Product Description:

The CX1020-N040 is a communication option manufactured by Beckhoff for the CX Embedded PC Systems series. The module equips a CX controller with an RS232 serial interface so the embedded PC can exchange data with barcode readers, operator panels, or legacy drives used in automated cells. Its slim housing slides directly onto the CPU base module and expands field connectivity while preserving cabinet space on the DIN rail.

Hardware resources include two channels, COM3 and COM4, that appear to the operating system as conventional UARTs. Physical wiring is provided through a 2 × 9-pin D-Sub plug assembly, which offers screw-locked strain relief and a standard pinout for control-signal handshaking. The enclosure measures only 19 × 100 × 51 mm, allowing several option modules to be stacked without exceeding the controller’s footprint. Data moves at rates up to 115 kbaud, which supports typical ASCII messaging and faster protocol packets while remaining within RS232 timing limits. The enclosure is rated IP20, so the device must be installed inside a cabinet because it does not provide protection against dust or water.

Each connector provides 9 active signal positions, and the board routes those lines according to the COM3 (X400) and COM4 (X401) mapping to keep cable routing consistent across installations. Operating voltage is supplied through the system bus, so no extra power feed or fuse block is required when the module is added to an existing CX stack. Functional integrity is maintained at up to 95% noncondensing relative humidity, accommodating control panels in which moisture is managed by panel heaters. The serial channels operate as conventional system ports, allowing software to address connected equipment through familiar communication settings. The compact module can be installed alongside Ethernet, fieldbus, and I/O extensions on the same controller platform without requiring a separate rail location.