Product Description:

The BX3100-0000 is a bus terminal controller produced by Beckhoff within the BX Bus Terminal Controllers series. Acting as the head station for a modular I/O block, the unit executes user programs and exchanges process data with higher-level networks in factory automation. It coordinates digital and analog terminals, translating field signals into deterministic control actions so that conveyor sections, packaging equipment, or building services can be driven directly from the same rail-mounted segment. Because the controller integrates a fieldbus gateway and a PLC core in one housing, it reduces panel space and wiring in distributed architectures.

The primary fieldbus connection is a 9-pin D-sub socket that carries the serial bus at up to 12 Mbaud. This bandwidth allows the controller to refresh up to 2040 I/O points in ten-millisecond cycles. Communication ports are split between RS232 on Com1 for service access and RS232/RS485 on Com2 for device-level links to drives or operator panels. Up to 64 bus terminals can be mounted to the right of the CPU, and their aggregate image of 2048 bytes in and 2048 bytes out is buffered in 256 kB of data memory with an equal amount of program memory. One PLC task is available for the application code, and the controller draws 24 V DC from the facility supply through cage-clamp contacts.

Galvanic separation rated at 500 V isolates the CPU from the terminal row to help prevent ground loops when sensors reference different potentials. Power contacts routed through every terminal can carry up to 10 A, allowing actuators such as valves or lamps to be fed locally without extra distribution blocks. The open-style housing meets the IP20 protection class, so it is intended for installation inside an enclosure while still allowing toolless exchange of individual terminals.