Solidot EC5R-3200 – EtherCAT Remote-I/O, 32 × DI (NPN/PNP)

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.