Beckhoff Embedded PC

In addition to real-time execution of control tasks, the TwinCAT real-time kernel ensures that enough time remains for the user interface (HMI) to communicate with the real-time components via software interfaces such as ADS or OPC.

Moreover, all TwinCAT functionalities are available for Motion Control applications: In theory, up to 256 axes can be controlled. In addition to simple point-to-point movements, more complex multi-axis functions such as electronic gearbox, cam plate and flying saw can be implemented. Thanks to the more powerful CPU, the CX1020 and CX1030 can also be used for interpolating 3-D path movements and DIN66025 programs.

As a DIN rail IPC and in conjunction with the TwinCAT software from Beckhoff, the CX1020/CX1030 offers the same functionality as large Industrial PCs. In terms of PLC, up to four virtual IEC 61131 CPUs can be programmed with up to four tasks each, with a minimum cycle time of 50 ?s. All IEC 61131-3 languages can be used.

PLC, Motion Control, interpolation and visualisation

EtherCAT offers several options for connecting traditional fieldbus systems with the CX1020/CX1030: either as a CX1500 module directly at the CPU or as an EtherCAT device in terminal form. The PROFIBUS master is available either as a CX1500-M310 or as an EL6731 EtherCAT Terminal. Both types offer the same performance characteristics e.g. both support PROFIBUS DP-V2. In practice, this means that the PROFIBUS master can be positioned exactly where it is required within a machine. It no longer has to be implemented as a plug-in card in the IPC or a master controller in the control cabinet.

The Embedded PCs CX1020 and CX1030 were developed for optimum interaction with EtherCAT. The two Ethernet interfaces of the CPU module are not primarily intended for EtherCAT operation. The EtherCAT connection is established via the EtherCAT EK1110 extension terminal.

EtherCAT as a fast I/O system

All power supply variants have an illuminated, low-glare LC display with FSTN technology and two rows with 16 characters each for displaying status messages. The application programs can also use the display for displaying application-specific texts. 8 kB of non-volatile memory for remanent data are also included.

Three or four different types of power supply units are available:

Power supply unit with integrated I/O interface

The range of optional modules is complemented by fieldbus connections for PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet, SERCOS interface and Lightbus, both as master or slave versions.

The CPU module is available in several variants, e.g.:

The modules of the CX series system are connected with each other via the standardised PC/104 bus (16 bit). The individual system components are modules with a width of 19 mm (single) or 38 mm (double) that can be arranged in series. The basic unit consists of a CPU module CX1020/CX1030 and a power supply module (CX1100-00xx).

The components

The basic CPU modules are equipped with two RJ 45 sockets and an integrated 3-port switch as standard. In practice, this often means that no separate switch is required, since a line topology can be configured conveniently: for example in building installations, where several room controls can be distributed across each floor, which otherwise would have to be networked via a star topology.

The CX1030 is equipped with a 1.8 GHz Intel? Pentium? M and is the most powerful device in the Embedded PC range. Apart from the cartridge (which is required due to the higher performance) and the CPU, the CX1030 and CX1020 feature identical hardware and software. The high-quality fan is supported by dual ball bearings and mounted in a tray so that it can be replaced in the field without tools or wiring, if required. The fan speed is monitored and can be queried via software. The combination of CX1030, EtherCAT and TwinCAT enables very fast control processes in the sub-millisecond range (eXtreme Fast Control Technology).

The Embedded PCs CX1020 and CX1030 extend the CX product family by versions with higher CPU performance and enable the direct connection of Bus Terminals and EtherCAT Terminals. The CX1020 is equipped with a 1 GHz Intel? Celeron? M CPU. It is an energy-saving device that operates with ultra-low core voltage and features low thermal power dissipation of only 7 W TDP (thermal design power). As a result, no fan is required despite the compact design of the CX1020 Embedded PC. Since Compact Flash is used as boot and memory medium, no rotating media are required in the controller. This is an important aspect for increasing the MTBF (mean time between failures) of the overall system.

Embedded PC series CX1020, CX1030