Beckhoff: Embedded PC (CX9020 Series)

Basic CPU module

The CX9020 is a compact, DIN rail-mountable Ethernet control system with 1 GHz ARM Cortex™-A8 CPU. The connection for the Beckhoff I/O systems is directly integrated into the CPU module. The unit offers automatic bus system identification (K-bus or E-bus) and independently switches in the corresponding mode. The CX9020 comprises the CPU with two microSD card slots, the internal RAM and 128 kB NOVRAM as non-volatile memory. The basic configuration also includes two switched Ethernet RJ45 interfaces, four USB-2.0 interfaces and a DVI-D interface. The RJ45 interfaces are connected to an internal switch and offer a simple option for creating a line topology without the need for additional Ethernet switches. The operating system is Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7. TwinCAT 2 automation software transforms a CX9020 system into a powerful PLC and Motion Control system that can be operated with or without visualization. Optionally, the unit can be ordered with a fieldbus, serial or audio interface.

The extended operating temperature range between -25 and +60 °C enables application in climatically demanding situations.

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 characterized 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.: CX9020-0100, CX9020-0110, CX9020-0111, CX9020-0112, CX9020-0115