The new fanless CX9020 Embedded PC is equipped with a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor and is suitable for a wide range of PLC and Motion Control applications in small- and medium-sized machines, systems or buildings. A multi-interface can be configured ex factory, if required, offering scope for numerous optional extensions, from an audio interface up to the connection of fieldbus masters or slaves. The CX9020 is a DIN rail-mountable controller with state-of-the-art components: ARM Cortex A8 CPU and microSD card with large storage capacity and very compact design. The Embedded PC integrates a CPU, numerous IT connectivity solutions and optional interfaces, a power supply and a direct I/O interface for Beckhoff I/O systems, all in a compact housing. The CX9020 automatically detects the connected Bus Terminals or EtherCAT Terminals and switches to the respective mode for more convenient system management.
The CX9020 CPU has access to an impressive 1 GB of internal DDR3 RAM. It comes with a 256 MB microSD card for the operating system. A free microSD card slot can be used for additional operator data. In addition, 128 kbyte of NOVRAM are available for data storage in the event of a power failure. The basic version of the CX9020 features two 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet ports (internal switch), four USB 2.0 connections and a DVI-D interface. The multi-optional interface enables integration of an additional interface, e.g. for EtherCAT (slave only), PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet, serial interface or audio.
In contrast to the existing ARM9 architecture, the ARM Cortex A8 processor has a hardware-based floating point unit. This makes floating point operations (REAL, LREAL) significantly faster, so that the CX9020 is also suitable for Motion Control applications. In combination with the TwinCAT automation software platform from Beckhoff, the CX9020 system becomes a high-performance PLC and Motion Controller that can be used with or without visualization. The CX9020 operating system is Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7. The extended operating temperature range between -25…+60 °C enables application in demanding environments.
