Product Description:

The CX1500-M310 communication interface is a plug-in module developed by Beckhoff within the CX Embedded PC Systems series. It equips a CX controller with a dedicated PROFIBUS channel so that decentralized I/O or drives can be supervised directly by the CPU. By adding this module, the embedded PC gains deterministic fieldbus access without requiring external gateways, which helps simplify industrial automation architectures.

On the electrical side, the module follows the PROFIBUS DP-V2 standard and is configured to act as the network master. A dual-port RAM mapped at the D4000 base address provides the process image; its selectable access is read/write and the buffer capacity reaches 0x2000 bytes, allowing timely exchange of cyclic and acyclic data. The processor interacts with this memory segment until the end location at D5FFF, which keeps alignment with the device drivers. Communication wiring follows the IEC 61158 pinout: Pin 3 carries RxD/TxD-P, Pin 8 carries RxD/TxD-N, and shield continuity is tied to Pin 1. The module color-codes the A-line green and the B-line red to help avoid reversal during installation. The termination resistor can be energized through Pin 5 (GND) and Pin 6 (+5 VDC). The bus signals exit the card through a connector that accommodates 9 individual contacts, which helps prevent cable mismatch.

The module occupies 38 x 100 x 91 mm, so several units can line up on the DIN rail without crowding a control cabinet. All bus signals exit through a D-sub socket, and Beckhoff labels the port X310 on the front panel for quick identification. The housing clips onto the CX backplane, and because communication data stays in dual-port RAM, no extra PCI bandwidth is used. The metal shell provides strain relief, and the compact footprint leaves space for airflow around adjacent CPU or power supply sections.