SMC EX600-SEN8 EtherNet/IP SI Unit (NPN) — Dual Port, DLR, QuickConnect, IO-Link, Web Server | EX600 Fieldbus System
SMC
$675.00
SMC EX600 Series — Current-Generation SI Unit
EX600-SEN8 · EtherNet/IP Fieldbus SI Unit (NPN)
Dual-port EtherNet/IP communication head for the EX600 modular fieldbus platform. NPN (sink / positive common) output. DLR ring topology, QuickConnect, built-in web server, IO-Link master module support. 32 solenoid outputs, IP67.
EtherNet/IP NPN / Sink Dual Port DLR QuickConnect IO-Link Web Server IP67
At a Glance
| SKU | EX600-SEN8 |
| Protocol | EtherNet/IP™ (Conformance version: Composite 18) |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 ports (star, linear, and ring/DLR topologies) |
| Output Type | NPN / Sink (Positive Common) |
| Max Solenoid Outputs | 32 outputs |
| Max Load per Solenoid | 24 VDC, 1.0W or less (SMC solenoid valve with surge suppressor) |
| Communication Speed | 10/100 Mbps, full duplex / half duplex |
| Communication Medium | Standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e or higher, 100BASE-TX) |
| Max Occupying Area (I/O) | 1,212 bytes input / 1,210 bytes output |
| IP Address Setting | Switch: 192.168.0 or 1.1–254 | DHCP: arbitrary address |
| Device Information | Vendor ID: 7 (SMC Corporation) | Device Type: 12 (Communication Adapter) | Product Code: 258 |
| QuickConnect™ | Supported (~0.5 second communication startup) |
| DLR (Device Level Ring) | Supported |
| Web Server | Built-in — browser-based status checks, parameter settings, forced output |
| IO-Link Master Support | Compatible — up to 9 IO-Link units, 36 IO-Link devices (Port Class A and B) |
| Max I/O Units | 9 units in any combination (digital, analog, IO-Link) |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC, 2A |
| Internal Current Consumption | 120 mA or less |
| Fail Safe | HOLD / CLEAR / Forced Power ON |
| Protection | Short-circuit protection |
| Enclosure | IP67 (manifold assembly) |
| Operating Temperature | –10°C to 50°C |
| Standards | CE / UKCA marking, UL (CSA), RoHS |
| Configuration File | EDS file (download from smcworld.com) |
| PNP Equivalent | EX600-SEN7 (Source / Negative Common) |
| Replaces | EX600-SEN2 (prior gen, single port, NPN) | EX600-SEN4 (prior gen, dual port, NPN) |
| Weight | 300 g |
Why the EX600-SEN8
The EX600-SEN8 is the NPN (sink / positive common) version of SMC's current-generation EtherNet/IP SI unit for the EX600 modular fieldbus platform. It is functionally identical to the EX600-SEN7 in every specification — dual Ethernet ports, DLR ring topology, QuickConnect, built-in web server, IO-Link master module support, 32 solenoid outputs — with the sole difference being the output switching type.
NPN (sink) output means the SI unit switches the 0V (ground) side of the solenoid coil while +24V is supplied continuously. This is the standard wiring configuration in many Asian-manufactured machines and some European equipment. The output type must match the solenoid valve's wiring configuration — selecting the wrong polarity will result in valves that do not operate. If your valve manifold uses PNP (source / negative common) wiring, order the EX600-SEN7 instead.
The SEN8 replaces the prior-generation EX600-SEN2 (single port, NPN) and EX600-SEN4 (dual port, NPN). Like the SEN7, it adds DLR for ring network redundancy, QuickConnect for ~0.5-second startup on robotic tool changers, a built-in web server for browser-based diagnostics, and IO-Link master module compatibility — none of which were available on the SEN2 or SEN4. The SEN8 uses the same manifold hardware, I/O modules, endplates, and valve plates as every other EX600 SI unit. Upgrading from a SEN2 to a SEN8 requires only swapping the SI unit and updating the EDS file in the PLC — verify solenoid valve wattage is 1.0W or less.
PNP or NPN? How to Choose
The EX600-SEN8 (NPN / sink) switches the ground side of the solenoid coil. The EX600-SEN7 (PNP / source) switches the +24V side. The correct choice depends on how the solenoid valve coils are wired in the manifold — not on the PLC brand or fieldbus protocol.
PNP (SEN7) is the most common configuration in North American and European installations. NPN (SEN8) is typical in many Asian OEM machines and some European equipment. Check your existing valve manifold wiring or consult the valve manifold documentation before ordering. If replacing an existing EX600 SI unit, match the output type of the unit being replaced.
