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Embedded PCs offer computing power for small DIN rail-mounted controllers

Beckhoff offers the CX8190 embedded PC for Ethernet communication, which provides increased computing power to small controllers. It is the first PC-based controller in an ultracompact bus coupler format for TwinCAT 3 automation software, says the company.

According to the manufacturer, the 32-bit, 600-MHz ARM Cortex™-A9 processor offers three times the CPU performance compared to the existing CX8000 series, as well as an eightfold memory increase with 512 MB of RAM.

The PC, which uses a Windows® Embedded Compact 7 operating system, comes with an Ethernet port and a two-port switch for real-time Ethernet or EtherCAT Automation Protocol (EAP). The small controller is programmed with TwinCAT 3 via the fieldbus interface or the additional Ethernet interface. TwinCAT 3 I/O software provides the basic run-time functionality, but further supplements can be added as options.