Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 — Compact EtherCAT PLC Buyer Review

By Abdullah Zahid
16 min read
Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 Sysmac compact PLC CPU with 24 digital PNP transistor I/O and EtherCAT master port for machine automation

Omron NX1P2-9024DT1: Sysmac NX1P CPU with 24 Digital Transistor I/O (PNP), 1.5 MB Memory, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP — Full Buyer Review

If you are evaluating a compact PLC for a small to mid-size machine that needs an EtherCAT master, EtherNet/IP, and onboard digital I/O all in one unit, the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 deserves a close look. This CPU delivers 14 digital inputs (PNP/NPN configurable), 10 PNP transistor outputs, a 2 ms primary task cycle time, 1.5 MB of program memory, and dual Ethernet ports in a housing that measures approximately 100 x 124 x 71 mm — a package that suits OEM panel builds where every millimeter counts. The decision usually comes down to confirming that the onboard I/O count, motion axis limits, and output type match your exact application before committing to a purchase order.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability for the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide.

Who Should Buy the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 — and Who Shouldn't

This CPU is the right fit for OEMs and controls engineers building compact machines that require EtherCAT master functionality and EtherNet/IP communications without stepping up to a larger, more expensive PLC platform. Buy this model if all of the following are true for your project:

  • Your field devices use PNP transistor outputs and your sensors are compatible with PNP or NPN inputs — the NX1P2-9024DT1 provides 14 digital inputs (PNP/NPN) and 10 PNP transistor outputs onboard.
  • Your design requires EtherCAT master or EtherNet/IP, and the network architecture calls for up to 16 EtherCAT remote nodes including drives and remote I/O stations.
  • A 2 ms primary task cycle time is sufficient for your logic scan requirements, and 1.5 MB of program memory with 2 MB of variable memory covers your application complexity.
  • Your motion control needs are limited to up to 4 PTP axes with no requirement for synchronous axes — this CPU supports 0 synchronous axes.
  • You are working with a 24 VDC control power supply (allowable range 20.4–28.8 VDC) and your panel can accommodate the CPU plus up to 8 NX expansion units.

If your application requires NPN transistor outputs, more onboard I/O than 14 inputs and 10 outputs, more than 4 PTP axes, or synchronous motion coordination, this is not the correct variant. Look instead at the NX1P2-9024DS1 for NPN outputs, higher I/O count NX1P2 models such as the 1040 or 1048 variants for greater onboard capacity, or the NX102 and NJ-series CPUs for advanced motion and safety requirements.

On this page:

What the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 Actually Does in a Machine

The NX1P2-9024DT1 is part of Omron's Sysmac NX-series platform — the same architecture used in larger NX102 and NJ-series controllers, scaled down into a compact CPU with built-in I/O. It serves as the central logic and motion controller for small to mid-size machines, handling PLC scan tasks, basic point-to-point servo positioning, field I/O, and industrial Ethernet communications all from a single unit. The 2 ms primary task cycle time means it can respond to process changes quickly enough for the majority of packaging, handling, and assembly machine requirements without requiring a dedicated motion controller alongside the PLC.

The built-in EtherCAT master port allows the NX1P2-9024DT1 to communicate directly with Omron servo drives, remote EtherCAT I/O stations, and compatible third-party EtherCAT devices — up to 16 nodes total. The second Ethernet port supports EtherNet/IP and general TCP/IP communications, which means the CPU can simultaneously manage field device coordination over EtherCAT and connect to an HMI, SCADA system, or factory network over EtherNet/IP without a separate communication module. For machines that also need serial communications with legacy devices or barcode readers, an optional RS-232C, RS-422, or RS-485 serial option board installs directly on the CPU.

Program development and configuration are handled entirely within Sysmac Studio, Omron's unified engineering environment. Because the NX1P2-9024DT1 is a full Sysmac platform controller, projects built for this CPU can be migrated or extended to larger NX or NJ-series CPUs without rebuilding from scratch — a meaningful advantage for OEMs who build multiple machine variants from a common software base.

Typical System Architecture for NX1P2-9024DT1 Deployments

In a typical deployment, the NX1P2-9024DT1 sits at the center of the machine control network, connecting upward to plant systems and downward to field devices over two distinct Ethernet buses.

