The CX8000 embedded PC series, from BECKHOFF Automation , contains a 32 bit controller with integrated fieldbus slave and can be used in PLC applications. The CX8000 embedded PC series is a small PC-based controller. Either Bus Terminal (K-bus) I/O or EtherCAT Terminal (E-bus) I/O systems can be directly mounted alongside the CX8000 CPU. EtherCAT terminals can be implemented in various topologies, integrated with lower level bus systems or connected to IP 67 rated I/O outside of electrical cabinets.
Within the Beckhoff Automation’s controller categories, the CX8000 embedded PC series is positioned between the 16 bits embedded Controllers and the CX9010 embedded PC. The CX8000 series embedded PCs with 400 MHz ARM CPU and microSD card as storage medium are suitable for distributed intelligence.
Connection to the higher-level master controller takes place through an integrated fieldbus slave. The CX8000 embedded PC series includes six versions with interfaces for PROFIBUS, CANopen, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT and Ethernet. Programming and commissioning or connection to the Ethernet network takes place through an additional Ethernet interface. Programming can also be performed through the fieldbus interface.
The Embedded PC versions for PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT and Ethernet feature additional Ethernet interfaces with switch functions, so a linear ‘daisy chain’ topology can be established without additional hardware, which cuts costs.
Microsoft Windows CE is used as the operating system of the CX8000 embedded PC series. In the absence of a monitor port, the operating system and its ‘virtual’ display can only be accessed through the network. TwinCAT software is used for system configuration and programming of the PLC functionality.
The CX8000 embedded PC series 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 can be preserved in a non-volatile manner without battery backup.
The CX8000 embedded PC series is compact and as a result of its low-power 32 bit ARM processor, consumes less energy. The CX8000 embedded PC series features fieldbus interfaces, EtherCAT connectivity and a range of PLC libraries through TwinCAT PLC.
The CX8000 embedded PC series has the following technical specifications:
- CPU: 400 MHz, ARM9, 32 bit
- Flash: microSD card (1 GB, exchangeable, larger versions are also possible), 16 MB internal flash
- RAM: 64 MB DDR2 interfaces: 1 x Ethernet interface for programming and general network connectivity, 1 x fieldbus slave, 1 x USB device (behind the front flap)
- Real-time clock with battery (behind the front flap) integrated 1-second UPS
- I/O interfaces for bus terminals or EtherCAT terminals
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows CE
- Run-time: TwinCAT PLC (pre-installed)