the signals originate – on the machine or in the field distribution box – and transmit all inputs and outputs to the controller over a single EtherCAT cable. This saves wiring, terminals and space in the central cabinet. 🏭 Typical applications Decentralized machine modules: Each assembly gets its own I/O module, connected via a continuous EtherCAT line – new modules are simply daisy-chained on. Relieve the control cabinet: Instead of hundreds of wires running to the central cabinet, only two RJ45 lines per module are needed. Fewer cable ducts, fewer terminals, a clearer system. Retrofit with an EtherCAT master: Extend existing Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS controllers with decentralized I/O without enlarging the central PLC. Mixed signal types: Digital, analog (current/voltage), relay, temperature or encoder – a suitable module for every signal type from the same building-block system. 🌐 EtherCAT: one cable for all signals EtherCAT transmits the process data of all daisy-chained modules with very low latency over a line topology. Each EC4 module has two RJ45 ports (IN/OUT, 100 Mbps) and is looped through – no additional switch required. The module is read into the master via the EtherCAT device description file (ESI) and is ready to configure immediately. 💡 Working with EtherNet/IP instead of EtherCAT? The same modules are available as the Solidot EI4 series (EtherNet/IP) – same hardware, same building-block system, just a different fieldbus. 🔗 Compatibility As a standard-compliant EtherCAT slave device, the EC4 series works with any EtherCAT master – such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS. Integration is vendor-independent via the ESI file. 🔌 Design and connection Removable spring-clamp terminals: Power supply and I/O sit on removable terminal blocks – when replacing a module, the block is simply unplugged and the wiring stays in place. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact housing (102 × 72 × 25 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC nominal, permissible 18 – 36 V DC. Status via LEDs (PWR, RUN, ERR) on each module. ⚠️ Limitations stated honestly Protection rating IP20 – for a control cabinet or protected enclosure, not for the unprotected field environment. Power supply exclusively 18 – 36 V DC, no AC supply. Operation from -10 °C to +60 °C (passive cooling). Standard process I/O – no functional-safety (safety-rated) inputs/outputs. A separate safety controller is required for emergency stop and similar functions. EC4 modules are slave devices and require an EtherCAT master – they do not replace a controller. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Solidot (s'Dot) specializes in industrial networking and remote I/O technology. The EC4 modules are CE- and RoHS-compliant and built for industrial use; on the analog modules the channels are galvanically isolated (500 V, optocoupler). spstiger offers the series with expert advice and support.

⚠️ Remaining stock. The XB6 series is being phased out. Its successor is the XB6S coupler kit from the XB6S series. While stock lasts you can still get XB6 — for extending an existing installation that is often exactly what you want, because coupler and modules have to match. 🔌 Bus coupler with power module and end capThe coupler is the head of an XB6 station: it talks to the controller over the fieldbus and supplies the attached I/O modules through the 5 V backplane. Power module and end cap are included. Available for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS DP and PROFINET — the modules behind it stay the same in every case. ⚙️ Series characteristics5 V backplane bus, supplied with 18 – 36 V DC through the power module in the coupler kit-10 °C to +60 °C operating, -20 °C to +75 °C storage, 95 % relative humidity without condensation, IP2035 mm DIN rail, pluggable spring-loaded terminals, a green LED next to every channelModule 106 x 73 x 25.7 mm, coupler and power module 106 x 61 x 22.5 mm Technically XB6 is not a risk: the series has been in the field for years, the modules are mature and the documentation is complete. Manuals, GSDML, ESI and EDS files, EPLAN macros and 2D and 3D models are in the downloads section of this page.

If you need to drive several stepper or servo axes via pulse/direction and keep them cleanly synchronised without adding a separate bus coupler per axis, the Solidot EC4S-P04D is a 4-axis pulse output module that coordinates four drives directly on the EtherCAT line. 🏭 Typical applications Multi-axis positioning: four stepper/servo drives on one module, clock-synchronised via the distributed clock – for coordinated X/Y/Z motion. Special machinery & handling: pick-and-place, dosing axes, feed drives – pulse/direction up to 400 kHz per axis. Complete axis periphery on board: four inputs per axis for limit switches (+/−), home position and brake – 16 DI in total, no separate input module needed. Vendor-independent via CiA402: axes are addressed through the standardised CiA402 profile – uniform commands from the master. ⚙️ Functions 4 pulse channels (≤ 4 axes) with up to 400 kHz output frequency. 16 digital inputs in a 1:4 ratio – per axis: positive/negative limit, home and brake. CiA402 profile with distributed clock for clock-synchronous multi-axis motion. EtherCAT, 100 Mbps, electrically isolated. 🔧 Mechanics & environment Housing 113 × 98 × 28 mm, approx. 150 g, protection class IP20, operating temperature −10 °C to +60 °C, storage temperature −20 °C to +75 °C, relative humidity 95 % (non-condensing). Mounting on 35 mm DIN rail. 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Nanjing Solidot (s'Dot) specialises in EtherCAT and fieldbus I/O. The EC4S-P04D uses an EtherCAT ASIC and is compatible with common masters (Beckhoff TwinCAT, CODESYS, Omron Sysmac). ESI files, manuals and EPLAN macros are available from Solidot free of charge.

If you need to capture distance, speed or position from incremental encoders on an EtherCAT system without adding an expensive dedicated controller, the Solidot EC4-P20D is a compact counter module that slots straight into the EtherCAT line. 🏭 Typical applications Distance measurement on conveyors and axes: evaluate two quadrature encoders (A/B) at once – for example two independent conveyor belts at one station. Speed and length capture: counting rates up to 500 kHz, enough for fast-rotating encoders on winding, cutting or dosing applications. Homing with reset: the Z phase (index pulse) resets the counter in hardware – precise referencing without software delay. Retrofit without changing the master: runs on common EtherCAT masters (Beckhoff TwinCAT, CODESYS, Omron Sysmac) – import the ESI file and go. 🔢 Functions 2 channels, quadrature signal (A/B): differential 5 V inputs, counting up and down. Counting rate ≤ 500 kHz with multiplier 4×/2×/1× (factory default 4×). Z-phase reset and a configurable hardware latch to capture the count value on a trigger signal. Ring and linear counting: linear 0–4,294,967,295, ring counting via configurable resolution (0–65535). Hardware filter (level 0–15) against interference pulses; initial value and counting direction freely selectable. 🔌 Connection & bus EtherCAT via 2 × RJ45, electrically isolated. Process data 12 bytes (down) / 20 bytes (up). Pluggable push-in spring terminals, mounting on 35 mm DIN rail. 🔧 Mechanics & environment Compact housing 102 × 72 × 25 mm, protection class IP20 (cabinet mounting), operating temperature −10 °C to +60 °C, storage temperature −20 °C to +75 °C, relative humidity 95 % (non-condensing). 🏷️ Manufacturer and reliability Nanjing Solidot (s'Dot) specialises in EtherCAT and fieldbus I/O. The EC4-P20D uses an EtherCAT ASIC for hard real-time performance and is compatible with all common masters. Configuration files (ESI), manuals and wiring diagrams are available from Solidot free of charge.