The CX5200 series supplements the existing CX5100 devices with absolutely identical housing dimensions. What is new, however, is the expandability on the left-hand side by a module of the type CX2500-xxxx, with an additional space requirement of about 22 mm in width. This allows further PC interfaces (e.g. two additional 1 GB Ethernet ports) or fieldbus interfaces (e.g. for PROFIBUS, CAN, etc.) to be added to the system.

The basic equipment of the CX5200 Embedded PCs includes two independent Gbit-Ethernet interfaces, four USB 3.0 ports, one DVI-D interface and a multi-option interface that can be flexibly equipped ex factory, for example with a serial port, a fieldbus connection or a second video connection with DVI-D, HDMI or DisplayPort.

The boot and storage medium is an interchangeable, industrially compatible CFast card, whose slot is accessible behind a cover. The CFast card serves as a substitute for a hard disk; i.e. the operating system as well as TwinCAT and user projects are stored on it. Fast hardware exchange is thus possible if service is required; a software update can be performed simply by replacing the card on site. The built-in capacitive 1-second UPS ensures secure backup of persistent application data on the CFast card. The data and time are buffered by an exchangeable battery (button cell).

EtherCAT as a fast I/O system

The Embedded PCs were developed with a view to optimized interaction with EtherCAT. Therefore, each CX5200 controller has an internal EtherCAT master port. This can be fed to the right to the I/O level in order to enable the use of EtherCAT I/O Terminals. If necessary, however, it can also switch automatically to the K-bus terminal system. Both Ethernet ports of the CX5200 can be used both for standard IT connections and as additional EtherCAT master interfaces. In conjunction with EtherCAT and TwinCAT, it is possible to implement very fast control processes in the microsecond range (eXtreme Fast Control Technology).

Due to the separate Gigabit-Ethernet interfaces it is also possible to use EtherCAT with cable redundancy by using one of the Ethernet interfaces as a redundancy port. In addition, the devices can be operated with a EtherCAT slave interface in the multi-option interface so that several intelligent controllers can be synchronized via an EtherCAT network.

PLC, motion control, interpolation, and visualization

Multi-core CPUs in conjunction with TwinCAT 3 enable PLC projects to be distributed to several cores, resulting in significant performance gains. Likewise, all TwinCAT Motion Control functions can be used to the full: in addition to simple point-to-point movements, more complex multi-axis functions such as electronic gearing, cam plate and flying saw are possible. Interpolating 3D path movements and complex axis kinematics are also executable, however, the transition to more powerful devices from the CX2000 series must be checked in the individual case here.

In addition to handling real-time control tasks the TwinCAT 3 real-time kernel leaves enough time for the user interface (HMI). Due to the good performance of the graphic unit integrated in the CPU, even demanding visualizations can be realized with modern user interfaces.

The CX5200 series is also available as an Embedded PC without operating system and without TwinCAT. The extended operating temperature range from -25 to +60°C enables use under climatically challenging conditions.