Beckhoff CP27xx Multi finger Touch PC Maintenance

Beckhoff CP27xx Built in Panel PC: Multi finger Touch Computing Platform and Stainless Steel Selection and Maintenance Guide

In the process of modern industrial automation evolving towards digitization and intelligence, human-computer interaction interfaces are no longer limited to simple displays and button operations, but have gradually evolved into comprehensive control platforms that integrate powerful computing power, multi finger touch experience, and high environmental adaptability. The Beckhoff CP27xx series built-in panel PC is a typical representative of this trend - it perfectly integrates high-performance computing hardware with industrial grade multi touch displays, and provides a full stainless steel front panel selection for industries with strict hygiene requirements such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, etc. This article will be based on the CP27xx series technical manual and provide an in-depth analysis of the full lifecycle technical points of the platform, including hardware architecture, long-distance signal transmission, cabinet installation, dual Ethernet port real-time strategy, and battery and storage medium replacement.

Chapter 1: Product Positioning and Hardware Architecture Analysis

1.1 Applicable scenarios and core positioning

The CP27xx series is a built-in panel PC designed specifically for installation on control cabinet doors or console panels, suitable for industrial scenarios that require localized high-performance computing and rich visual interaction. It is equipped with a 3.5-inch motherboard, Intel processor, and CFast storage, capable of handling diverse automation and visualization tasks, IoT data preprocessing, HMI applications, and even axis control tasks.

Overview of Core Features:

Front panel IP65/rear IP20: dustproof and waterproof, suitable for industrial sites.

Multi finger Touch: Supports gesture operations to improve interaction efficiency.

Aluminum shell, optional stainless steel front panel: meets hygiene grade application scenarios.

Built in fTPM 2.0 security module: enhances system information security.

1.2 Display Size and Resolution Matrix

CP27xx offers up to eight display size and resolution combinations, covering a wide range of needs from 12 inches to 24 inches:

12 inch (800 × 600) 4:3 and 12.1 inch (1280 × 800) 16:10

15 inches (1024 × 768) 4:3 and 15.6 inches (1366 × 768) 16:9

18.5 inches (1366 × 768) 16:9 and 19 inches (1280 × 1024) 5:4

21.5-inch (1920 × 1080) 16:9 and 24 inch (1920 × 1080) 16:9

The introduction of widescreen models (16:9/16:10) enables the CP27xx to better adapt to modern HMI screen layouts, especially suitable for complex operating interfaces that require simultaneous display of trend charts, alarm lists, and device navigation.

1.3 Push Button Extension

CP27xx supports the optional C9900-G0xx button expansion kit, which provides physical buttons outside of the touch screen to meet application scenarios that require blind operation or emergency shutdown. The specific model correspondence is as follows:

Panel model button extension ordering code

CP2712 C9900-G002

CP2713 C9900-G009

CP2715 C9900-G003

CP2716 C9900-G004

CP2718 C9900-G005

CP2719 C9900-G006

CP2721 C9900-G008

CP2724 C9900-G007

Chapter 2: Interface Architecture and Long Distance Transmission Scheme

2.1 Interface Overview and Layout

All interfaces of CP27xx are located in the Connection Section at the lower rear of the device, and the basic configuration includes:

DVI (X103): External second monitor.

USB (X104-X107): A four-way USB interface used to connect external devices such as keyboards, mice, and USB drives.

Ethernet RJ45 (X108, X109): Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting 100/1000 Mbit/s adaptation.

Power supply (X110): 8-pin voltage socket, supporting 24 VDC main power supply and UPS battery connection.

2.2 Real time strategy for dual Ethernet ports (key differences)

The two Ethernet ports of CP27xx are not exactly the same, and there is a clear distinction between their controller chip and real-time performance - which is crucial for EtherCAT and real-time Ethernet applications:

X109 (LAN2, i210 controller, PCIe direct connection): Suitable for EtherCAT applications with a cycle time of ≤ 1ms and supports Distributed Clocks. For motion control scenarios that require high-precision synchronization, this port must be used.

X108 (LAN1, i219 controller, integrated into chipset): Suitable for EtherCAT or real-time Ethernet applications with a cycle time of>1ms, does not support distributed clocks.

Engineering suggestion: When planning an EtherCAT network, it is essential to confirm that the main network cable is connected to the X109 (LAN2) port to ensure optimal real-time performance and synchronization accuracy. The LED indicator lights of the two network ports have the same meaning: the green constant light on the left side indicates that the link is connected, and the flashing light indicates data transmission; The orange color on the right represents 100 Mbit/s, and the green color represents 1000 Mbit/s.

2.3 USB interface standards and version differences

According to the different device generations, there are differences in the USB standards supported by the four USB interfaces of CP27xx:

Device Generation USB Interface Specification

CP27xx-0010 4-channel USB 2.0 (X104-X107)

CP27xx-0020 2-channel USB 3.0 (X104, X105)+2-channel USB 2.0 (X106, X107)

The USB 3.0 interface (marked in blue) is suitable for connecting high-speed USB drives or large capacity data acquisition devices, while the USB 2.0 interface is suitable for low-speed peripherals such as keyboards and mice.

Chapter 3: Maintenance of Stainless Steel Front Panel and Sealing Ring

3.1 Applicable scenarios for stainless steel selection

For industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals that have strict requirements for hygiene and cleanliness, CP27xx offers stainless steel front panel options to replace standard aluminum front panels. Stainless steel surfaces are easier to clean and disinfect, and have stronger corrosion resistance.