EX600-SEN7 vs. EX600-SEN8
| Specification | EX600-SEN7 | EX600-SEN8 |
|---|---|---|
| Output Type | PNP / Source (Negative Common) | NPN / Sink (Positive Common) |
| Protocol | EtherNet/IP (Conformance: Composite 18) | |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 ports | |
| DLR / QuickConnect / Web Server / IO-Link | ✓ All supported | |
| Max Solenoid Outputs | 32 | |
| Max Load per Solenoid | 1.0W | |
| Same Manifold / I/O / Endplate | ✓ Identical hardware platform | |
| Prior-Gen Equivalent | EX600-SEN1 (PNP, single port) | EX600-SEN2 (NPN, single port) |
The only difference between the SEN7 and SEN8 is the output switching type. All other specifications, capabilities, and compatible hardware are identical.
Compatible Valve Series
The EX600-SEN8 is compatible with the same valve manifold bases as the SEN7. Ensure the solenoid valve coils in your manifold are wired for NPN (sink / positive common) operation:
| Valve Series | Max Solenoids | Cylinder Size | Valve Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SY3000 / SY5000 / SY7000 | 32 | ø50–ø80 | EX600-ZMV2 |
| JSY1000 / JSY3000 / JSY5000 | 32 | ø40–ø80 | EX600-ZMV2 |
| SV1000 / SV2000 / SV3000 | 32 | ø40–ø80 | EX600-ZMV1 |
| VQC1000–VQC5000 | 24 | ø40–ø180 | EX600-ZMV1 |
| S0700 | 32 | ø25 | EX600-ZMV1 |
| ZK2□A (Vacuum) | 16 | — | EX600-ZMV2 |
Key Features
The EX600-SEN8 shares all capabilities with the EX600-SEN7. See the SEN7 product page for full feature details. Summary:
DLR Ring Topology
Dual-port network redundancy without external switches
QuickConnect
~0.5s communication startup for tool changers
Web Server
Browser-based diagnostics, parameter settings, forced output
IO-Link Master
Up to 9 IO-Link units, 36 devices per manifold
Modular I/O
Up to 9 digital, analog, and IO-Link modules in any order
Self-Diagnostics
Per-solenoid short-circuit detection, open-load detection, ON/OFF counters
Need Help Configuring an EX600 System?
Automation Distribution stocks the EX600-SEN8, all compatible I/O modules, IO-Link master modules, endplates, valve plate brackets, and the full SY, JSY, SV, VQC, and S0700 valve manifold families. Not sure whether you need PNP or NPN? Contact our team — we can help verify the correct output type for your application.
Contact Application EngineeringFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the EX600-SEN7 and EX600-SEN8?
The EX600-SEN7 is PNP (source / negative common) and the EX600-SEN8 is NPN (sink / positive common). All other specifications are identical — same protocol, same ports, same features, same I/O module and manifold compatibility. The output type must match the solenoid valve wiring configuration in your manifold.
How do I know if I need PNP or NPN?
Check how the solenoid valve coils are wired in the manifold. PNP (source) switches the +24V side of the coil — the common wire connects to 0V. NPN (sink) switches the 0V side — the common wire connects to +24V. If you're replacing an existing EX600 SI unit, match the output type of the unit being replaced. PNP is standard in most North American installations; NPN is common in many Asian-manufactured machines.
Can I upgrade from an EX600-SEN2 to an EX600-SEN8?
Yes. The SEN8 is the direct replacement for the SEN2 (single port, NPN) and SEN4 (dual port, NPN). It uses the same physical mounting, unit connector, valve plates, endplates, and I/O modules. Swap the SI unit, update the EDS file in the PLC, and the manifold is upgraded with DLR, QuickConnect, web server, and IO-Link support. Verify valve wattage is 1.0W or less (the SEN8 has a lower per-solenoid load rating than the SEN2's 1.5W).
Do the NPN I/O modules (DXND, DYNB) need to match the SEN8?
The SI unit's PNP/NPN designation controls the solenoid valve outputs on the manifold. The add-on I/O modules (digital input, digital output, analog, IO-Link) have their own PNP/NPN variants that are selected independently based on the sensors or output devices being connected — not based on the SI unit's output type. You can use a NPN SI unit (SEN8) with PNP input modules (EX600-DXPD) if your sensors are PNP.
What if I don't use Rockwell PLCs?
The EX600-SEN8 is EtherNet/IP-specific. For Siemens PROFINET systems, the NPN equivalent is EX600-SPN4. For Beckhoff EtherCAT systems, the NPN equivalent is EX600-SEC4. All use the same manifold, I/O modules, and endplates — only the SI unit changes.
Resources
EX600-SEN7/SEN8 Installation & Maintenance Manual (PDF)
EtherNet/IP and QuickConnect are trademarks of ODVA, Inc. Specifications from SMC catalog CAT.E02-24H, subject to change without notice. Only SY and SV valves are UL-compliant with the EX600 platform. Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor.
- Protocol:
- EtherNet/IP TM
- Output Type:
- NPN(Positive Common),Protocol EtherNet/IP,IO-Link Unit
- Version:
- When MJ Or En Or EC Or PN Is Selected
