BECKHOFF CX51x0 Embedded PC Deployment Guide

BECKHOFF CX51x0 Embedded PC Full Integration and Fault Diagnosis Guide

Product positioning and system value

In the field of automation control, for small and medium-sized applications that are cost sensitive but require complete PC functionality and multi protocol fieldbus communication, traditional embedded controllers often have insufficient performance, while high-end industrial control computers suffer from resource waste. The Beckhoff CX51x0 series of embedded PCs precisely fills this gap - based on Intel Atom processors (single core E3815, dual core E3827, quad core E3845), it provides 2/4 GB DDR3 RAM, CFast card and microSD card dual storage slots, two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and DVI-I display output. Its modular power terminal (on the right) can automatically recognize K-bus (bus terminal) or E-bus (EtherCAT terminal), and supports up to ten optional interfaces (RS232/422/485, EtherCAT master/slave, PROFIBUS, CANopen, PROFINET, etc.), making it an ideal platform for replacing old controllers.

This article is aimed at automation system integration and on-site maintenance engineers, focusing on the hardware selection, mechanical installation (including ATEX explosion-proof requirements), interface definition, power wiring and UL compliance, 1-second UPS persistent data protection, K-bus/E-bus diagnostic codes, TwinCAT configuration (network card redundancy, serial port, cable redundancy), BIOS settings, maintenance and battery replacement, and common troubleshooting of CX51x0, providing a complete set of engineering deployment and diagnostic guidelines.

Product model and hardware architecture

1.1 Model specifications

The CX51x0 series includes three models, with differences mainly in processor and memory:

Model: Processor, Core, Frequency, Memory Size (W × H × D), Weight

CX5120 Intel Atom E3815 1 1.46 GHz 2 GB DDR3 122×100×92 mm ~975 g

CX5130 Intel Atom E3827 2 1.75 GHz 4 GB DDR3 142×100×92 mm ~1095 g

CX5140 Intel Atom E3845 4 1.91 GHz 4 GB DDR3 142×100×92 mm ~1095 g

The basic configuration includes: CFast card slot (push out), microSD card slot (push out), two RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports (Intel i210 controller), four USB 2.0 Type A ports (each with a current limit of 500 mA), and a DVI-I interface (supporting analog VGA and digital DVI-D, and can be connected to a VGA display through an adapter). Built in 1-second UPS (supercapacitor), which can save up to 1 MB of persistent variables to the CFast card in case of power failure.

1.2 Optional interfaces (pre installed at the factory, cannot be added later)

Model suffix interface type description

N010 DVI-D second channel digital video output, supports cloning or expanding desktop, limited to CX5130/5140 only

N011 DisplayPort 1.1a version, up to 2560 x 1600@60Hz Synchronized transmission of audio and video

N020 audio with 3 3.5mm sockets: Line In, Mic In, Line Out (200 mW, suitable for headphones), not supported by Win CE 7

N030 RS232 9-pin D-Sub male head, maximum 115.2 kbaud, limited driver support (some APIs are missing)

N031 RS422/RS485 9-pin D-Sub female head, photoelectric isolation 500 V, default no echo+terminal resistance, optional other configurations factory settings

M112 EtherCAT main station dual RJ45, direct FPGA connection, full DC synchronization, supports cable redundancy

B110 EtherCAT Slave Dual RJ45, EtherCAT IN/OUT, 100 Mbaud

M310/B310 PROFIBUS master/slave 9-pin D-Sub, 9.6 kbaud~12 Mbaud

M510/B510 CANopen master/slave 9-pin D-Sub, 10 kbaud~1 Mbaud

M930/B930 PROFINET RT Dual RJ45 Switch, Controller or Device

Important: When using in the explosion-proof area (Zone 2), equipment modification parts CX2900-0107 (including connector fixing bracket and repositioned nameplate) must be ordered, and only USB/RJ45 plugs can be used and tied securely. Audio interface N020 cannot be used. At this point, the device must be installed in a casing that meets IP54 standards.

Mechanical installation and DIN rail fixation

2.1 Only allowed installation direction

CX51x0 must be installed horizontally with ventilation holes arranged vertically. Violating this rule will result in poor heat dissipation and shortened lifespan. Maintain at least 30mm of free space above and below.

Figure 19 (manual) shows the correct direction - cooling air flows vertically through the heat sink. Vertical installation or inversion in Figure 20 are prohibited.

If the vibration direction is parallel to the guide rail, an additional fixed bracket must be installed to prevent slippage.

2.2 Steps for hanging rails

Use TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 rails that comply with DIN EN 60715.

Use a screwdriver to move the locks at the top and bottom of the module to the unlocked position.

Hang the module onto the guide rail from the front and press down until you hear a "click" sound to lock it.

Reset the lock buckle (press it back to its original position).

2.3 Installation of microSD and CFast cards

Both types of card slots use the push push principle:

Disassembly: Gently push inward to eject the card by 2-3 mm (CFast is about 4 mm), and then pull it out.

Installation: Push in until you hear a meshing sound. After installation, the CFast card should be flush with the front surface of the housing; The microSD card should be about 1 mm lower than the housing.