Beckhoff: Embedded PC (CX8000 Series)

CX8000 is a device family of programmable controllers with a 32 bit ARM-based CPU, which can be used for the processing of PLC programs or as slave devices for higher-level fieldbus systems. Unlike the non-programmable Bus Couplers of the EK series (EtherCAT Koppler [German for EtherCAT Coupler]), which only act as gateway between the associated fieldbus system and the connected EtherCAT Terminals, the CX8000 is programmable and able to run its own control program.

The CX8000 device series represents a further development of the familiar and proven 16 bit Bus Terminal Controllers from the BC series, including high-performance 32 bit processors. Just like the Bus Terminal Controller series, the CX8000 also ensures that the control system and the local program can still be processed in the event of an interruption of the higher-level fieldbus system. The CX8000 devices can therefore be used as local controllers. Bus Terminals (K-bus) or EtherCAT Terminals (E-bus) can be connected; the CX8000 automatically recognises the type of I/O system connected during the start-up phase. The application of EtherCAT opens up further options, such as realization of different topologies, integration of further bus systems such as CANopen, PROFIBUS and PROFINET, and the connection to the IP 67 world with the EtherCAT Box modules.

Like all CX products, the CX8000 devices are programmed and commissioned via the Ethernet interface, which can, of course, also be used for the connection of the control system with a regular network. Some Embedded PCs have additional Ethernet interfaces with switch functionality, so that a linear “daisy chain” topology can be established cost-effectively without additional hardware. The other connections on the lower plug level are fieldbus-specific. A replaceable coin cell for date and time, a number of dip switches for setting function modes, a slot for microSD flash memory cards and a USB port type B can be found under the front flap at the upper housing level. Thanks to their low electrical power consumption, the units are fanless.

Microsoft Windows Embedded CE is used as the operating system. In the absence of a monitor port, the operating system and its “virtual“ display can only be accessed via the network. As for all other Beckhoff devices, the TwinCAT 2 software is used for system configuration and the programming of the PLC functionality. The CX8000 target device features a pre-installed TwinCAT 2 PLC run-time environment. All software required for operating the device, including the operating system, the TwinCAT files and user files and data, is stored on the microSD Flash card. This means the unit is easy to replace if necessary. Commercial card readers can be used to access the card data. The size of the microSD Flash card (e.g. 256 MB) can be chosen depending on the application and the quantity of data to be stored.

The CX8000 device family features an integrated, capacitive 1-second UPS, which in the event of a failure of the supply voltage provides sufficient energy for saving remanent data. Important data are thus preserved in a non-volatile manner without battery backup.

With a high-performance but nevertheless energy-saving 32 bit ARM processor, EtherCAT as I/O bus and TwinCAT 2 PLC with extensive PLC libraries, the Embedded Controllers from the CX8000 series represent high-performance and versatile controllers with slave fieldbus connection.

Embedded PCs and motherboards for industrial control tasks

The compact DIN rail PCs from the CX series unite with the various I/O modules to form a space-saving industrial controller in the control cabinet. Every user can find a suitable Embedded device in the Beckhoff range of Embedded products: tailored to budget, performance class and the complexity of the control task. Apart from the CPU, the individual devices from the CX series differ in the available system interfaces and power supply versions and can be plugged together as a modular control system according to the respective task. This way, different applications can be realized on the same hardware, for example a PLC and Motion Control system with DVI/USB interface, Windows Embedded CE or Windows Embedded Standard or a multimedia system (building automation) with Audio interface.

Beckhoff Industrial Motherboards

Thanks to proprietary BIOS and motherboard development, new technologies in the PC market can be implemented quickly for the customer in all performance classes of Industrial and Embedded PCs. Motherboards in all typical form factors (ATX and 3½-inch) are developed and manufactured in-house, so that it is also possible to react to customer-specific requirements. High-quality electronic components, selected according to guaranteed availability, not only make the “Made in Germany” motherboards robust and reliable, they also ensure their availability for at least five years. As far as the technical innovations permit, the design of the motherboards is compatible across generations and facilitates the upgrading of individual devices.

Beckhoff Embedded-PC CX | Modular DIN rail Industrial PCs

With the Embedded PCs of the CX series, Beckhoff has combined PC technology and modular I/O level on 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 all performance control tasks. The modular system of the CX series can be configured to match the task in hand: by adding or omitting units and interfaces, only those components that the system actually requires are installed on the DIN rail in the control cabinet or terminal box. Installation space and costs are reduced.

The CX family covers the whole range of Beckhoff control technology in terms of both 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.

Scalable performance classes

The CX family includes several basic CPU modules with different processors for optimum adaptation to the respective control task.

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

A suitable CX controller is selected on the basis of the expected complexity and scope of the automation program. Decisive here is not just the clock frequency of the CPU, but a combination of many criteria. The main criteria apart from the clock frequency are the CPU architecture, the cache sizes, the type and size of the RAM, graphic controller etc. Changing from one CX CPU to another with a higher performance is, however, still possible even at a very late stage in the course of the project and can usually take place without any program modification.

The components

The individual system components of the CX series come as modules in standard widths of 19 mm or 22 mm, that can be connected in series. The basic unit for the CX2000 and CX10x0 series consists of a CPU module and a separate power supply module. The CX8000, CX9000, CX9010, CX9020, CX5000 and CX5100 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 CX8000, CX9020, CX5100 and CX5000 series have a fixed, non-expandable number of system interfaces. The devices from the CX8000 series are mainly used as programmable fieldbus slaves, while both the CX9020 and CX5000/CX5100 offer an optional fieldbus master or slave interface in the multi-option interface.

The multi-option interface, a common feature of all second-generation CX devices (CX9020, CX5010, CX5020, CX5120, CX5130, CX5140, CX2020, CX2030 and CX2040), is an interface that can be configured ex factory with various signal types. These devices are also characterised by a further important feature: the automatic K-bus/E-bus detection enables the use of both types of I/O terminals without additional expenditure. EtherCAT integration offers a wide range of expansion capability. Further master/slave fieldbus connections or communication interfaces and all other signal types accessible via EtherCAT can be directly connected as EtherCAT Terminals.

The software

In combination with the TwinCAT 2 or TwinCAT 3 automation software, the CX Embedded PC becomes a powerful IEC 61131-3 PLC. Additionally, Motion Control tasks can also be executed. Depending on the required cycle time, it may be used to control several servo axes. With the CX1010, CX5000, CX5100, CX1020, CX1030 and CX2000 even special functions such as “flying saw”, “electronic gearbox” or “cam plate” can be realized. The CX thus becomes a controller that covers PLC, Motion Control and visualization tasks with a single hardware. Under Windows Embedded 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.

Wide range of applications

Due to the design and the features of an industrial PC control, the Embedded PCs can be used in a wide range of applications. Existing applications include mechanical engineering (automatic sawing machines, automatic assembly machines, paper cutting machines, screwdriver control, packing machines, sheet metal processing, handling equipment), process technology (water treatment, power generation, consumption logging), building services (room control, access control) and many more.

Model No.: CX8010, CX8030, CX8031, CX8050, CX8051, CX8080, CX8090, CX8091, CX8093, CX8095