• Beckhoff Automation Private Limited

Modular DIN Rail IPCs and Industrial Motherboard

With the CX series of Embedded PCs, Beckhoff has combined PC technology and modular I/O level to form a DIN rail unit in the control cabinet. The CX device series combines the worlds of industrial PC and hardware PLC and is suitable for medium-performance control tasks. The modular control system can be configured to match the task in hand and can be installed in the control cabinet or the terminal box. The CX system covers the whole range of Beckhoff control technology both in terms of price and performance: this product range is designed for tasks requiring the characteristics and computing capacity of Industrial PCs, but whose budget does not stretch to full-blown Industrial PCs. The system only uses the components that are actually required. For example, a CX can be operated in "headless" mode, i.e., without display or keyboard; in this case, the associated interface is not required.

Scalable Performance Classes:
The CX family includes several basic CPU modules with different processors for optimum adaptation to the respective control task:

• CX1030: high-performance CX with Intel Pentium M CPU, 1.8 GHz processor
• CX1020: high-performance CX with Intel Celeron M ULV CPU, 1 GHz processor
• CX5020: compact CX with Intel Atom CPU, 1.6 GHz processor
• CX5010: compact CX with Intel Atom CPU, 1.1 GHz processor
• CX1010: basic CX with Pentium MMX-compatible CPU, 500 MHz processor
• CX9010: Ethernet controller with Intel IXP420 XScale technology, 533 MHz processor
• CX9000: Ethernet controller with Intel IXP420 XScale technology, 266 MHz processor

 
Apart from various CPUs, the individual CX types also have different system interfaces and power supply units. Via associated I/O interfaces the Embedded PCs support Beckhoff Bus Terminals and also EtherCAT Terminals as I/O system.

The Components:
The individual system components of the CX series come as modules with single (19 mm) or double width (38 mm) that can be connected in series. The basic unit for the CX1030, CX1020 and CX1010 series consists of a CPU module and a power supply module. The CX9000, CX9010, CX5010 and CX5020 devices integrate CPU and power supply in a single unit. Depending on the CX type, the controllers can be expanded through further system interfaces. The range of optional modules is complemented by fieldbus connections for PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet, SERCOS interface and Lightbus, both as master or slave versions. In contrast to the other CX device families, the CX5000 series has a fixed, non-expandable number of system interfaces.
 
The housing design for this series is optimised for robustness and compactness. No modular expandability for the left-hand side is provided. However, EtherCAT integration offers a wide range of expansion capability. Further master/slave fieldbus connections (PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet) or communication interfaces (RS232, RS422/RS485) and all other signal types accessible via EtherCAT can be directly connected as EtherCAT Terminals.

The Software:
In combination with the TwinCAT automation software, the CX Embedded PC becomes a powerful IEC 61131-3 PLC that can also handle motion control tasks. Depending on the required cycle time, it may be used to control several servo axes. With the CX1010, CX1020 or CX1030 even special functions such as "flying saw", "electronic gearbox" or "cam plate" can be realised. The CX thus becomes a controller that covers PLC, motion control and visualisation tasks with a single hardware. Under Windows CE, thanks to the real-time capability of the operating system, user tasks written in high-level languages can be processed in real-time in parallel with TwinCAT.
 
Beckhoff Industrial Motherboards: Motherboards with Intel x86 and ARM architecture: Beckhoff has expanded the "Industrial Motherboards" line of business into an independent product segment, with in-house board development, design and production. Beckhoff can thus offer Industrial PCs and Embedded PCs in all performance classes with motherboards developed in-house.
 
In addition, the own motherboard and BIOS development initiatives enable Beckhoff to respond more quickly to new technologies in the PC market and to customer-specific requirements. Motherboards available as stand-alone products from Beckhoff are described below.
 
ATX, slot CPU, 3 ½-inch and PC/104 are the supported standard form factors.Boards are made available for a minimum of five years, based on the general market availability of the components. All components are selected according to the longevity of supply. CPUs and chipsets, for example, are selected only if they are part of the embedded product line of the manufacturer.