CX5300_2 by Beckhoff

The CX5300_2 is an embedded PC module manufactured by Beckhoff within the CX Embedded PC Systems series. It combines processing, communication, and I/O coordination in a compact form factor, allowing it to serve as the central PLC and HMI host inside control panels or machine-mounted enclosures. By integrating the operating system and fieldbus interfaces on a single board, the device allows deterministic control tasks and data logging to run directly at the machine level without a separate industrial computer.

At the hardware level, the unit runs at a clock rate of 1.30 GHz, providing predictable cycle times for IEC 61131-3 control programs. Main memory is sized at 2 GB of DDR4 RAM, providing capacity for medium-scale logic, visualization objects, and real-time databases. Network connectivity is available through two RJ45 Ethernet ports, so one segment can be dedicated to the plant network while the other connects to a supervisory system. The enclosure uses fanless convection cooling, eliminating moving parts and improving reliability in dusty installation areas. Processing is split across two CPU cores, allowing time-critical tasks to run on an isolated core while background services execute on the second core.

For cabinet integration, the controller snaps onto a DIN rail, aligning with Beckhoff I/O terminals and minimizing wiring length. Its computing element is an Intel Atom x5-E3930, a 64-bit processor that supports hardware virtualization while maintaining low power consumption. Program and system data can be stored on a removable CFast card, allowing the storage medium to be accessed without opening the housing. Power is supplied at 24 V DC, which matches the standard control voltage used in industrial machinery and eliminates the need for an additional converter. One USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port provide connections for local input devices, removable storage, or other compatible peripherals. A DVI-I connector supplies monitor output for local setup, diagnostics, and visualization tasks.