Product Description:

Beckhoff manufactures the CX5020-0110, a modular embedded PC in the CX Embedded PC Systems series. Designed to mount directly on a DIN rail alongside I/O terminals, the unit provides PLC, motion, and HMI functionality inside a compact housing for industrial automation cells and machine control panels. Using fanless convection cooling, it combines computing power with flexible fieldbus expansion so that control logic and visualization can run locally without requiring a full cabinet PC. Its rail-mounted format also helps keep the control layout compact when several automation components must be installed in a limited space.

Inside the CX5020-0110, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor runs real-time operating systems and TwinCAT tasks for machine control. The module includes 512 MB RAM for active data handling, while a 128 MB Compact Flash card stores the boot image and application files. Logic circuits operate from a 24 V DC supply, and the internal insulation withstands 500 Veff between power and low-level signals. An E-Bus backplane links local terminal segments so I/O data can move through the station without an external coupler, which helps keep wiring and module count under control.

The power section can deliver up to 2 A on the internal terminal bus, allowing connected sensors and actuators to be supplied directly from the base module. External communication is provided through 2 x RJ45, 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet ports, which support networked control devices and separate communication paths when needed. Four local ports comply with the 4 x USB 2.0 standard for peripherals such as removable storage, input devices, or display interfaces, and a DVI-D output is available for monitor connection. Thermal design limits overall dissipation to 12.5 W, helping the unit operate in enclosed control cabinets with modest heat buildup. The housing measures 106 mm in width, 92 mm in depth, and 100 mm in height, which helps conserve DIN rail space and leaves room for adjacent expansion modules.