Product Description:

The CX2040-0121 is an embedded PC manufactured by Beckhoff as part of the CX Embedded PC Systems series. Intended for cabinet-mount machine controllers, it combines PLC functionality with PC-based visualization so it can coordinate I/O, motion, and HMI tasks within a single DIN-rail package. In an industrial automation line, the device serves as the central computing platform that executes deterministic control code while simultaneously hosting supervisory software.

Its computing section is based on a Intel Core i7 2715QE processor running at 2.1 GHz across 4 physical cores, giving the runtime adequate parallel bandwidth for multitasking motion loops and user interfaces. The main memory is 4 GB DDR3-RAM, which provides ample space for real-time variables, recipe data, and the Windows Embedded Standard 7 P 64-bit operating system. An integrated NOVRAM array of 128 kB preserves non-volatile process flags without battery backup, while TwinCAT 2 PLC Runtime resides on the system partition to deliver IEC 61131-3 logic execution. Graphics output is routed through a DVI-I connector that supports a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200; the frame buffer shares 128 MB of system RAM and is clocked at 1.2 GHz to maintain smooth HMI refresh rates.

The controller operates from a 24 V DC supply and draws up to 32 W when all interfaces are active. Fieldbus or plant networks attach through 2 x RJ45 Ethernet ports that negotiate 10, 100, or 1000 Mbit/s links for deterministic data exchange with distributed I/O or SCADA hosts. Four high-speed USB 2.0 receptacles deliver a combined 500 mA per port; peripheral keyboards, service sticks, or data loggers can be connected through this 4 x USB 2.0 cluster. The platform also includes 128 kB of NOVRAM for fail-safe data retention, and its shared graphics memory plus dual-core graphics engine handle local diagnostics without taxing the CPU.