CX5140-N031-0001 | BECKHOFF | Embedded PC with Intel Atom® Processor

Product Overview

The CX5140-N031-0001 is a high-performance Embedded PC from the Beckhoff CX5100 series, designed to bridge the gap between compact controllers and high-end industrial PCs. Powered by an Intel Atom® quad-core processor, this fanless device is engineered for DIN rail mounting in control cabinets. The -N031-0001 variant is specifically configured with an integrated RS485 interface (9-pin D-sub), set up as an endpoint with active termination and echo. This makes it an ideal controller for complex automation tasks that require high-speed EtherCAT processing alongside legacy serial communication with drives, sensors, or third-party building automation systems.

Technical Configuration

The CX5140-N031-0001 hardware is optimized for multi-functional industrial control:

• Intel Atom® Quad-Core Power: Provides sufficient computational overhead for sophisticated TwinCAT 3 PLC, Motion Control, and HMI applications within a single hardware platform.

• Integrated RS485 (N031): The serial interface is pre-configured for high reliability. Being set as an end point with termination on means it is ready to be placed at the end of a physical bus line to prevent signal reflections.

• Echo Mode Active: In this RS485 configuration, the "with echo" setting allows the transmitter to receive its own transmitted data, a feature often used in specific protocols for collision detection and verification of physical line integrity.

• Fanless & Maintenance-Free: Utilizing passive cooling and no rotating parts, the CX5140 offers high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) in environments subject to vibration or dust.

Technical Specifications

Technical FAQs

What is the benefit of the "Termination On" setting for the RS485 interface?

RS485 communication lines require 120-ohm resistors at both physical ends of the cable to prevent signal reflections which cause data corruption. Since the CX5140-N031-0001 has termination enabled internally, you do not need to add external resistors when this PC is the last device on your serial network.

Can this Embedded PC control both EtherCAT and standard Bus Terminals?

Yes. The CX5140 features a universal I/O interface. It automatically recognizes whether EtherCAT Terminals (EL/ES series) or standard Bus Terminals (KL/KS series) are attached, making it highly flexible for retrofitting older systems or building new, high-speed XFC (eXtreme Fast Control) systems.

Does the Intel Atom® processor support TwinCAT 3?

Absolutely. The quad-core architecture of the CX5140 is specifically chosen to leverage the multi-core capabilities of TwinCAT 3, allowing you to distribute PLC, Motion, and Communication tasks across different cores for deterministic performance.

Engineering & Installation Guide

• RS485 Wiring: When connecting to the 9-pin D-sub, ensure you use high-quality shielded twisted-pair cable. Because "Echo" is enabled, ensure your software protocol (such as Modbus RTU or a proprietary ASCII protocol) is prepared to handle the looped-back data packets.

• Thermal Management: To ensure the longevity of the quad-core processor, mount the CX5140 in the standard vertical orientation on the DIN rail. Maintain a minimum clearance of 30 mm above and below the unit to allow for natural convection cooling through the integrated heat sink fins.

• Power Supply Integration: The unit requires a 24 V DC power supply. It is best practice to use a separate power supply for the PC electronics and the I/O field potential to isolate the CPU from electrical noise generated by inductive loads like contactors or solenoid valves.