Beckhoff CX81xx Embedded PC series

The Beckhoff CX81xx Embedded PC series are small controllers with significantly increased computing power. The CX8190 for Ethernet is the first device in the series and is also the first PC-based controller in an ultracompact ‘Bus Coupler format’ for TwinCAT 3 automation software. The 32-bit, 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor offers three times the CPU performance compared to the existing CX8000 series, as well as an eight-fold memory increase with 512 MB of RAM.

The CX8190 Embedded PC comes equipped with an Ethernet port and a 2-port switch for real-time Ethernet or EAP (EtherCAT Automation Protocol). Windows Embedded Compact 7 is the operating system used, and the small controller is programmed with TwinCAT 3 via the fieldbus interface or the additional Ethernet interface. TwinCAT 3 I/O software provides the basic runtime functionality, but further TwinCAT 3 supplements can be added as options.

The CX8190 also offers a 1 s UPS for storing persistent data, a 512 MB microSD card which can be extended up to 8 GB, and an operating temperature range from -25 to +60°C. EtherCAT Terminal (E-bus) and Bus Terminal (K-bus) I/O systems can be directly connected to the CX8190 Embedded PC, providing access to a range of I/O devices with more than 1000 available terminals.