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Dec. 17, 2007

Germany-based automation specialist Beckhoff has announced a new mid-range CPU base unit for its modular software-based programmable logic controller (soft-PLC). The CX1010 is based on a 500MHz "Pentium MMX-compatible" processor, and runs the company's TwinCAT PLC control software on either Windows CE or Windows XP Embedded.

(Click here for a larger view of the Beckhoff CX1010)

The CX1010 is one of several base units compatible with Beckhoff's TwinCat automation software and CX-series modular DIN-rail mounted I/O blocks. Others include the CX9000 and CX9010 based on Intel's IXP420 NPU (network processor unit) clocked at 266MHz or 533, as well as the CX1030 model equipped with a 1.8 GHz Intel Pentium M.

The CX1010's processor is specified only as "compatible with Pentium MMX," and the module has 256MB of RAM. I/O includes an Ethernet port, status LEDs, and a CompactFlash slot. It measures 57mm wide.

Beckhoff's CX1010 CPU module

Like other CX-series CPU units, the CX1010 offers a side-mounted 16-bit PC/104 expansion bus by which DIN-rail mounted expansion modules can be added. Generally 19mm (single) or 38mm (double) wide, expansion modules are available for industrial bus types such as EtherCAT and Fieldbus, as well as PC-style I/O as shown below.

Beckhoff's CX1010 expansion interfaces

Beckhoff says that its TwinCAT automation software can turn the CX1010 and attached I/O blocks into a high-performance PLC (programmable logic controller) and motion control system. Since the CX1010 is typically deployed headless, TwinCAT programs are created on a laptop or PC, then downloaded to the PLC via Ethernet, the company suggests.

A basic configuration, targeted at Windows CE, includes a 64MB CompactFlash card. Beckhoff says that in order to run Windows XP Embedded, the system would require at least 1GB of CompactFlash, available separately.

Features and specifications cited by Beckhoff for the CX1010 module include:

Processor -- "Pentium MMX compatible" clocked at 500MHz
Memory -- 256 MB of RAM (nonexpandable)
Storage -- 64MB of CompactFlash (standard)
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
LEDs -- 1 x power, 2 x LAN speed, 1 x LAN activity, TC status, flash access
Expansion:
- 16-bit ISA (PC/104 standard)
- 1 x CompactFlash Type II slot with ejector (not hot-swappable)
Power consumption and supply -- 6W, via system bus
Dimensions -- 3.9 x 3.6 x 2.25 inches (100 x 91 x 57 mm)
Weight -- 12.5 ounces (355 g)
Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

Pricing and availability information was not cited by Beckhoff. However, the CX1010 and its companion modules appear to be available now.

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