Industrial PC provides motion control.
Press Release Summary:
Model CS1000 Automation Control is a modular, DIN-rail-mounted unit that combines Microsoft© embedded operating systems and TwinCAT® CE PLC and motion control software in ruggedized hardware platform. It can handle up to 4 PLC tasks and run 1,000 PLC commands in 52 µsec. It operates up to 5 axes with control cycle time of 2 ms in parallel with PLC program. CX1000 contains 266 MHz Pentium MMX-compatible CPU, 16 Mbyte Flash memory, and 32 Mbyte RAM.Original Press Release:
Beckhoff CX1000 Automation Control Revolutionizes PLC and Motion Solutions
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The Beckhoff CX1000 Automation Control is a modular, DIN rail mounted industrial PC that is revolutionizing mid-range PLC and motion control solutions with its power and economy. The CX1000 combines Microsoft© embedded operating
systems (Windows CE.NET and Windows XP), and Beckhoff's "TwinCAT® CE" PLC and motion control software in a low-cost, ruggedized hardware platform suitable for use in a
wide range of machine tool and industrial control applications.
"As the foundation of a new generation of small controllers, the CX1000 is the first to offer the convenience, flexibility and power of PC-based controls to the sub $1000 control market," says Gerd Hoppe, President of Beckhoff USA.
The CX1000 is also a true industrial PC, rated to operate in ambient temperatures up to 130° F (55° C) without forced cooling. With no moving parts, the CX1000 is highly vibration
tolerant for use in robotics, machine control, process control, packaging machinery, injection molding, milling, stamping and bending applications.
PLC and motion control
TwinCAT CE PLC embedded software turns the CX1000 into a powerful PLC with a runtime system that can handle up to four PLC tasks and run 1,000 PLC commands in 52 µsec. All IEC 61131-3 languages are available. Programming is carried out using the same TwinCAT Tools that are used for large industrial PCs. An application programmer can develop and test sequential programs with TwinCAT entirely on a desktop PC, and then simply download it via the integrated Ethernet port on the CX1000. Or, the program can be saved onto a Compact Flash card and plugged into the CX1000.
In addition to functioning as a PLC, the CX1000 can also handle motion control. A user can control servo axes with TwinCAT CE NC, and do applications that require both PLC and motion control. With the CX1000, it is possible to operate up to five axes with a control cycle time of 2 ms in parallel with a PLC program.
Maximum power, minimum size
Designed as a powerful and versatile PLC-sized PC controller (100 x 57 x 91 mm), the CX1000 contains a Pentium MMX-compatible CPU clocked at 266 MHz. In addition to Ethernet and RS 232 interfaces, it has 16 Mbyte (expandable to 64 Mbyte) internal Flash memory for the OS and applications; 32 Mbyte RAM (expandable to 128 Mbyte); and a Compact Flash Type II slot for commercially available Compact Flash cards (4 Mbyte -1
Gbyte). A special feature of the CX1000 is that standard Beckhoff bus terminals and the submersible IP67 extension modules from the Beckhoff fieldbus box family can be connected to it, making it a versatile PLC-size PC controller.
Integrated PC interfaces
Fieldbus interfaces can be added in the field, allowing the system to be expanded at any time, both for master and slave functionality. Supported fieldbusses include Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus, CAN-Open, Sercos, and Lightbus. "The exciting thing about the CX1000 system is that it provides easy access to local and remote I/O for many fieldbus standards, while combining real-time control with PC features," says Hoppe. The CX1000 can also be programmed in the CE/XP environment at an office desk, using its DVI interface to operate a CRT monitor.
The PC interfaces on the CX1000 reflect the modularity and flexibility of the total system, offering a 100 MBit Ethernet port and a RS232 port for access. A standard monitor, or a
Beckhoff Control Panel with a DVI input, can be located up to 15 feet away (depending on resolution) and connected through the DVI interface. Familiar peripheral equipment can be connected to the USB port: mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner or another USB hub. Optional configurations include two additional RS 232 interfaces, an audio/sound module and a video module for multimedia capabilities. The video module features an S-VHS
signal input (from a camera) and offers both an S-VHS signal output and a composite signal output (for a television) for surveillance applications.
Fieldbus Interface as Master or Slave
Since fieldbus connectivity for remote I/O is a "must" for industrial control, appropriate modules are available as master or slave interface versions. The ability of the CX1000 to act as a master in a variety of fieldbusses transforms it into a true industrial PC controller with local I/O and remote I/O, capable of operating relatively complex machines and equipment.
Beckhoff is an international leader in the design and application of PC-based open control solutions, and has been providing high-end automation products and systems to the manufacturing and process industries since 1980. The company has a presence in more than 35 countries, and continues to apply emerging technologies to solve today's manufacturing challenges.
For more information about the new Beckhoff CX1000 Embedded PC, contact: Beckhoff USA, 12204 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55337; (952) 890-0000; Fax (952) 890-2888. Visit the web site at www.beckhoff.com.
