BECKHOFF CX5120-0150 Embedded PC

Description

The BECKHOFF CX5120-0150 is a compact, DIN-rail mountable Embedded PC belonging to the CX5100 series, engineered for high-performance industrial control and data acquisition tasks. Powered by an Intel Atom E3815 single-core processor running at 1.46 GHz, this controller offers an energy-efficient hardware platform designed to balance computing power with reduced thermal dissipation. The hardware architecture features 2 GB of non-expandable DDR3 RAM and provides physical slots for both CFast and microSD cards to handle system boot and non-volatile data storage.

A key capability of the BECKHOFF CX5120-0150 is its adaptive bus interface. It features automatic recognition of either E-bus (EtherCAT Terminals) or K-bus (Bus Terminals), allowing it to act as the direct controller for a wide range of I/O modules without requiring intermediate couplers. It includes integrated, independent gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 2.0 connections, a DVI-D display output, and an optional interface slot that can be configured for diverse industrial network protocols.

This controller is supplied with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB pre-installed. It is supplied without TwinCAT control software runtime licenses, allowing system integrators and engineers to select and install the specific software environment and TwinCAT 3 platform level (Performance level 40) configuration required for their applications. To protect critical system states during power disruptions, the controller incorporates a maintenance-free, 1-second UPS that saves up to 1 MB of persistent data directly to the flash storage card.

Features

• Intel Atom E3815 single-core processor operating at 1.46 GHz clock speed.
• 2 GB DDR3 RAM integrated directly on the board.
• Automatic recognition and seamless communication with either E-bus (EtherCAT) or K-bus (Bus Terminal) I/O topologies.
• Two independent RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet interfaces for IT and control networking.
• Integrated, maintenance-free 1-second UPS for secure persistent data backup of up to 1 MB.
• DVI-D graphic output supporting resolution requirements for local control HMIs.
• Four physical USB 2.0 interfaces for peripheral devices and configuration.
• Flexible storage options via dedicated CFast and microSD slots.

Applications

• Compact machine automation and discrete control cabinet installations.
• Distributed data collection and protocol conversion nodes in large-scale plants.
• Control environments utilizing mixed Bus Terminal (K-bus) and EtherCAT Terminal (E-bus) configurations.
• Local visualization and human-machine interface (HMI) tasks with direct screen connections.

Ordering Information

Technical Specifications

Processor and Memory

Interfaces and Diagnostics

Electrical and I/O Performance

Software Compatibility

Mechanical and Environmental

Installation Guidelines

1. Ensure the entire control cabinet system and supply sources are fully de-energized before mounting or servicing.
2. Mount the unit on a standard 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) in a horizontal orientation to maintain correct heat dissipation clearances.
3. Secure the I/O bus end cover or attach the first E-bus/K-bus terminal to the right-hand interface block.
4. Connect the 24 V DC power supply lines to the power terminal. Ensure polarity is correct and within the specified -15% / +20% tolerance range.
5. Insert a compatible CFast card containing the boot image into the designated system slot before powering on.
6. Establish Ethernet, display, and peripheral connections as needed for system commissioning.

Replacement Recommendations

When replacing an active unit with a new BECKHOFF CX5120-0150, turn off all system power and disconnect the terminals. Transfer the existing CFast card to the new controller to retain your exact system configuration, licenses, and program files. Ensure the physical connections and optionally configured interface modules match the original hardware layout exactly before power restoration.