nload="javascript:if(>500)=500" align=right border=0>Beckhoff Automation announced the CX5000. While utilizing energy-saving Intel Atom technology, the CX5000 delivers up to 1.6 GHz processing power. In addition, the CX5000 is designed with a rugged magnesium housing – the first such Embedded PC from Beckhoff. The magnesium housing is also very light weight, offering improved mechanical stability and resistance to EMC.
The powerful DIN rail-mountable PAC features a fanless design with a maximum power loss of 12.5 Watts. This new automation concept is made possible by the latest processor generation from Intel, the Atom. The CX5000 also offers great potential for cost optimizations. An added benefit, the CX5000 with the Atom processor is around 30 percent less expensive than other devices with comparable performance.
The CX5010 is equipped with a 1.1 GHz Intel Atom processor, while the CX5020 features a 1.6 GHz processor. The new CX series is positioned in the mid-range of Beckhoff’s scalable Embedded PC family, which currently includes five CPU classes. In terms of performance, the CX5000 series is positioned between the well-established CX1010 and CX1020.
With dimensions of just 3.9-in x 3.9-in x 3.6-in / 100 mm x 100 mm x 91mm (W x H x D) including the power supply unit and I/O interface, the CX5000 is exceptionally compact. The DIN rail-mountable and fanless devices feature a direct I/O connection to Beckhoff Bus Terminals or EtherCAT Terminals. In contrast to the other CX device families, the CX5000 series has a fixed number of system interfaces. EtherCAT Terminals offer a wide range of expansion options, including integration of fieldbus masters or slaves such as those for DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CANopen, etc.
Two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports and four USB 2.0 interfaces are available on the CX5000. A Beckhoff Control Panel or a standard DVI monitor can be easily connected to the DVI-D interface. An interchangeable Compact Flash card is used as the boot and storage medium leading to a completely solid state device. The operating system can be Windows CE or Windows XP Embedded. TwinCAT automation software from Beckhoff transforms a CX5000 system into a powerful PLC and Motion Control system that can be used with or without visualization.
“With the new CX5000 PAC, Beckhoff Automation has brought DIN rail-mounted controllers into the energy-saving world of Intel Atom,” Corey McAtee, Product Manager, Beckhoff Automation said. “This provides machine builders and manufacturers a number of benefits, including lower hardware cost, reductions in utility costs, cabinet space reductions and more. Users can also expect the reliability of a robust controller that delivers an outstanding level of power and the stability from a solid state device with no moving parts.”
Beckhoff Automation provides advanced, open automation products based upon proven technologies so that customers can implement high performance control systems faster and at a lower overall cost than traditional PLC and motion control systems. Beckhoff’s “New Automation Technology” product range includes PC based control, industrial PCs, automation controllers, operator interface, I/O, servo drives and motors. With representation in more than 60 countries, Beckhoff is well positioned to provide global sales and service to its customers. Sales and service are handled directly, with no intermediaries involved to provide faster response and improved communications.
