CX7000 by Beckhoff

The CX7000 is an embedded PC controller manufactured by Beckhoff within the CX Embedded PC Systems series. Designed to run TwinCAT PLC and motion software, it combines computing, fieldbus interfacing, and I/O terminals in a compact DIN-rail unit. In an automation cell, the device executes control logic, communicates with supervisory systems, and directly controls compact machines that do not require a full Windows-based industrial PC.

At its core, the controller uses an Arm Cortex-M7 processor clocked at 480 MHz; this frequency supports short task cycle times and deterministic responses for simple motion axes and high-speed counting. A single processing core works with 32 MB of SDR main memory, providing space for PLC variables and real-time kernel code while keeping heat dissipation low. The integrated Ethernet port supports 10/100 Mbit/s communication, so the unit can connect to compatible industrial networks without requiring an additional network interface. Dimensions of 49 × 100 × 73 mm permit installation in shallow control cabinets, and the plastic housing attaches directly to adjacent Beckhoff I/O slices. System power is supplied at 24 VDC, enabling the CX7000 to share a common low-voltage rail with sensors, valves, and safety relays. Eight multifunction inputs, four transistor outputs, and a 0.5 A field supply line complete the built-in signal layer.

The onboard slot accepts a microSD card with a capacity of up to 512 MB, providing removable storage for recipe data and system files without increasing the unit's footprint. Nonvolatile process values are additionally secured by a 4 kB NOVRAM block that retains data through power cycles. The housing carries an IP20 rating, so the device must be mounted in a closed panel but does not require additional gasketing. The unit has a mass of only 142 g, which places little load on the DIN rail and adjacent mounting hardware. Its analog input converter provides a 12-bit resolution for precise voltage or current acquisition in space-constrained machines.