CX1500-M510-1002 by Beckhoff

The CX1500-M510-1002 is a plug-in fieldbus module produced by Beckhoff for the CX Embedded PC Systems series. Mounted beside a CX CPU, it adds a CAN interface that lets the embedded PC coordinate distributed terminals, drives, and safety nodes in an automation cell. By mapping process data in local memory to bus telegrams, the module allows the controller to run deterministic machine cycles without relying on external gateways.

Communication follows the CANopen profile, so the module supports PDO transfer, SDO access, and network management services. It is wired to operate as the network Master, enabling it to issue synchronization, start, and stop commands to up to 127 slaves. Cabling terminates on a single 9-pin D-sub connector; within that socket the differential CAN-H signal is carried on pin 7, while CAN-L is on pin 2. Reference return is provided by the dual ground contacts on pins 3, 6, reducing common-mode interference. Host interaction uses R/W cycles through dual-ported memory; the controller side sees the storage as DPRAM, so frame data can be written or fetched without wait states. Physical dimensions of 91 mm depth and 100 mm height let the board fit flush inside standard CX backplanes.

The internal buffer capacity extends to 0x2000 bytes, accommodating multiple transmit and receive queues as well as emergency object mailboxes. A shield contact on pin 5 links the cable braid to the module housing, and pins 1, 4, 8, 9 are left unused to separate high-speed traffic from auxiliary conductors. Compact mechanics are completed by a housing width of 38 mm, so several bus options can line up on the DIN rail without exceeding enclosure depth. The arrangement keeps heat generation low and leaves the front face clear for diagnostic LEDs and service access.