Moxa ioLogik E1214 4-Channel Digital I/O Remote Module
The Moxa ioLogik E1214 is a robust 4-channel digital I/O remote module designed for demanding industrial automation applications. It offers a combination of 6 digital inputs and 6 relay outputs, integrated within a compact, DIN-rail mountable unit. Key advantages include its dual-port Ethernet switch, enabling efficient daisy-chain topologies that reduce cabling costs and complexity. This module supports a wide array of industrial protocols, including Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and Moxa's own AOPC, alongside IT protocols like SNMP and RESTful API, facilitating seamless integration into both Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments. With a focus on reliability, the ioLogik E1214 features a wide operating temperature range and robust certifications for industrial use.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| :------------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------- |
| Digital Input Channels | 6 |
| Relay Channels | 6 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 x 10/100BaseT(X) with RJ45 connector, 1 MAC address (Ethernet bypass) |
| Ethernet Bypass | Yes |
| Magnetic Isolation | 1.5 kV (built-in) |
| Input Voltage | 12 to 36 VDC |
| Power Consumption | 188 mA @ 24 VDC |
| Operating Temperature | -10 to 60°C (14 to 140°F) or -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F) for wide temp. models |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F) |
| Ambient Relative Humidity | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions | 27.8 x 124 x 84 mm (1.09 x 4.88 x 3.31 in) |
| Weight | 200 g (0.44 lb) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail, Wall mounting |
| Digital Input Connector | Screw-fastened Euroblock terminal |
| Relay Output Connector | Screw-fastened Euroblock terminal |
| Digital Input Sensor Type | Dry contact, Wet contact (NPN or PNP) |
| Digital Input I/O Mode | DI or event counter |
| Digital Input Points per COM | 6 channels |
| Relay Output Type | Form A (N.O.) power relay |
| Relay Contact Current Rating | 5 A @ 30 VDC, 250 VAC, 110 VAC |
| Relay Mechanical Endurance| 5,000,000 operations |
| Relay Electrical Endurance| 100,000 operations @ 5 A resistive load |
| Isolation | 3k VDC or 2k Vrms |
Core Features & Market Positioning
The Moxa ioLogik E1214 distinguishes itself in the industrial Ethernet remote I/O market through its versatile protocol support and integrated hardware features designed for efficiency and ease of deployment. Its ability to simultaneously communicate using both OT (Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP) and IT (SNMP, RESTful API) protocols positions it as a bridge between traditional industrial control systems and modern IIoT platforms. The inclusion of a built-in 2-port Ethernet switch is a significant differentiator, enabling daisy-chain configurations that drastically reduce the need for external switches, thereby lowering installation costs and simplifying network architecture. Furthermore, Moxa's proprietary "Click&Go" control logic and Active OPC Server technology enhance its appeal by simplifying configuration and providing faster, more efficient data reporting compared to traditional polling methods. This combination of robust hardware, flexible communication, and user-friendly features makes the ioLogik E1214 a compelling choice for applications requiring reliable remote data acquisition and control in challenging industrial environments.
Key Application Scenarios
The Moxa ioLogik E1214 is exceptionally well-suited for a broad spectrum of industrial applications where reliable remote monitoring and control are paramount. Its robust design and connectivity options make it ideal for factory automation, enabling the collection of data from production lines, machine status monitoring, and the control of actuators and alarms. In security and surveillance systems, it can be used to monitor sensors, trigger alarms, and control access points remotely. The module's daisy-chain capabilities are particularly beneficial for building multidrop I/O networks over standard Ethernet cables, reducing infrastructure costs in large facilities. This also extends to applications like tunnel monitoring and other tunneled connections where extending network reach efficiently is crucial. Furthermore, its support for IIoT applications positions it for use in energy monitoring and facility monitoring scenarios, aligning with the growing trend of digital transformation in industrial sectors.
Practical System Integration Guidance
Integrating the Moxa ioLogik E1214 into an existing or new system is streamlined due to its user-friendly design and comprehensive support tools. The device can be mounted on a standard DIN rail or directly to a wall, offering installation flexibility. Wiring is accomplished using screw-fastened Euroblock terminals for both I/O and power connections, accommodating I/O cables from 16 to 26 AWG and power cables from 12 to 24 AWG. For initial setup and network configuration, Moxa provides the ioSearch utility, which simplifies device discovery and mass deployment. Configuration can also be performed via a web browser or the MXIO library, available for Windows and Linux platforms, allowing engineers to manage I/O points efficiently. The unit supports user-definable Modbus TCP Slave addressing, which significantly eases integration into existing Modbus networks by avoiding conflicts with fixed addresses. Peer-to-peer communication is another key feature, allowing direct data transfer between ioLogik modules, thereby simplifying wiring and reducing the need for complex central logic for certain tasks.
