Notes on the documentation
CX50x0 - Hardware Documentation
7
System Overview
The system
The CX5000 series devices are DIN rail-mountable, fanless Embedded PCs with direct connection for Beckhoff Bus
Terminals or EtherCAT terminals. In contrast to the other CX device families, the CX5000 series has a fixed, non-
expandable number of system interfaces. The housing design for this series is optimised for robustness and
compactness. No modular expandability for the left-hand side is provided. Although EtherCAT integration offers a
wide range of expansion capability. Further master/slave fieldbus connections (PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet) or
communication interfaces (RS232, RS422/RS485) and all other signal types accessible via EtherCAT can be directly
connected as EtherCAT Terminals. Two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports and four USB 2.0 interfaces are
available. A Beckhoff control panel or a commercially available DVI monitor can be connected to the DVI D interface.
A serial port (RS232/RS422/RS485) or a fieldbus connection with master or slave function can be added as an
optional interface as required. An interchangeable Compact Flash card located behind a flap that is accessible from
outside is used as boot and storage medium. The built-in capacitive 1-second UPS ensures secure backup of
persistent application data on the Compact Flash card. The date and time are buffered via a replaceable battery. The
operating system can be Windows CE or Windows Embedded Standard. The TwinCAT automation software
transforms a CX5000 system into a powerful PLC and motion control system that can be operated with or without
visualisation.
EtherCAT as a fast I/O system
Like all Embedded PCs from the CX series (except CX100x), the CX5000 was developed for optimum interaction
with EtherCAT. One of the two independent Ethernet interfaces of the CPU module (X001) is intended for EtherCAT
mode. The primary EtherCAT connection is generally established via terminals. Both can also be configured as a ring
in order to achieve line redundancy.
Interestingly, EtherCAT offers several options for connecting conventional fieldbus systems to the CX50x0:
As EtherCAT device in terminal form, for example the PROFIBUS master as EtherCAT Terminal EL6731. 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.
PLC, Motion Control, interpolation and visualisation
As a DIN rail IPC and in conjunction with the TwinCAT software from Beckhoff, the CX50x0 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
μ
s. All IEC 61131-3 languages can be used.
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 plates” and “flying saw” can be implemented.
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.
For CX50x0 the familiar basic principle applies: it is a programming tool for all controllers.
