CX Series PLC: Compact, High-Performance Embedded Controllers
The CX Series PLC is a comprehensive line of compact,
high-performance embedded controllers engineered for industrial
automation applications. Designed for DIN rail mounting to optimize
cabinet space, these controllers seamlessly integrate PC technology
with modular I/O systems while supporting multi-bus protocols
including EtherCAT, PROFINET, and CANopen.
Key Product Features
- Compact Structure: DIN rail mounting design enables direct connection to I/O systems,
reducing control cabinet space and wiring costs
- Wide Temperature Operation: Robust operation from -25℃ to +60℃ with strong vibration and shock
resistance for harsh industrial environments
- Software Support: Compatible with TwinCAT automation software for system
configuration and PLC programming with object-oriented capabilities
- Bus Compatibility: Supports EtherCAT bus with multi-bus system compatibility
including PROFINET, CANopen and PROFIBUS for excellent scalability
Main Series Overview
- CX7000 Series: Compact PLCs with Arm Cortex processors, integrated
multi-functional I/O channels including 8 digital inputs and 4
digital outputs
- CX8000 Series: 32-bit Arm9 processors running Windows CE 6 with pre-installed
TwinCAT 2 PLC Runtime and built-in 1-second UPS
- CX8200 Series: Compact PLC with 1.2GHz dual-core Arm Cortex-A53 CPU, 1GB LPDDR4
RAM, USB 3.0 interfaces running Beckhoff RT Linux
- CX5100 Series: Fanless embedded controllers with Intel Atom multi-core
processors, 2 independent Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 USB 2.0
interfaces
- CX5600 Series: AMD Ryzen dual-core processors with fanless design, 4-8GB RAM, M.2
SSD and built-in 1-second UPS
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | CX7000 Series | CX8000 Series | CX8200 Series | CX5100 Series |
|---|
| Processor | CX70xx: 480MHz single-core Arm Cortex-M7
CX72xx: 720MHz single-core Arm Cortex-A | 400MHz 32-bit Arm9 single-core | 1.2GHz dual-core Arm Cortex-A53 | Intel Atom multi-core (CX5120: 1.46GHz single-core; CX5130: 1.75GHz
dual-core) |
| Memory | Built-in RAM (varies by model); MicroSD card for storage | 64MB RAM; MicroSD card (512MB-8GB optional) for storage | 1GB LPDDR4 RAM; replaceable industrial MicroSD card | CFast card for booting and storage; capacity customizable |
| Operating System | TwinCAT/RTOS | Windows CE 6.0 | Beckhoff RT Linux | Windows Embedded Standard/TwinCAT BSD |
| Integrated I/O | 8 digital inputs (24V DC), 4 digital outputs (24V DC, 0.5A);
configurable as counter, encoder, analog, PWM modes | No integrated I/O; connects to Bus Terminal/EtherCAT Terminal | No integrated I/O; automatic recognition of E-bus/K-bus | No integrated I/O; automatic I/O model recognition |
| Communication Interfaces | EtherCAT; optional multi-bus support | 10/100M Ethernet; supports ADS, ModbusTCP, etc | Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0; EtherCAT, multi-bus compatible | 2 independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports |
| Key Features | Compact, cost-effective, integrated multi-function I/O | Built-in 1-second UPS; pre-installed TwinCAT 2 Runtime | Built-in 1-second UPS; high-speed USB 3.0; TwinCAT NC PTP available | Fanless design; 2 independent Gigabit Ethernet; built-in 1-second
UPS |
| Working Temperature | -25℃ to +60℃ | -25℃ to +60℃ | -25℃ to +60℃ | -25℃ to +60℃ |
| Mounting Method | DIN rail mounting | DIN rail mounting | DIN rail mounting | DIN rail mounting |
| Typical Application | Light-duty automation, small-scale control systems | General industrial control, medium-sized I/O expansion | Smart manufacturing, high-speed data transmission scenarios | Heavy-duty industrial control, high-performance real-time control |
Product Model Selection Guide
| Series | Model | Core Configuration and Positioning |
|---|
| CX7000 Series | CX7080 | 480MHz Arm Cortex-M7, 8DI/4DO, EtherCAT, fanless, for light
automation |
| CX7280 | 720MHz Arm Cortex-A9, modular I/O, multi-bus, for medium-duty
control |
| CX8000 Series | CX8080 | 400MHz Arm9, 1s UPS, TwinCAT 2 Runtime, general industrial control |
| CX8180 | Arm Cortex, enhanced communication, RS232/RS485, for data-intensive