Optional models and ordering codes:

CP2713：C990-F942

CP2716：C990-F945

CP2718：C990-F946

CP2721：C990-F948

3.2 Replacement of Silicone Seal

The stainless steel front panel model is equipped with a silicone sealing ring around the rear connection compartment to prevent moisture from entering the connection area. After prolonged operation (especially in high temperature and high humidity environments), the sealing ring may lose its elasticity due to aging and needs to be replaced regularly.

Replacement steps (see Figure 29 in the manual):

Loosen and remove the M2.5 × 4 screw.

Remove the old sealing ring.

Insert the new sealing ring into the circular sealing groove on the back of the device, and press along the sealing ring with your fingers to ensure it is flat and wave free.

Use M2.5 × 4 screws to re secure the sealing ring.

Order spare parts:

Panel model Sealing ring spare parts ordering code

CP2712 C9900-Z520

CP2713 C9900-Z521

CP2716 C9900-Z522

CP2718 C9900-Z523

CP2721 C9900-Z524

Chapter 4: Cabinet Installation and Electrical Grounding Specification

4.1 Requirements for Hole Size and Wall Thickness

The installation dimensions of CP27xx need to be obtained through the "Technical Drawing Download" on the Beckhoff official website. The following points must be noted during installation:

Wall thickness range: The standard aluminum front panel is compatible with cabinet walls ranging from 1mm to 5mm; The stainless steel front panel is only suitable for wall thicknesses of 1mm to 3mm due to differences in material rigidity.

Heat dissipation space: 5cm of free space should be reserved above and below the device to ensure air convection and heat dissipation.

Installation direction: The device is only allowed to be installed vertically in the direction shown in the diagram.

4.2 Quick installation of 3.0mm clamping lever

CP27xx adopts a clamping lever fixing method operated by a 3.0mm hex wrench:

Insert the panel into the cabinet door opening from the front.

Flip the clamping levers on both sides outward by 90 degrees and unfold them.

Use a 3.0mm hex wrench to tighten the screws until the panel is securely attached.

Attention: After installation, it is necessary to check the sealing between the panel and the cabinet wall to maintain the IP65 protection level.

4.3 Definition of Power Interface and UPS Expansion

CP27xx introduces a 24 VDC main power supply through an 8-pin voltage socket (X110), and the key pins are defined as follows:

Pin signal description

5-24V 24V negative pole

6+24V 24V positive pole

4 PE protective grounding

1- Negative pole of BAT battery pack (optional for UPS)

Positive pole of 2+BAT battery pack (optional for UPS)

7 PC-ON anti logic startup input (0V startup/24V shutdown)

8 P-S Power Status output (from 24V to 0V after shutdown)

UPS battery selection:

C9900-U330：3.4 Ah， Adapt to standard power consumption platforms.

C9900-U332：1.2 Ah， Compatible with low-power platforms (Intel Atom/Celeron).

PC-ON intelligent start stop logic (consistent with CP72xx series): PC-ON is an anti logic signal - the system starts/runs at 0V and triggers a safe shutdown at 24V. The Power Status output decreases from 24V to 0V after the shutdown is completed, which can drive the external contactor to cut off the main power supply and achieve an elegant "soft shutdown".

Chapter 5: Guidelines for Preventive Replacement of Core Components

5.1 Mainboard Battery Replacement (CR2032)

The motherboard battery is used to maintain the RTC clock. When the system time frequently falls back or CMOS verification errors occur, the CR2032 lithium battery needs to be replaced.

Operation steps:

Loosen the M4 screw from the rear of the device and remove the battery and storage media compartment cover.

Use pointed nose pliers to remove the old battery.

Manually push in the new battery, paying attention to polarity: the negative pole should face the direction of the display screen.

Discarded batteries need to be sealed with electrodes and put into the battery recycling bin.

5.2 CFast Storage Media Replacement

CP27xx is equipped with 2 CFast slots, supporting separate deployment of system and data disks.

Replacement steps (Push Pull mechanism):

Gently press down on the CFast card (as if pressing a button).

After release, the push push mechanism will eject CFast a sufficient distance for grasping.

Pull out the old CFast and insert the new card in the same direction until it protrudes slightly.

Press the new CFast again to secure it in place.

Data migration suggestion: Before replacing non faulty CFast, use Beckhoff Service Tool (BST) for full disk image backup to avoid system reinstallation and loss of authorization.

5.3 Recommended Component Replacement Cycle

Beckhoff provides the following preventive replacement cycle recommendations to ensure long-term reliable operation of equipment:

Recommended replacement cycle for components

UPS battery pack for 5 years

2.5-inch hard drive for 5 years or 20000 hours at>40 ℃/30000 hours at<40 ℃

Fan for 7 years

CFast/SSD for 10 years

Motherboard battery for 5 years

Chapter 6: Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Possible causes of malfunction and corresponding measures

The device is completely non functional and the power supply is not connected/internal fault check X110 voltage (Pin 5/6), confirm 22-30V; if normal, contact Beckhoff Service.

Unable to fully boot BIOS setup error. When booting, enter BIOS and load default settings.

The screen is extremely dark or black (power indicator is normal). If the backlight is damaged or there is an internal component malfunction, please contact Beckhoff Service for repair.

Touch function failure or misoperation, poor or missing grounding (FE) function/operator not grounded. 1. Check whether the grounding bolt of the rear shell is reliably connected to the cabinet (≥ 4mm ²).

2. Ensure that the operator stands wearing normal shoes.

EtherCAT communication abnormality or jitter network port usage error. Confirm that the EtherCAT cable is connected to the X109 (LAN2, i210 controller) port.

When connecting TwinCAT via USB, there is an error stating that the TwinCAT cycle period is too short (default 10ms). Increase the cycle period to 50ms to 80ms.