Combining flexible PC-based control technology with an EtherNet/IP interface, the new CX8095 Embedded PC from Beckhoff Automation is a low cost slave controller with integrated connection to high-performance EtherCAT I/O technology. The CX8095 is compatible with the entire range of Beckhoff Bus Terminals and EtherCAT Terminals. Hundreds of available K-bus or E-bus I/O terminals from Beckhoff can be used as required. Ideal for daisy-chain cabling, the Embedded PC also acts as a 2-port switch for EtherNet/IP.
The CX8095 is suitable as a stand-alone controller for a wide range of industrial applications in smaller-sized machines or systems and can be used in a distributed fashion as a tie-in to EtherNet/IP systems as a single EtherNet/IP slave. When the optional virtual device (slave interface) is activated, the CX8095 Embedded PC behaves like two EtherNet/IP devices. Accordingly, the CX8095 can process twice the amount of EtherNet/IP process data.
Another benefit of the device comes from its ability to communicate with a second EtherNet/IP controller (scanner) - a simple way to increase system availability. The CX8095 (as a local controller) can verify the two incoming master signals by means of a plausibility check to monitor the function of the cabling, for example. Conversely, failure of one of the masters can be detected and the second master can respond accordingly.
The space-saving CX8095 Embedded PC measures only 64 x 100 x 73 mm. It runs Windows Embedded CE and features a 32 bit, 400 MHz ARM9 CPU, 64 MB RAM and a MicroSD card with up to 4 GB storage capacity. The wide range of Beckhoff IP 20-rated I/O, including Bus Terminals and EtherCAT Terminals, can be connected directly to the CX8095. During start-up, the CX8095 automatically detects which of these I/O systems is connected. Another special feature is a capacitive 1-second UPS that enables persistent data to be saved in the event of a supply voltage failure. The controller is programmed via TwinCAT PLC automation software.
With the addition of the new CX8095, the Beckhoff CX80xx series facilitates connection to a wide range of popular fieldbus and communication systems, including EtherCAT, Ethernet, PROFIBUS, BACnet/IP (for building automation), CANopen and OPC UA.
