Description
Engineered for DIN rail mounting in compact control cabinets, the Beckhoff CX5010-0122 delivers decentralized industrial control capability by combining a fanless Intel Atom Z510 processor with direct, automatic detection of both E-bus (EtherCAT) and K-bus (Bus Terminal) I/O architectures. This embedded controller features dual independent Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, enabling clean network segmentation between fieldbus communications and upper-level enterprise systems. An integrated 1-second UPS ensures that up to 1 MB of persistent process data is safely written to the standard Compact Flash storage during power interruptions, preventing database corruption and ensuring smooth cold-start sequences.
Features
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Efficient Processing: Low-power Intel Atom Z510 CPU operating at 1.1 GHz for reliable deterministic control loops.
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Flexible I/O Interface: Automatic, native recognition of either EtherCAT Terminals (E-bus) or legacy Bus Terminals (K-bus) on the backplane.
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High-Speed Communication: Two RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbit/s interfaces supporting separate subnet topologies.
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Data Security: Integrated hardware-based 1-second UPS protecting crucial operational variables on power loss.
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Rugged Construction: Fanless, compact IP20 housing designed to withstand extreme temperature ranges.
Applications
- Decentralized manufacturing automation and specialized machine building.
- Wind turbine pitch control and substation environmental telemetry.
- Conveyor tracking, high-speed sorting, and distribution center automation.
- Hazardous-area operations requiring certified ATEX Zone 2 hardware configurations.
Technical Specifications
| Specification Parameter |
Value / Rating |
| Manufacturer |
Beckhoff |
| Model Number |
CX5010-0122 |
| Processor |
Intel Atom Z510, 1.1 GHz (Single Core) |
| System Memory |
512 MB RAM (Non-expandable) |
| Flash Memory |
Compact Flash slot (128 MB card included) |
| Persistent Memory |
1-second UPS integrated (saves 1 MB to Compact Flash) |
| Interfaces |
2 x RJ45 (10/100/1000 Mbit/s), 1 x DVI-D, 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x Optional slot |
| I/O Coupling |
E-bus (EtherCAT) or K-bus (Bus Terminal) with auto-recognition |
| E-bus/K-bus Current Supply |
2 A maximum |
| Supply Voltage |
24 V DC (-15% / +20%) |
| Max Power Consumption |
12 W |
| Operating / Storage Temp |
-25 to +60 degC / -40 to +85 degC |
| Protection Rating |
IP20 |
| Ex Marking |
II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc (with optional CX1900-0105) |
| TwinCAT Platform Level |
Performance (40) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
106 mm x 100 mm x 92 mm |
| Net Weight |
575 g |
| Shipping Weight (Calculated) |
2.0 kg |
Connections and Interfaces
| Port Designation |
Functional Assignment / Circuit |
| X101 / X102 |
RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports (independent controllers for separation) |
| X201 - X204 |
4 x USB 2.0 Host interfaces (max. 500 mA per port) |
| DVI-D Port |
Direct connection for digital operating interfaces and panels |
| Power Input Terminals |
24 V DC control power, 0 V return, PE shield contact |
Empirical Engineering Insights
Alternative Models & Compatibility
The CX5010-0122 belongs to the legacy CX5000 family. If upgrading a system configured with older K-bus terminals, this unit serves as a direct bridge because of its dual-bus interface chip. However, note that if you are migrating code from TwinCAT 2 to TwinCAT 3 (XAR), you must ensure that your system target is configured to Platform Level 40 (Performance class). Using older TwinCAT 2 boot projects requires the operating system runtime to match (e.g., Windows CE 6 or WES 2009).
Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes
To prevent thermal throttling under maximum execution load (12 W), the CX5010-0122 must be mounted vertically on a 35 mm DIN rail. Always maintain at least 30 mm of free ventilation clearance above and below the module. If installing inside fully sealed, unventilated cabinets with ambient temperatures regularly exceeding +50 degC, structural derating of the 2 A output capacity on the E-bus/K-bus backplane is recommended to prevent internal component degradation.
Commissioning & Wiring Tips
The internal 1-second UPS utilizes a persistent RAM buffer that flushes directly to the CF card. Always format replacement Compact Flash cards using the specific Beckhoff BIOS utility to guarantee the correct sector alignment; standard generic FAT/NTFS formatting can lead to persistent data write failures during a fast power loss event. Use double-shielded STP Cat.6 cables on the X101/X102 ports to prevent high-voltage motor drive emissions from introducing packet errors on your real-time network lines.
Installation Guidelines
CRITICAL WARNING: Prior to mounting or wiring this device, ensure the main 24 V DC power supply is completely de-energized. Do not extract or insert the Compact Flash card while the system status LED indicates active disk access. Failure to follow these isolation protocols can cause permanent electronic damage or filesystem corruption.
1
Snap the CX5010-0122 securely onto a grounded, standard 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) ensuring the locking mechanism clicks into position.
2
Connect your E-bus (EtherCAT) or K-bus (Bus Terminal) I/O stack to the right side of the controller. The built-in interface contacts will self-align.
3
Wire the 24 V DC power input using a clean, surge-suppressed PELV/SELV power supply unit, making sure to route the PE wire to the centralized ground bar.
4
Insert the pre-programmed Beckhoff Compact Flash card, connect the communication cables, and apply system voltage to initiate the automated hardware-recognition scan.