Embedded PC series CX5100

The DIN-rail-mountable, fanless Embedded PCs from the CX5100 series are equipped with Intel® Atom™ multi-core processors. The series encompasses three devices that differ from each other by processor type, RAM size and housing size. The new CX5100 PCs supplement the existing devices of the CX5000 series which are equipped with processors of the first Intel® Atom™ generation. In direct comparison the new processors are considerably more efficient: the out-of-order architecture and the modern 22-nm technology enable higher clock rates combined with reduced power losses.

-CX5120: Intel® Atom™ CPU, 1.46 GHz, single-core
-CX5130: Intel® Atom™ CPU, 1.75 GHz, dual-core
-CX5140: Intel® Atom™ CPU, 1.91 GHz, quad-core

The CX5100 has a fixed number of system interfaces, which in the basic version is identical to previous CX5000 devices. Two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports and four USB 2.0 interfaces are available. To the DVI-I interface either a Beckhoff Control Panel or a commercially available DVI or VGA monitor can be connected. Like the CX5000 the CX5100 series has a compact design; a modular device with extension modules like in the CX2000 series is not available. The option interface of the CX5100 can be factory-fitted with various interfaces depending on needs: e.g. with a serial port (RS232/RS422/RS485) or a fieldbus connection for master or slave function. If the EtherCAT Slave option is selected, the CX5100 becomes a programmable, decentralised controller within an EtherCAT network.

At I/O level either Bus Terminals or EtherCAT Terminals can be used. Like all Embedded PCs of the second generation, the CX5100 automatically recognises the I/O type that is plugged-in. With EtherCAT many different extension options are available: further master/slave fieldbus connections (PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet, etc.) and communication interfaces (RS232, RS422/RS485) as well as all other signal types supported by EtherCAT can be directly connected as EtherCAT Terminals.

The extended operating temperature range between -25 and +60 °C enables application in climatically demanding environments.

The operating system is Windows Embedded Standard 7 P, optionally in a 32-bit or 64-bit version. The boot and storage medium is an interchangeable, industrially compatible CFast card with a slot that 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. Date and time are buffered via a replaceable battery.

The new CX5100 Embedded PCs are positioned in terms of both price and performance below the CX2000 series with multi-core-i CPU. If the machine and plant programmer uses the CX5100 in combination with the TwinCAT 3 automation suite, he now benefits from the availability of genuine multi-core processors and the optimised allocation of different program sections to individual cores, even with Intel® Atom™-based devices.