Brainboxes Ethernet to 4 Relays and 8 Digital Inputs + RS485 Gateway

Meet a pinnacle of industrial Ethernet I/O: Brainboxes’ Ethernet to DIO gateway that combines 8 digital inputs, 4 digital Type A relay outputs, and RS485 gateway functionality into a single rugged module. Built for the factory floor, this device acts as a robust control interface between your process-side systems and your Ethernet network. With an efficient ARM 80 MHz, 32-bit CPU at its core, it delivers swift, reliable processing to support real-time control, monitoring, and automation tasks in demanding environments. The design emphasizes resilience, ease of integration, and seamless interoperability with modern industrial protocols, enabling smarter, safer, and more responsive manufacturing operations.

• Eight non-isolated digital input channels provide real-time sensing for sensors, switches, proximity detectors, and safety interlocks on a 24V industrial network. The inputs are designed to respond quickly to changing conditions, help prevent false triggers with built-in debouncing options, and deliver clear signals to the control side without complex wiring schemes.
• Four digital Type A relay outputs give you reliable, isolated actuation for controlling pumps, valves, alarm horns, or other critical devices. These relays are chosen for dependable operation in factory environments, enabling safe separation between the control logic and the load circuitry while offering straightforward wiring and clear feedback to the host system.
• RS485 gateway capability enables robust, long-distance serial communication with PLCs, HMIs, and other field设备, expanding network reach and enabling scalable control topologies. This gateway supports multi-point serial communications and integrates smoothly with existing RS485 networks, reducing the need for extra interface hardware.
• Powered by a powerful ARM 80 MHz 32-bit CPU, the device handles local processing tasks such as debouncing, event detection, and lightweight decision logic with deterministic timing. This performance minimizes latency between sensor input changes and relay or RS485 responses, delivering a more responsive automation solution on the plant floor.
• Ethernet connectivity provides reliable, high-speed access for remote monitoring, configuration, and integration with SCADA, MES, and OPC-UA ecosystems. The device is designed to stay resilient in busy factory networks and to support secure, remote management and diagnostics, helping you maintain uptime and streamline maintenance workflows.

Technical Details of Brainboxes - Ethernet to 4 Relays and 8 Digital Inputs + RS485 Gateway

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install Brainboxes - Ethernet to 4 Relays and 8 Digital Inputs + RS485 Gateway

To install this gateway, begin by ensuring your power supply and network environment meet the device’s requirements. Verify a clean, shielded installation area to minimize electrical noise, and confirm that the 24V DC power source is connected with correct polarity and adequate current capacity for your load. Connect the Ethernet cable to a steady network switch or router, and assign an IP address according to your network policy—static addressing is often preferred for industrial installations to simplify device discovery and monitoring.

Next, wire the 8 digital inputs to your sensors, switches, or safety devices. Use proper cabling practices for 24V logic, and maintain awareness that these inputs are non-isolated; ensure a common reference is shared with the device to avoid ground loops or voltage transients. Wire the 4 relay outputs to the controlled devices, keeping load currents within the relay ratings and using appropriate suppression for inductive loads when necessary. If you plan to utilize the RS485 gateway, connect the RS485 pair with correct polarity and configure the bus settings (baud rate, parity, stop bits) to match your existing PLC or controller network. Once the physical wiring is complete, power up the gateway and begin the configuration process using the provided software interface or web-based management portal.

Configuration and commissioning are straightforward: access the Brainboxes interface through a web browser or the manufacturer’s software tools, define input debouncing and filtering parameters, assign logical names to inputs and outputs, and set up simple automation rules or event-driven responses. For reliability, enable appropriate watchdog or heartbeat settings if supported, and implement a basic fault reporting mechanism so operators are alerted to any channel failures or communication issues. Finally, conduct a thorough functional test—activate each relay, simulate input signals, and verify RS485 communication with a representative endpoint to confirm end-to-end operation before placing the device into production use.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Brainboxes Ethernet to 4 Relays and 8 Digital Inputs + RS485 Gateway? This is an industrial-grade gateway that combines eight digital inputs, four relay outputs, and RS485 gateway functionality over an Ethernet interface. It is designed to connect process-side equipment with Ethernet-based control systems, enabling reliable, scalable automation on the factory floor.
• What protocols does it support? The device provides Ethernet connectivity for integration with SCADA, MES, and OPC-UA workflows, along with RS485 for traditional PLC-based serial communication. This combination supports a wide range of industrial automation architectures and simplifies cross-communication between modern and legacy systems.
• What are the main benefits for factory automation? It consolidates sensing, actuation, and serial gateway capabilities into a single hardware module, reducing wiring complexity, improving reliability, and enabling faster commissioning. The ARM CPU ensures responsive local processing, while Ethernet and RS485 enable scalable, networked control across multiple devices and systems.
• Is the device suitable for 24V factory environments? Yes. The inputs and outputs are designed to operate within typical 24V industrial environments, offering robust performance in noisy factory settings and easy integration with 24V sensors and actuators. Proper cable management and shielding are recommended to maximize reliability.
• How do I configure the device after installation? Configuration is performed via a web-based interface or Brainboxes software tools. You can name inputs and relays, adjust debounce timings, set up relay logic, and configure the RS485 bus parameters. Ongoing monitoring and diagnostics help maintain uptime and quickly identify issues.
• Can I use this device with existing PLCs? Yes. The RS485 gateway and Ethernet interface are designed to work with a wide range of PLCs and industrial controllers. You can integrate into an existing control network, leverage RS485 for device-level communication, and use Ethernet for higher-level monitoring and data collection.