CX5010-N031-0002 BECKHOFF Intel Atom Z510 Embedded PC

Product Overview

The CX5010-N031-0002 (CX5010N0310002) is a compact, fanless embedded PC designed for mid-range PLC and Motion Control applications where reliability and physical durability are paramount. Powered by an Intel Atom® Z510 processor with a 1.1 GHz clock frequency, this unit provides a highly efficient "Performance (40)" platform level for TwinCAT 3 runtime environments. In critical industrial sectors such as renewable energy, building automation, and high-speed packaging, the CX5010-N031-0002 serves as a versatile controller capable of managing complex I/O tasks. A key feature of this specific configuration is the integrated 1-second UPS, which ensures that 1 MB of persistent data is safely written to the Compact Flash card during sudden power loss, preventing data corruption and facilitating immediate system recovery upon power restoration.

Technical Configuration

The CX5010-N031-0002 features a modular hardware design that automatically recognizes and supports both E-bus (EtherCAT) and K-bus (Bus Terminal) I/O systems. This dual-bus capability allows for the seamless integration of legacy modules alongside modern high-speed fieldbus terminals. The "N031" variant includes an integrated RS485 interface as an optional hardware extension, facilitating communication with serial peripherals or decentralized bus systems. The system is equipped with 512 MB of internal RAM and a user-accessible Compact Flash slot for OS and application storage. For rugged environments, the unit is rated for an extended temperature range of -25 to +60 deg C and features ATEX certification (with ordering option CX1900-0105), making it suitable for Zone 2 hazardous locations.

Technical Specifications

Technical FAQs

How does the integrated 1-second UPS protect my process data?

The integrated 1-second UPS uses internal capacitors to provide just enough power to the CPU after a main 24 VDC failure to perform a "Safe Shutdown." During this second, the TwinCAT runtime writes up to 1 MB of "Retain" data from the RAM to the Compact Flash card. This ensures that machine states and counter values are preserved without requiring an external battery-backed UPS.

Is it possible to upgrade the 512 MB RAM in the future?

No, the main memory in the CX5010-N031-0002 is integrated directly into the motherboard and is not expandable. If your application requires higher memory overhead for large databases or HMI visualizations, consider the CX5100 or CX2000 series.

Can this unit run both TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 projects?

Yes. The CX5010 hardware supports both TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 (XAR) runtimes. However, the operating system (Windows Embedded CE 6 or Standard 2009) must be matched to the specific TwinCAT version you intend to deploy.

Engineering & Installation Guide

• Storage Media Selection: Only use industrial-grade Compact Flash cards with high-cycle endurance. Consumer-grade cards lack the necessary wear-leveling and thermal resistance, which can lead to boot failures or loss of the 1 MB persistent data during UPS-triggered write cycles.

• Thermal Installation: To maintain the passive cooling efficiency of the fanless Intel Atom CPU, the unit must be installed on a horizontal DIN rail. Ensure a minimum clearance of 30 mm above and below the cooling fins to allow for natural air convection. In enclosures with poor airflow, the maximum operating temperature should be derated accordingly.

• Battery Maintenance: While the system uses a 1-second UPS for data persistence, it also features an internal battery for the real-time clock (RTC). This battery is exchangeable and should be checked during annual maintenance cycles to ensure the system maintains correct time and date stamps during extended power-off periods.