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. 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, 16 channels are freely configurable as inputs or outputs. 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 Mbps) and is daisy-chained – no additional switch required. 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. 🔌 Design and connection Tool-free spring terminals: Power supply and I/O are connected via push-in spring terminals – insert the conductor, done, no screwdriver needed. DIN-rail mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, compact low-profile housing (182 × 58 × 34 mm), passive cooling – no fan, no maintenance. Power supply: 24 V DC, permissible 20.4 – 28.8 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 20.4 – 28.8 V DC, no AC supply. 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. spstiger offers the series with German-language advice and support.