Beckhoff: Embedded PC (CX1010 Series)

Basic CPU module

The CX1010 CPU module is the basic module of the CX system. It comprises the CPU and the internal flash memory in two implementation levels and offers the option to operate an additional memory medium in Compact Flash format II. An Ethernet interface is also part of the basic configuration. All other CX family components can be connected via the PC/104 interface that is available on both sides. The CPU module can be equipped with different hardware and software options: the operating system can be Windows Embedded CE 6 or Windows Embedded Standard 2009.

The basic configuration of the CX1010 includes a 128 MB Compact Flash card. The TwinCAT 2 automation software transforms a CX1010 system into a powerful PLC and Motion Control system that can be operated with or without visualization. Further system interfaces or fieldbus connections can be added to the basic CPU module. The passive cooling module is included in the scope of supply. The CPU module requires a CX1100 type power supply module.

Embedded PC series CX1010

The basic CX1010 module is the basic device of the CX family. With a 500 MHz Pentium® MMX-compatible processor it offers average CPU performance. Depending on the application, the CX1010 can also be operated in “headless” mode, i.e. without display and keyboard. While the resulting control system has no visualization, it does have communications capability via the built-in Ethernet interface. If local visualization is required, this can be implemented via a DVI (digital video interface), to which all Beckhoff Control Panels and all commercially available monitors with DVI or VGA input can be connected. The touch screen signal is read via one of the two available USB interfaces.

The components

The modules of the CX series system are connected with each other via the standardized 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 (CX1010) module and a power supply module (CX1100-000x).

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

Power supply unit with integrated I/O interface

Four different types of power supply units are available:

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.

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

PLC, Motion Control and visualization

In combination with the TwinCAT 2 automation software, the Embedded PC CX1010 becomes a powerful IEC 61131-3 PLC with up to four user tasks. Additionally, Motion Control tasks can also be executed. Depending on the required cycle time, several servo axes can be controlled. Even special functions such as “flying saw”, “electronic gearbox” and “cam plate” can be realized. The CX1010 thus becomes a controller that covers PLC, Motion Control and visualization tasks with a single hardware. Under Windows Embedded CE 6, 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 2.

Remote programming via Ethernet

The CX1010 units are programmed via a laptop or a desktop PC that is connected with the CX1010 via Ethernet (network or crossover cable). The programs are developed on the laptop with a standard TwinCAT 2 software license and then loaded into the target device.

TwinCAT offers convenient network search functions for selection and commissioning via Ethernet: All CX1010 stations available at the Ethernet are scanned in. Even their periphery is detected, including all terminals and fieldbus modules. It is also possible to load the programs and settings that are active in the target device into the programming station, and to modify and subsequently reactivate them. This ensures that the current software version is used at all times.

Operating systems

The decision about which operating system version and which TwinCAT version to use in conjunction with the CX1010 system is depending on the application. If the focus is on comprehensive visualization or if complex Windows NT/2000/XP programs already exist, Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is the right operating system, since these programs do not have to be adapted. If, however, no visualization is required or simple visualization is sufficient, if short run-up times are required and the total costs should be low, Windows Embedded CE 6 as an operating system that is gentle on resources is ideal. Both versions have similar networking capabilities, since the Windows sockets enable comfortable IP communication via Ethernet. Furthermore, TwinCAT 2 transforms every CX1010 system into an ADS device that can communicate with every other TwinCAT device in the network via this protocol. These communication options enable the creation and networking of complex heterogeneous control networks using Beckhoff PCs, CX devices and Bus Terminal Controllers.

The Beckhoff OPC server is available for interfacing with SCADA software on both operating system variants Windows Embedded CE 6 or Windows Embedded Standard 2009. In other words, the CX1010 also offers unproblematic visualization and simultaneous control in real-time on a single system.