  • Factory network or HMI above the CPU communicates via EtherNet/IP or TCP/IP through one of the two onboard Ethernet ports — typical devices include Omron NA-series HMIs, SCADA servers, or MES systems.
  • The EtherCAT master port chains to servo drives, EtherCAT remote I/O slaves, and specialty I/O nodes — up to 16 nodes total in a line or ring topology.
  • Up to 8 NX expansion I/O units mount directly on the DIN rail alongside the CPU, adding analog, digital, or specialty channels locally without consuming EtherCAT node capacity.
  • PNP sensors wire to the 14 onboard digital inputs; solenoid valves, actuators, and relay coils connect to the 10 PNP transistor outputs — with additional field devices handled through NX expansion or EtherCAT remote I/O.
  • An optional serial option board connects the CPU to legacy equipment such as barcode scanners, weighing terminals, or older drives using RS-232C, RS-422, or RS-485 protocols.

Industries and Applications Where This CPU Delivers

Packaging machinery is the most natural home for the NX1P2-9024DT1. Form-fill-seal machines, cartoners, and case packers benefit directly from the combination of EtherCAT servo coordination for up to 4 PTP axes, distributed I/O for sensors and actuators, and the compact CPU footprint that fits inside a machine-integrated control cabinet. The dual Ethernet architecture means the machine can report production data to a line management system over EtherNet/IP while simultaneously running EtherCAT servo loops with no port contention.

In food and beverage processing, the NX1P2-9024DT1 handles conveyor line control, diverter actuation, and product detection with the PNP outputs driving standard 24 VDC solenoids and the mixed PNP/NPN digital inputs accepting signals from a wide variety of photoelectric and proximity sensors. The ability to expand to 8 local NX units means that even if the initial design uses only the 14 onboard inputs and 10 onboard outputs, additional I/O channels can be added in the field without replacing the CPU.

OEM machine builders targeting the general manufacturing, electronics assembly, and automotive test markets frequently standardize on the NX1P2-9024DT1 as their base controller for small machine variants. Consistent hardware across a machine family reduces spare parts inventory, simplifies field service training, and allows Sysmac Studio project templates to be reused across builds — a direct cost and schedule benefit for engineering teams shipping multiple machines per year.

Material handling integrators use this CPU for standalone conveyor systems with distributed EtherCAT I/O nodes at each zone, allowing wiring to be terminated locally rather than routed back to a central panel. Up to 16 EtherCAT nodes supports a moderately sized system without requiring a larger CPU.

Application Typical Deployment
Compact packaging machine NX1P2-9024DT1 as main CPU with EtherCAT servo drives for film feed and sealing axes, NX expansion I/O for sensors and actuators
Food and beverage conveyor line CPU controlling multiple conveyor zones via EtherCAT remote I/O, PNP outputs to solenoid valves, EtherNet/IP to line HMI
Assembly and test machine Central controller for pick-and-place with up to 4 PTP servo axes over EtherCAT, digital I/O for tooling and fixtures
OEM standard small machine Standard hardware platform across a machine family; Sysmac Studio project templates reused per build
Standalone robot cell or handling system NX1P2-9024DT1 coordinating gripper I/O and conveyor axes, EtherNet/IP to robot controller or SCADA
Legacy PLC migration (CP/CJ upgrade) Drop-in replacement footprint upgrade bringing EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP to an existing machine panel

Purchase-Decision Specifications and Variant Comparison

Parameter Value Notes
Program memory 1.5 MB Supports moderate application complexity; verify against program size estimates
Variable memory 2 MB For tag and variable storage across all tasks
Primary task cycle time 2 ms Sufficient for most packaging and handling machine logic
Digital inputs (onboard) 14, PNP/NPN configurable Verify sensor wiring polarity before ordering
Digital outputs (onboard) 10, PNP transistor Sourcing outputs; NPN output variant is NX1P2-9024DS1
Max NX expansion units 8 Local NX I/O units mounted directly beside the CPU
Max EtherCAT nodes 16 Includes servo drives and remote I/O slaves
Max PTP axes 4 Synchronous axes: 0 — not suitable for advanced coordinated motion
Supply voltage 20.4–28.8 VDC 24 VDC nominal; no AC supply option for this CPU
Approximate dimensions (H x W x D) 100 x 124 x 71 mm Allow clearance for NX expansion units and cable routing

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

The table below compares the most commonly evaluated NX1P2 variants to help narrow the decision to the correct model:

Model Onboard I/O Output Type Max PTP Axes Max EtherCAT Nodes Best For
NX1P2-9024DT1 14 in / 10 out PNP transistor 4 16 PNP output machines with moderate I/O and basic PTP motion
NX1P2-9024DS1 14 in / 10 out NPN transistor 4 16 Same application profile where NPN output wiring is required
NX1P2-1040DT1 24 in / 16 out PNP transistor 4 16 Higher onboard I/O density; reduces need for first NX expansion unit
NX1P2-1040DT 24 in / 16 out PNP transistor 4 16 Higher I/O count variant; confirm exact suffix for output specification
NX102 series No onboard I/O Via NX expansion only Up to 64 (model dependent) Up to 192 (model dependent) Advanced motion, high axis counts, integrated safety, larger systems

If your application requires NPN outputs or a higher onboard I/O count, selecting the wrong suffix will require a re-order — confirm the correct NX1P2 variant on the product page at LeadTime.ca before placing your order.

