Beckhoff C9900-E738 CP6xxx and CP7xxx Push-button Extension

Description

Providing tactile, hardware-level operator interaction, the Beckhoff C9900-E738 serves as a right-side mounted push-button extension engineered specifically for 15-inch CP6xxx and CP7xxx Control Panels and Panel PCs configured without integrated keyboards. This unit integrates physical manual controls directly alongside the visual interface, bridging industrial software visualization with hard-wired machine operation. It operates in the legacy service phase, serving as a critical direct-fit replacement part for existing industrial control setups.

Key Features

• Ergonomic Layout: Outfitted with 20 square Siemens Signum push-buttons (30 x 30 mm) equipped with integrated signal lamps.
• Dedicated Emergency Stop: Features 1 high-visibility Siemens Signum emergency stop key designed for independent safety loop routing.
• Hybrid Signal Interface: Standard keystrokes and visual lamp signals transmit efficiently via USB, while a built-in terminal strip provides secondary, direct-wired, normally-open (NO) contacts for physical PLC interface options.
• Insertable Labels: Slide-in labeling option allows on-site operators to define custom function markings for each button cap.
• Rugged Enclosure Mounting: Built to lock directly onto the right-hand chassis profile of 15-inch Beckhoff operator interfaces.

Industrial Applications

• Automotive assembly lines utilizing CP6x13-00xx and CP7x13-00xx HMI screens.
• Metalworking machinery requiring secondary hard-wired validation paths alongside digital control signals.
• Material handling systems and distribution plants requiring high-durability physical start, stop, and emergency override switches.

Technical Specifications

Empirical Engineering Insights

Alternative Models & Compatibility

The C9900-E738 is specifically designed to match the physical height and mounting profile of 15-inch Beckhoff displays. When upgrading legacy displays to newer Multi-touch screens, check frame layout changes, as legacy physical extensions like the E738 will not fit the physical mounting tracks of modern C9900 series panels directly without adapter brackets.

Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes

Because all signal lamps on this module operate strictly through the USB bus, critical visual safety statuses must not rely solely on these lamps. The safety-related status indications must instead be hard-wired to local indicators. Ensure your host operating system is configured to prevent USB selective suspend, which can cause keypress delays or failure to register signals.

Commissioning & Wiring Tips

To configure dual-channel safety loops, the primary NO contact can be monitored by the control PC via USB for functional sequencing, while the physical terminal row must be wired back directly to dedicated safety input modules (e.g., Beckhoff EL1904 EtherCAT Terminals) using shielded, twisted-pair cabling to prevent EMI issues inside high-vibration enclosures.

Installation Guidelines