CX7080 by Beckhoff

The CX7080 is an embedded controller produced by Beckhoff within the CX Embedded PC Systems series. As a DIN-rail-mounted, PC-based PLC, the unit combines computing, fieldbus, and I/O functions in a single housing for compact machine control. By running TwinCAT logic on its internal processor, it coordinates digital and analog signals from attached terminals and provides deterministic control for conveyors, material-handling cells, and building services. Integration of Ethernet and serial links allows communication with drives, sensors, and supervisory networks, making the device a flexible node in distributed automation architectures.

At the core of the controller is a 480 MHz Arm Cortex-M7 processor with a single processing core, providing deterministic performance for PLC cycle times. Operating code and application data reside in 512 MB of MicroSD flash memory and 32 MB of SDRAM. Eight multifunction inputs rated at 8 × 24 V DC accept sourcing or sinking field signals, and four matching outputs switch loads up to 0.5 A each. Inputs follow the EN 61131-2 Type 3 profile and pass through a 3 ms filter to suppress contact bounce. The module also offers one RJ45 port that supports 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet and a dual RS-232/RS-485 serial interface for legacy devices.

High-speed functions are handled by a 12-bit analog front end, a counter input that captures pulse streams up to 100 kHz, and an encoder channel that supports frequencies up to 250 kHz for incremental feedback tasks. Nonvolatile buffering of status data is provided by a 4 kB NOVRAM segment that mitigates data loss during power interruptions. The controller draws its supply from a 24 V DC rail and uses its digital inputs to collect decentralized counts, timing signals, and level signals. These capabilities support control tasks in batching systems, utility equipment, and light motion-control applications. The integrated communication ports allow the controller to exchange process data with connected equipment while managing local I/O operations.