16 outputs, 0.5 A each, 24 V DC — the SM 322 workhorse
The Siemens 6ES7322-8BH10-0AB0 is an SM 322 digital output module packing 16 channels, each rated 0.5 A at 24 V DC nominal, with a permissible lower limit of 20.4 V DC. Each channel can sink a full 2 A up to 60 °C — that's the continuous current ceiling per output, not just the rated 0.5 A signal level — so it handles solenoid banks and indicator loads without derating in a warm cabinet. Switching times sit at 3 ms for both 0→1 and 1→0 transitions, with a maximum resistive load switching frequency of 100 Hz; on lamp loads it drops to 10 Hz, so keep incandescent indicators sparse.
Diagnostics that catch the fault before the line stops
This module reports wire-break, short-circuit, and missing load voltage — each channel gets its own red fault LED, plus a group error SF (red) on the front panel. The response threshold for short-circuit detection is 1.4 A typical per channel, and the module generates a diagnostic alarm readable over the backplane bus. A 40-pin front connector is required (sold separately); the module draws up to 100 mA from the 5 V DC backplane bus and dissipates 6 W typical at full load.