tasks |
| CX8200 Series | CX8280 | 1.2GHz dual-core Arm Cortex-A53, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, smart
manufacturing |
| CX5100 Series | CX5120 | Intel Atom 1.46GHz single-core, fanless, 2 Gigabit Ethernet,
light-heavy duty control |
| CX5130 | Intel Atom 1.75GHz dual-core, CFast storage, high-performance
real-time control |
| CX5200 Series | CX5230 | Intel Atom x5-E3930, modular, higher efficiency, for expanded I/O
scenarios |
| CX5240 | Intel Atom x7-E3950, multi-tasking, for complex automation systems |
| CX5300 Series | CX5330 | Intel Atom x6-E3950, powerful CPU, for heavy-duty industrial
control |
| CX5340 | Intel Atom x6-E3950, enhanced memory, for high-load real-time tasks |
| CX5600 Series | CX5620 | AMD Ryzen dual-core, high computing power, for ultra-complex
automation |
| CX5640 | AMD Ryzen dual-core, expanded I/O, for industrial edge computing |
| CX9020 Series | CX9020 | 1GHz Arm Cortex-A8, compact, Ethernet-based control, for simple
automation |
| CX9240 Series | CX9240 | Arm Cortex-A53, universal use, DIN rail, for distributed control
systems |
Industry Applications & Scenarios
| Industry Sector | Typical Application Scenarios | Compatible CX Models | Core Value |
|---|
| Automotive Manufacturing | Body welding robot control, battery module assembly lines, stamping
machine feeder systems with precision control and flexible
production line adaptation | CX5130, CX5620, CX8280, CX7080 | Fanless design for dusty environments, TwinCAT software
compatibility, EtherCAT high-speed communication for production
line synchronization |
| Semiconductor/Electronics Manufacturing | Photoresist coating equipment, SMT pick-and-place machines, clean
room environmental monitoring with precision motion control and
dense equipment layouts | CX5340, CX9020, CX8180 | High computing power for precision control, compact size for dense
layouts, multi-communication interface compatibility |
| Logistics, Warehousing & Ports | Automated container terminals, sorters and conveyor lines, AS/RS
stackers with high-speed data transmission and reliable operation | CX5240, CX7280, CX8080 | High-speed network support, modular design for customization, UPS
function for critical scenario reliability |
| Food & Beverage Packaging | Aseptic filling machines, labeling and cartoning lines,
pasteurizers with fast response and multi-protocol compatibility | CX7280, CX8280, CX7080 | Fast response for high-speed packaging, multi-protocol sensor
compatibility, temperature and dust resistance |
| New Energy (Solar PV/Energy Storage) | Solar tracking systems, energy storage battery control, module
string welders with edge computing and stable communication | CX5640, CX5120, CX8080 | Edge computing capability, BMS system compatibility, UPS function
for unstable power grids |
| Tire & Rubber | Tire vulcanizers, conveyor belt systems with high temperature and
vibration resistance for harsh environments | CX5230, CX7280 | Environmental resistance, multi-axis synchronization, production
traceability data integration |
| Marine & Offshore Engineering | Hybrid ferry propulsion, port crane control, yacht equipment with
industrial-grade protection for marine environments | CX5130, CX9240, CX7080 | Marine environment adaptation, modular multi-system control,
compact space design |
| Logistics & Warehouse Automation | AGV dispatching systems, sorting robots, refrigeration systems with
high-speed communication and mobile adaptability | CX8280, CX9020, CX5330 | High-speed AGV communication, compact mobile robot integration,
stable extreme temperature control |
Selection Guidance: Choose CX5100/CX5300/CX5600 series for precision manufacturing
(high computing power); CX7000/CX9000 series for small
equipment/distributed control (compact + cost-effective);
CX8000/CX8200 series for general scenarios (balanced performance &
price). Prioritize models with UPS for outdoor/unstable power grid
scenarios; choose fanless, compact models for clean
rooms/space-constrained environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: The CX PLC fails to connect to the local industrial bus (e.g.,
PROFINET) after installation--what's wrong?
