Beckhoff CX5130-0100 CX5100 Embedded PC

Description

Processing industrial automation logic directly at the control level, the Beckhoff CX5130-0100 acts as a fanless, DIN-rail mountable control controller equipped with a dual-core Intel Atom E3827 processor running at 1.75 GHz. Designed to execute complex PLC, visualization, and motion control tasks within space-constrained control cabinets, this industrial PC features integrated, hardware-level automatic detection for both E-bus (EtherCAT) and K-bus (Bus Terminals) physical I/O slices. The system includes 4 GB of internal DDR3 RAM and dual independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, facilitating robust division between OT and IT communication lines. An integrated 1-second UPS leverages onboard ultra-capacitors to guarantee secure persistence of critical operational variables directly to the CFast card slot during unexpected power failures.

Key Features

• Intel Atom E3827 CPU: Dual-core processing architecture clocked at 1.75 GHz for highly deterministic execution cycles.
• 4 GB DDR3 RAM: High-speed internal system memory optimized for heavy automation runtimes and local visual processing.
• Dual Storage Slots: Accommodates one CFast card and one microSD card to isolate operating system installations from application data logging.
• Integrated 1-Second UPS: Automatically writes up to 1 MB of persistent variables to the flash media upon detection of main supply loss.
• Hybrid I/O Backplane: Built-in automatic identification of connected E-bus (EtherCAT Terminals) or K-bus (standard Bus Terminals) systems.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Equipped with 2 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 x DVI-I display interface, and 4 x USB 2.0 peripheral ports.

Applications

• High-speed EtherCAT-based synchronized multi-axis motion control systems.
• Industrial IoT gateways bridging fieldbus communication networks with cloud-level architectures.
• Compact localized visual machine-to-machine control panels requiring direct, high-definition DVI output.
• Heavy-duty assembly and packaging machine automation requiring reliable, fanless execution in harsh thermal environments.

Technical Specifications

Connections and Interfaces

Empirical Engineering Insights

Alternative Models & Compatibility

The CX5130-0100 is a blank hardware configuration, meaning it does not include a pre-installed operating system or TwinCAT runtime license. This specific variant is standard for systems integrators who intend to load specialized, lightweight Linux kernels or who possess existing TwinCAT licenses to install manually. For applications requiring an out-of-the-box Windows environment, look to the CX5130-0120 (Windows Embedded Compact 7) or the CX5130-0150 (Windows 10 IoT Enterprise) modules to minimize setup preparation.

Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes

While the integrated 1-second UPS utilizes highly durable, maintenance-free ultra-capacitors instead of standard lead-acid or lithium chemistry, it is only engineered to support the preservation of up to 1 MB of marked persistent variables (VAR PERSISTENT) during a sudden power event. It does *not* provide backup power to continue operating the CPU or visual interface. If you run complex disk-write processes or databases on the system, ensure your applications are optimized to handle sudden shutdowns without corrupting primary CFast partition tables. Always specify industrial-grade Beckhoff CFast cards with high write-endurance metrics to guarantee system stability.

Commissioning & Wiring Tips

When powering a mixed stack of standard K-bus and high-performance E-bus terminals, verify the total current draw of your slice terminals. Although the CX5130-0100 is capable of supplying up to 2 A directly to the internal terminal bus, high-density analog modules or high-frequency digital units can quickly exceed this rating. If your aggregate current calculation exceeds 2 A, you must isolate the bus power and insert a dedicated power feed terminal (such as an EL9410) down-line to maintain stable terminal bus communication. Always hook up the functional earth (FE) terminal on the primary CX power supply block directly to your main backplate ground busbar to minimize high-frequency electromagnetic interference.

Installation Guidelines