CX1030-0012-1003 by Beckhoff

The CX1030-0012-1003 is an embedded PC controller manufactured by Beckhoff within the CX Embedded PC Systems series. The unit combines a PC-class processor, fieldbus interfaces, and onboard I/O in a DIN-rail module intended to serve as the central PLC and HMI host in machine-level automation cells. Its housing is designed for direct cabinet installation, allowing signal terminals and network couplers to be stacked on either side for deterministic control of drives, sensors, and safety modules.

At the core of the controller is an Intel Pentium M CPU running at 1.8 GHz, allowing motion sequences and visualization tasks to run without a cooling fan. Real-time variables are buffered by 256 MB DDR-RAM, giving TwinCAT sufficient space for logic, recipes, and communication stacks. Operating system files and user data reside on a removable 64 MB Compact Flash module that can be accessed through the front panel. Two Ethernet channels use two RJ45 connectors, while an internal switch forwards traffic between them. This arrangement simplifies line-topology wiring among drives, operator panels, and supervisory networks.

Internal power dissipation is limited to 11 W, so the device can be cooled by natural convection within a suitable enclosure. The housing has an IP20 rating, which provides protection against contact with internal components but requires cabinet installation where dust or moisture may be present. Time-stamped data logging is supported by a battery-backed real-time clock that preserves calendar information during extended power outages. Local expansion modules communicate over a 16-bit ISA (PC104) backplane bus, and an additional Type I/II CompactFlash slot accepts larger storage media for recipe libraries or extended diagnostic records. The housing measures 112 mm high, 96 mm wide, and 99 mm deep. Its narrow DIN-rail profile leaves room in the cabinet for power supplies and remote I/O couplers.