This is common in cross-border projects. First, check if the bus protocol is activated in TwinCAT—many customers forget to enable the PROFINET master/slave mode.
Second, confirm the IP address segment matches the local network.
Last, check bus terminal wiring—loose shielded cables or mismatched
terminal resistors (120Ω for PROFINET) are frequent culprits.
Q2: My CX PLC keeps triggering overheating alarms in a Middle
Eastern factory--how to fix it?
Middle Eastern workshops can hit 55℃+ in summer. The issue is
usually poor ventilation in the control cabinet. Don't stack the CX
with other heat-generating devices like inverters. Add a small
cabinet fan and ensure the DIN rail has 2cm of space around the CX
for air flow. If using the CX5600, avoid covering its heat sink.
Q3: The built-in UPS can't save data during power outages in
African sites--why?
Unstable grid voltage damages the CX's 1-second UPS over time.
First, check if the UPS capacitor is still working. Second, use a surge protector + voltage stabilizer before the CX power supply. Third, don't rely on the built-in UPS
for long outages—it's only for 1-second data retention. Pair it
with an external UPS for extended backup.
Q4: The CX PLC can't communicate with the local MES system in
European factories--what's the solution?
European MES systems mostly use OPC UA protocol, not the default ADS protocol. First, install the OPC UA server
license in TwinCAT. Second, confirm firewall settings—open port
4840 for the CX PLC. Third, check data format—MES systems often
require specific data types rather than raw bytes from I/O.
Q5: The CX7000's integrated I/O doesn't work after installation in
a Mexican auto parts plant--how to troubleshoot?
The CX7000's integrated I/O is configurable. First, check if the
I/O is set to the correct mode in TwinCAT. Second, confirm voltage
matches—Mexican factories use 120V AC, but the CX7000's I/O is 24V
DC. Use a voltage converter. Third, check wiring polarity—reverse
connections will make I/O unresponsive.
Q6: The CX PLC freezes occasionally in a Scandinavian cold storage
(-20℃)--is this a quality issue?
No, it's about environmental adaptation. Humid cold conditions can
cause condensation. First, use a dehumidifier in the control cabinet. Second, preheat the CX before startup. Third, choose the right
model—the CX8200 has better low-temperature performance than the
CX7000 for sub-zero environments.
Q7: I can't find the TwinCAT license server in a remote Australian
mine site--how to activate the PLC?
Use offline activation: export the CX's device ID on-site, generate the offline license
file where internet is available, then import it back to the mine.
Also, use a USB dongle license instead of a soft license for better
reliability in remote areas.
Q8: The CX's Ethernet port gets damaged easily in a coastal Indian
factory--what's the reason?
Coastal salt spray corrodes Ethernet port contacts. First, use shielded Ethernet cables with anti-corrosion connectors (M12 instead of RJ45). Second, install the CX in a sealed control
cabinet with positive pressure. Third, apply anti-corrosion spray
to Ethernet port contacts.
XDQ5E Enhanced Ethernet Controller: High-Speed & Stable Performance for Diverse Industrial Needs