Expert Verdict: Is the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 Worth Buying?

The NX1P2-9024DT1 is a well-matched controller for OEMs and systems integrators building compact machines that need EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP without the cost and panel space of a larger CPU platform. The combination of a 2 ms primary task cycle, 1.5 MB of program memory, dual Ethernet ports, an onboard EtherCAT master, and 24 digital I/O points covers the majority of small packaging, handling, and assembly machine requirements in a single unit. The tight integration with Omron servo drives, HMIs, and NX safety I/O within Sysmac Studio is a genuine advantage for teams already working within the Omron ecosystem — configuration time is measurably shorter when the drives and CPU speak the same native protocol and share one engineering environment.

The honest limitations are worth naming. The 0 synchronous axes and maximum of 4 PTP axes make this CPU unsuitable for applications involving coordinated multi-axis motion such as gantry systems, electronic cams, or flying cuts. If your project needs synchronous motion, integrated safety logic in the CPU, or I/O counts that will routinely exceed 8 NX expansion units plus 16 EtherCAT nodes, the NX102 or NJ-series CPUs are the appropriate next step. Likewise, if your plant or customer standard specifies a different PLC platform and EtherCAT is not a requirement, the cost and learning curve of adopting the Sysmac ecosystem may not be justified. For facilities already running Omron CP or CJ PLCs that are considering a network upgrade, the NX1P2-9024DT1 is a natural migration path — but budget planning must include Sysmac Studio licensing, which is a real line item and not trivial for small integrators managing occasional projects.

From a procurement standpoint, the NX1P2-9024DT1 is generally stocked by Omron-focused distributors, but lead times vary with regional inventory levels and order volume, and must be confirmed at the time of purchase rather than assumed. Ordering through a specialist distributor rather than a generic catalog source gives your team access to real-time stock and lead time data, bill-of-materials validation against the 8-unit NX expansion and 16-node EtherCAT limits, and pre-sale guidance on which NX I/O expansion modules and option boards belong on the same purchase order — all of which reduces the risk of a costly re-order mid-project. View current availability and pricing for the NX1P2-9024DT1 at LeadTime.ca.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Are Saying About the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1

Community feedback on the NX1P2 family across forums including PLCTalk, PLCS.net, MrPLC, Reddit r/PLC, and distributor Q&A sections is broadly positive, particularly from OEM engineers and integrators who have standardized on the platform for small machine production. The most consistent praise centres on the compact footprint with built-in EtherCAT master and dual Ethernet ports — engineers frequently note that getting both EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP in a unit this size simplifies cabinet design considerably compared with alternatives that require separate communication modules. Reliability after commissioning is another recurring positive: users describe the NX1P2 family as a dependable standard OEM controller that runs stably once the initial configuration is complete. Tight integration with Omron servos, drives, and HMIs within a single Sysmac Studio project is cited as a meaningful time-saver by engineers who have configured competing platforms requiring separate tools for motion and PLC programming.

The friction points are consistent and worth understanding before buying. Sysmac Studio licensing cost and account management draw the most complaints, particularly from smaller integrators or engineers who work with multiple PLC brands and resent paying recurring software costs for occasional Omron projects. The learning curve for Sysmac Studio and EtherCAT configuration is also flagged regularly by engineers transitioning from older Omron CP and CJ platforms, or from other PLC vendors — the environment is capable, but it is distinct enough that first-time users should plan for a setup and familiarization period that can affect commissioning schedules. The third recurring frustration is model code confusion: the NX1P2 family has multiple variants that differ in I/O count, output type, and motion capability, and forum threads show a pattern of engineers discovering mid-project that they ordered the wrong suffix.

