BECKHOFF CU8803 Launch Box Installation and Explosion proof Guide

BECKHOFF CU8803-000x CP Link 4 Launch Box Installation, Debugging, and Explosion proof Application Guide

In industrial automation systems, it is common to separate the operation panel from the industrial PC for layout - the space inside the control cabinet is limited, and the operation interface needs to be arranged in a location that is convenient for personnel to operate. The Beckhoff CU8803-000x CP Link 4 transmitter is designed for this purpose: it transmits DVI video signals, USB data, and 24V power simultaneously to the remote CP29xx-0010/CP39xx-0010 control panel via a Cat.6A cable, with a maximum distance of 100 meters (One Cable Display Link). More importantly, the launch box has ATEX/IECEx explosion-proof certification and can be used in Zone 2/22 hazardous areas. This article is based on official technical documents, presenting a complete engineering practice manual from model selection, special requirements for explosion-proof installation, wiring debugging to troubleshooting.

Product positioning and model differentiation

CU8803-000x is a transmitting device in the CP Link 4 system, located on the industrial PC side (not more than 1 meter away from the PC), responsible for converting the display signals and USB data of the PC into a format suitable for long-distance transmission, and providing 24V power to the remote panel at the same time.

The only difference between the two models is the video interface on the PC side:

Model PC side video interface applicable scenarios

CU8803-0000 DVI interface connected to standard industrial PC or ATX PC with DVI output

CU8803-0001 DisplayPort interface for connecting C60xx series PC or ATX PC with DP output (DP to DVI adapter cable required)

Supporting control panel: CP29xx-0010, CP39xx-0010, CPX39xx-0010 (all CP Link 4 versions). If using the CU8802 transmission box (Two Cable Display Link), the panel requires additional power supply; CU8803 transmits power and signals simultaneously through a single cable, so it is not allowed to connect a separate 24V power supply to the panel, otherwise double voltage will damage the equipment.

Special requirements for explosion-proof applications (ATEX/IECEx)

CU8803 is one of the few emission boxes that has obtained explosion-proof certification and can be used in Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust) hazardous areas. But when installing in an explosion-proof environment, the following mandatory requirements must be strictly followed:

Shell protection: The equipment must be installed in a suitable shell that complies with EN 60079-15 standard and has a protection level of at least IP54.

Temperature range: The ambient temperature limit for use in explosion-proof areas is 0 ° C to+55 ° C (also applicable in non explosion-proof areas).

Transient overvoltage protection: Measures must be taken to prevent transient interference from causing the voltage to exceed the rated operating voltage of 119V or more.

Pollution level: Only for use in areas where the pollution level does not exceed level 2 (IEC 60664-1).

USB stress relief (key!): The USB connector must be secured to a dedicated bracket with zip ties to prevent loosening or pulling off. The C9900-Z484 stress relief kit needs to be ordered and installed on the DIN rail on the right side of the launch box.

Warning: Ignoring any of the above will invalidate the explosion-proof certification and pose a serious safety hazard in the hazardous area.

In addition, the power line requires external fuse protection (up to 16A), and only powder fire extinguishers or nitrogen gas are allowed to be used for extinguishing fires.

Interface Explanation and Connection Specification

The interfaces of CU8803 are all located on the front panel, with a clear layout:

3.1 USB input (X10, Type-B female socket)

Connect to the USB 2.0 port of an industrial PC.

The maximum cable length is 1 meter, and it is recommended to use high-quality shielded USB cables.

Pin definition: 1-Vbus, 2-D -, 3-D+, 4-GND.

3.2 DVI/DisplayPort Input (X20)

CU8803-0000: DVI-I interface, connected to the DVI output of a PC.

CU8803-0001: DisplayPort interface, connected to the DP output of the PC (with accompanying DP to DVI adapter cable).

The maximum line length is 1 meter. If the cable at the signal source end is too long, it will cause signal attenuation and affect the quality of remote display.

3.3 CP Link 4 Output (X30, RJ45)

Connect to the CP Link 4 input of the control panel via Cat.6A Ethernet cable.

Simultaneously transmit DVI, USB 2.0, and 24V power supply (single cable solution).

The maximum length is 100 meters (high-quality Cat.6A shielded cable must be used).

Two LED indicator lights:

P20 (yellow): Flashing indicates that DVI data is being transmitted; Extinguishing indicates no data transmission.

P30 (green): Constant light indicates that the connection with the panel has been established; Extinguishing indicates no connection.

3.4 Power input (X40, 3-pin spring terminal)

Voltage range: 20.4~30V DC (nominal 24V DC), compliant with NEC Class 2.

Maximum current consumption: 4.7A (when fully loaded with control panel).

Pin definition: 1-24V+, 2-0 V, 3-PE (protective grounding).