Verl, Germany-Apparently, no form factor is considered too small for Beckhoff's industrial PCs. A few months ago the company launched at Hannover Fair a `top hat' rail Windows computer CX1000.
Basic `Fieldbus Box’ has four digital inputs, four digital outputs, a Profibus DP interface, and an integrated IEC 61131-3 controller that is programmed with Beckhoff’s TwinCAT BC software.
Verl, Germany – Apparently, no form factor is considered too small for Beckhoff’s industrial PCs. A few months ago the company launched at Hannover Fair a `top hat’ rail Windows computer CX1000. It is `embedded’ in the sense that it is designed to be mounted inside the switch cabinet, next to the I/O, the motor starters, and the circuit breakers.
The company’s line of IP67 I/O modules is the latest target for its embedded designs. Made for direct mounting on machines the basic `Fieldbus Box’ has four digital inputs, four digital outputs, a Profibus DP interface, and an integrated IEC 61131-3 controller that is programmed with Beckhoff’s TwinCAT BC software. While this is not a Windows-based computer it can still perform the functions of an standalone micro-PLC in a distributed intelligent control environment and it can be expanded to connect to a complete range of I/O signals with `Extension Box’ modules. The programming can be done directly or it can be downloaded across the Profibus network. The modules are fully potted for application in wet, dirty or dusty environments. It can have up to 96 kB of program memory and up to 64 kB of data memory.
Control Engineering Daily News DeskMichael Babb, editor, Control Engineering Europe [email protected]