The ordering mistakes seen most often in community discussions are directly actionable. Engineers have ordered a DS (NPN output) variant when their panel was wired for PNP, or the reverse — a DT1 (PNP) unit into an NPN-wired cabinet. Others have selected an NX1P2 CPU assuming it would support more than 4 PTP axes or a higher EtherCAT node count, only to realize during Sysmac Studio configuration that the limits had been reached. A third pattern is forgetting to include NX expansion units or the serial option board on the initial purchase order, then waiting on a supplemental order before commissioning can proceed. All three mistakes are preventable with a careful pre-order review — which is exactly what the checklist below is designed to support.

Wiring and Installation Overview for the NX1P2-9024DT1

  • Mount the CPU on a DIN rail per Omron's orientation and spacing guidelines, leaving clearance for up to 8 NX expansion units to the right of the CPU and adequate space for cable routing and heat dissipation.
  • Wire the 24 VDC supply (20.4–28.8 VDC nominal) to the designated power terminals, including protective earth; external protective devices must be sized per your panel design standards and applicable electrical codes.
  • Wire PNP transistor outputs to actuators and solenoids using sourcing configuration; verify common terminal connections and load specifications against the Omron datasheet before energizing outputs.
  • Wire digital inputs according to the sensor polarity — the 14 onboard inputs support both PNP and NPN sensors, but each input channel must be wired consistently with the selected input mode; refer to the Omron wiring diagrams for correct common terminal assignment.
  • Connect EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP cables to the correct CPU ports using industrial-rated shielded Ethernet cable, following the recommended EtherCAT daisy-chain or star topology and confirming that IP addresses on both Ethernet ports are on separate subnets to avoid routing conflicts.

Compatible NX Expansion and System Integration

The NX1P2-9024DT1 supports direct expansion through the NX-series local I/O bus, accepting up to 8 NX expansion units mounted adjacently on the DIN rail. These units extend the system with analog, digital, temperature, safety, and communications channels without consuming EtherCAT node capacity. The following module types are part of the NX expansion ecosystem compatible with this CPU:

  • NX-series digital I/O units — additional digital input and output channels in PNP or NPN configurations for higher field I/O density
  • NX-series analog I/O units — voltage and current input/output channels for process sensors and control signals requiring analog interfacing
  • NX-series temperature input units — thermocouple and RTD input channels for process temperature monitoring applications
  • NX-series safety I/O units — functional safety input and output channels for integrating safety devices within the local I/O bus (verify CPU safety capability requirements with the Omron safety documentation)
  • Serial option board (installed in the CPU option slot) — adds RS-232C, RS-422, or RS-485 serial communications for legacy devices such as barcode scanners, weighing terminals, and older serial-interface drives
  • EtherCAT remote I/O and servo drive nodes — up to 16 total EtherCAT nodes including Omron G5 and 1S servo drives, EtherCAT remote I/O slaves, and compatible third-party EtherCAT devices

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before You Order

Run through every item on this checklist before submitting a purchase order for the NX1P2-9024DT1. These are the exact checks that prevent the most common and costly ordering mistakes on this part:

  1. Confirm output type: NX1P2-9024DT1 is PNP transistor output; if NPN is required, a DS1/DS-type variant is needed.
  2. Confirm onboard I/O is sufficient: 14 digital inputs and 10 digital outputs; additional I/O needs require NX expansion units or remote EtherCAT I/O.
  3. Verify 24 VDC control power is available (no AC supply option for this CPU).
  4. Check EtherCAT master requirement: choose NX1P2 only if EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP integration is actually planned; otherwise a simpler PLC may suffice.
  5. Confirm motion axis needs: this CPU supports 0 synchronous axes and up to 4 PTP axes; higher performance motion systems may need another CPU family.
  6. Verify space and mounting: ensure the panel layout accommodates the CPU plus up to 8 NX expansion units and required clearances.

If any item on this checklist raises a question about variant selection or system sizing, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — getting the right part on the first order avoids project delays that are difficult to recover once a build schedule is committed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the NX1P2-9024DT1 and the NX1P2-9024DS1, and how do I choose?

The NX1P2-9024DT1 has PNP (sourcing) transistor outputs, while the NX1P2-9024DS1 has NPN (sinking) transistor outputs. The choice is determined entirely by your panel wiring standard and the actuator or relay coil interface your machine uses. Both models share the same 14 digital inputs (PNP/NPN configurable), the same 2 ms cycle time, the same memory sizes, and the same EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP capabilities. Confirm the output wiring convention on your electrical schematics before ordering — swapping between these two variants in the field requires rewiring the output commons.

How many EtherCAT devices can I connect to the NX1P2-9024DT1?

