Beckhoff CX50x0 series DIN rail embedded industrial PC

Beckhoff CX5010 and CX5020 Embedded PCs: A Complete Guide from Hardware Architecture to Persistent Data Protection

In the field of industrial automation, embedded controllers need to provide powerful computing power, flexible I/O expansion, and reliable data retention capabilities within a compact size. The CX5010 and CX5020 series embedded PCs launched by Beckhoff are designed specifically for this purpose. They adopt DIN rail installation, fanless design, can directly connect to Beckhoff Bus Terminals (K-bus) or EtherCAT Terminals (E-bus), and combine TwinCAT automation software with Windows CE or Windows Embedded Standard operating systems to become a powerful PLC and motion control system. Among them, CX5010 is equipped with Intel Atom Z510 processor (1.1 GHz), CX5020 is equipped with Atom Z530 processor (1.6 GHz), both of which are equipped with 512 MB RAM (CX5020 can choose 1 GB) and 128 MB Compact Flash card (expandable). This article will comprehensively analyze the system composition, installation specifications, interface configuration, 1-second UPS persistent variable mechanism, BIOS settings, status diagnosis, and common troubleshooting of CX50x0 from the perspective of engineering applications, providing a detailed technical reference for on-site engineers.

System Overview and Model Differences

CX5010 and CX5020 belong to the CX5000 series, and their core design concepts are modularity and scalability. The basic CPU module itself includes two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbit/s), four USB 2.0 interfaces, a DVI – D interface, and an internal bus interface (K-bus or E-bus, depending on the ordered model) for connecting to Beckhoff bus terminals. In addition, users can add RS232, RS422/RS485, PROFIBUS master/slave, CANopen master/slave, PROFINET RT controller/device or EtherCAT slave functions through the option interfaces on the right (CX50x0 N030/N031/M310/B310/M510/B510/M930/B930/B100, etc.).

Main technical differences:

Features CX5010 CX5020

Processor Intel Atom Z510 1.1 GHz Intel Atom Z530 1.6 GHz

Memory 512 MB RAM (non expandable) 512 MB RAM (optional 1 GB factory pre installed)

Maximum power consumption of 12 W and 12.5 W

Other specifications are the same (interface, size, temperature range, etc.)

Both have external dimensions of 100 mm × 106 mm × 92 mm (height × width × depth), a weight of approximately 575 g, a working temperature of -25 ° C~+60 ° C, a storage temperature of -40 ° C~+85 ° C, a protection level of IP20, and comply with EN 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Mechanical installation and heat dissipation requirements

The CX50x0 series is designed specifically for DIN rail (top cap rail) installation. The correct installation direction and ventilation gap are crucial for ensuring stable operation of the CPU at an ambient temperature of 60 ° C.

2.1 Installation direction

The top and bottom of the equipment casing are equipped with ventilation holes. Therefore, the CX50x0 must be installed horizontally on the guide rail (with the interface facing the side and the ventilation holes vertically up and down). Vertical installation (such as standing the device upright) or side installation is strictly prohibited, otherwise it may cause insufficient CPU heat dissipation, overheating, frequency reduction, or system instability.

2.2 Ventilation gap

At least 30mm of free space should be reserved above and below the equipment combination to ensure natural convection of cold air. If multiple power modules or bus terminals are installed on the guide rail, it should also be ensured that there is sufficient air flow around the entire component.

2.3 Installation steps

Place the orange DIN rail lock on the back of the device in the open position.

Insert the device into the guide rail from top to bottom and hear a "click" sound to indicate that the right side is locked.

Use a screwdriver to push up the orange lock on the left side until it fully clicks into the guide rail.

Check if the equipment is securely fixed.

When disassembling, first unplug the power supply and all data cables, then pull down the orange lock buckle to remove the device from the guide rail.

Power connection and grounding

3.1 Power Supply Requirements

The power module of CX50x0 is located on the left (or right, depending on the configuration) side of the CPU module and is connected to 24 V DC through the upper spring terminal. Power requirements:

Rated voltage: 24 V DC (allowable range -15%/+20%, approximately 20.4 V~28.8 V)

Maximum current: The sum of CPU module and all bus terminals must not exceed 4 A

Wire cross-section: 0.5~2.5 mm ² (AWG 20~14)

Stripping length: 8-9 mm

UL compliance requirements: For UL certification, CX controllers must be powered by a 24 V power supply that complies with NEC Class 2 and is protected by a fuse with a rated current not exceeding 4 A (compliant with UL 248). Class 2 power supplies shall not be connected in series or parallel with other Class 2 power supplies.

3.2 Terminal Definition and Grounding

The power terminal block is marked with:

24 V: Positive pole

0 V: Negative pole

PE: Protective Grounding (Power Contact)