Operation and Risk Mitigation
Operating the Moxa ioLogik E1214 involves leveraging its digital inputs and relay outputs for various control and monitoring tasks. The six digital inputs support both dry contact and wet contact (NPN/PNP) sensors, with configurable digital filtering to prevent false triggers. The six relay outputs are Form A (Normally Open) with a contact rating of 5A, suitable for switching a variety of loads. It's important to note that the relays have a limited lifespan, and products using them are covered by a 2-year warranty. To mitigate operational risks, the device operates within a specified humidity range (5-95% non-condensing) and can malfunction in high condensation environments below 0°C. While standard models operate from -10 to 60°C, wide-temperature variants are available for harsher environments (-40 to 75°C). The unit is also protected by built-in magnetic isolation (1.5 kV) for Ethernet ports, safeguarding against electrical surges. Over-voltage and over-current protections are also incorporated within the relay outputs to prevent damage from electrical anomalies.
Scalability & Long-Term Value
The Moxa ioLogik E1214 offers significant long-term value through its inherent scalability and compatibility with evolving industrial communication standards. The embedded 2-port Ethernet switch is central to its scalability, enabling straightforward daisy-chain configurations that allow for the expansion of I/O networks without the need for additional, costly Ethernet switches. This modular approach allows users to add more ioLogik units or other Ethernet devices as their operational needs grow, creating increasingly complex and distributed control systems. The device's support for RESTful API aligns with the growing adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, making it future-proof for integration into smart factory initiatives and cloud-based data analytics platforms. Furthermore, the availability of the MXIO library for Windows and Linux facilitates integration into custom applications and supports ongoing development and maintenance, ensuring the module remains a valuable component in a company's automation infrastructure for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the primary benefits of using the Moxa ioLogik E1214?
The ioLogik E1214 offers significant advantages, including built-in dual-port Ethernet switches that enable cost-effective daisy-chaining of devices, reducing cabling and hardware expenses. Its support for multiple industrial and IT protocols like Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, SNMP, and RESTful API ensures broad compatibility with diverse control systems and IIoT platforms. Additionally, features like user-definable Modbus TCP addressing and peer-to-peer communication simplify integration and deployment.
Q2: How does the daisy-chaining capability of the ioLogik E1214 reduce costs?
Daisy-chaining eliminates the need for numerous individual Ethernet switches in distributed I/O setups. By connecting multiple ioLogik modules sequentially using their integrated Ethernet ports, network infrastructure costs are dramatically reduced. This also leads to significant savings in cabling, installation labor, and cabinet space, making it a highly economical solution for expanding I/O networks.
Q3: What industrial protocols does the Moxa ioLogik E1214 support?
The ioLogik E1214 supports key industrial protocols essential for automation. This includes Modbus TCP, which is widely used for SCADA and PLC communication, and EtherNet/IP, a prevalent standard in manufacturing automation. It also supports Moxa's proprietary AOPC protocol, which enables active communication for faster data updates.
Q4: Can the ioLogik E1214 be integrated into IT networks or IIoT applications?
Yes, the ioLogik E1214 is designed for seamless integration into both OT and IT environments. It supports IT protocols such as SNMP for network management and RESTful API, making it suitable for modern IIoT applications. This dual-protocol support allows IT and OT engineers to access data from the same device effortlessly.
Q5: What are the electrical specifications for the digital inputs and relay outputs?
The module features 6 digital inputs that support dry contact and wet contact (NPN/PNP) configurations. It also provides 6 Form A (Normally Open) relay outputs, each rated for 5A at 30 VDC, 250 VAC, or 110 VAC. These relays have a mechanical endurance of 5 million operations and electrical endurance of 100,000 operations at a 5A resistive load.
Q6: What is the operating temperature range of the Moxa ioLogik E1214?
The standard operating temperature range for the ioLogik E1214 is -10 to 60°C (14 to 140°F). For applications requiring operation in more extreme conditions, wide-temperature models are available that can function within a -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F) range.
Q7: How is the ioLogik E1214 configured and managed?
Configuration and management can be achieved through several methods. Users can utilize the web-based configuration interface, the ioSearch utility for mass deployment, or the MXIO library for custom programming on Windows or Linux platforms. This flexibility caters to various engineering preferences and system requirements.
Q8: What kind of certifications does the ioLogik E1214 hold?
The ioLogik E1214 carries important industrial certifications, often including UL, CE, and FCC compliance, ensuring safety and electromagnetic compatibility. Specific models may also be certified for hazardous environments, such as ATEX Zone 2 and Class I Division 2, making them suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Q9: What is "peer-to-peer communication" in the context of the ioLogik E1214?
Peer-to-peer communication allows input values from one ioLogik module to be directly transferred to output channels on another ioLogik module without the need for a central controller or SCADA system. This significantly simplifies wiring and logic for certain distributed control tasks.
Q10: What is the warranty period for the Moxa ioLogik E1214?
The general warranty period for Moxa products is typically five years. However, due to the limited operational lifetime of power relays, the specific warranty for the relay outputs on the ioLogik E1214 is generally two years. It's advisable to confirm the exact warranty terms with the product documentation or supplier.