This CPU supports up to 16 EtherCAT nodes in total, which includes servo drives, EtherCAT remote I/O slave stations, and other EtherCAT devices. If your machine design requires more than 16 EtherCAT nodes, you will need to move to a higher-capacity CPU such as the NX102 series. Plan the full device list including drives and remote I/O before finalizing the CPU selection to confirm you remain within the 16-node limit.

Which Sysmac Studio license do I need to program the NX1P2-9024DT1, and can I use one license across multiple machines?

Programming the NX1P2-9024DT1 requires Sysmac Studio, Omron's unified engineering environment for NX and NJ-series controllers. License type and terms — including whether a single license covers multiple simultaneous projects or installations — should be confirmed directly with Omron or your Omron-authorized distributor, as licensing structures can change and vary by region. Factor Sysmac Studio licensing into the total project cost, particularly for smaller integrators who work across multiple PLC platforms.

Can I connect third-party EtherCAT drives and I/O modules to the NX1P2-9024DT1?

The NX1P2-9024DT1 functions as an EtherCAT master and can communicate with third-party EtherCAT slave devices, provided the devices are compliant with the EtherCAT standard and supported by Sysmac Studio through an ESI (EtherCAT Slave Information) file. Configuration requires importing the device ESI file into your Sysmac Studio project and mapping the process data objects correctly. Omron's own G5 and 1S servo drives are configured with the tightest native integration, but many third-party EtherCAT devices work reliably when the configuration steps are followed correctly.

How do I expand I/O beyond the 24 onboard digital points on the NX1P2-9024DT1?

There are two expansion paths. First, up to 8 NX expansion units can be mounted directly beside the CPU on the DIN rail, adding digital, analog, temperature, or specialty I/O channels locally. Second, up to 16 EtherCAT nodes — including EtherCAT remote I/O slave stations — can be placed at distributed locations throughout the machine or panel. For applications that will approach or exceed these limits, an early-stage design review of the I/O architecture is recommended before committing to the NX1P2 CPU family.

How difficult is it to migrate a program from an older Omron CP or CJ PLC to the NX1P2-9024DT1?

Migration from CP or CJ platforms to the NX1P2-9024DT1 requires rebuilding the project in Sysmac Studio, as the NX-series uses a different programming environment and instruction set architecture than the older CX-Programmer-based tools. The I/O mapping, network configuration, and variable structure will need to be recreated. Omron provides migration guidance, but engineers transitioning for the first time should allow adequate time for learning the new environment and validating logic behavior before commissioning. The benefit is that once the migration is complete, the Sysmac platform provides a more unified and expandable foundation going forward.

Why Order the Omron NX1P2-9024DT1 from LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — whether your machine is being built in Canada, the U.S., or anywhere internationally, we can process and ship your order.
  • We source hard-to-find and standard industrial automation parts, including NX-series CPUs and compatible NX expansion modules, with real-time availability checks rather than generic catalog listings.
  • Volume pricing is available — contact us before committing to a build schedule if you are ordering multiple units or building a bill of materials for a machine family.
  • Pre-sale support helps you confirm the correct NX1P2 variant, identify required NX expansion units and option boards, and avoid the re-order delays that come from an incorrect part number.

At-a-Glance Summary: Omron NX1P2-9024DT1

  • CPU type: Sysmac NX1P2 compact PLC with built-in 24 digital transistor I/O (PNP outputs)
  • Onboard I/O: 14 digital inputs (PNP/NPN configurable), 10 PNP transistor outputs
  • Program memory: 1.5 MB; variable memory: 2 MB
  • Primary task cycle time: 2 ms
  • Motion: 0 synchronous axes, up to 4 PTP axes
  • Local expansion: up to 8 NX expansion units on DIN rail
  • EtherCAT nodes: up to 16 remote nodes including drives and I/O slaves
  • Communications: EtherCAT master, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet TCP/IP (2 ports); RS-232C/RS-422/RS-485 via optional serial board
  • Supply voltage: 20.4–28.8 VDC (24 VDC nominal); no AC supply variant
  • Approximate dimensions: 100 x 124 x 71 mm; approximate weight: 590 g
  • Programming environment: Sysmac Studio (license required, cost must be included in project budget)
  • Primary use cases: compact packaging machines, food and beverage handling, material handling, OEM standard platforms, assembly and test machines
  • Key alternatives: NX1P2-9024DS1 (NPN outputs), NX1P2-1040DT1 (higher I/O count), NX102/NJ-series (advanced motion and safety)

You may also be interested in: