Product Description:

The CX1500-M200 is a fieldbus interface plug-in for Beckhoff’s CX Embedded PC Systems series. Installed beside a CX1000 or CX1020 base module, it adds Lightbus communication so the embedded controller can exchange cyclic and acyclic data with distributed I/O stations. Within an automation cell, the unit serves as the Lightbus master, enabling deterministic transfer of process images between the PC-based PLC and remote actuators or sensors. This arrangement lets the controller coordinate remote signals without requiring a separate standalone master module in the cabinet.

The module connects to the CPU via the PC104 bus and exposes a dedicated Lightbus port that follows the Lightbus electrical and timing rules. Internal data buffering relies on DPRAM, giving deterministic access times for both the PC104 side and the field side. Beckhoff specifies a dual-ported RAM capacity of 2000h Bytes, which is large enough to map typical control-word, status-word, and parameter areas without bank switching. Memory read and write access is available, so the controller can update output data while simultaneously sampling inputs. Because the interface operates in the Master role, it generates the Lightbus token and controls bus arbitration, which is required when the embedded PC sets the scan sequence and cycle time. This supports stable data exchange across remote nodes during continuously running machine tasks.

Mechanically, the interface occupies 38 mm in panel width, extends 91 mm in depth, and stands 100 mm high, matching the CX1000 profile for consistent cabinet layout. It snaps onto a Top-Hat Rail, allowing quick removal when service access is required. Up to 2 CX1500 fieldbus cards, regardless of bus type, can be chained on a single CX CPU, so one controller can support Lightbus together with another network interface. The compact format helps preserve wiring access around the controller stack while keeping the module integrated with the embedded PC platform.