DIN-rail mounting module offers PC power

Compact and very competitively priced, a controller offers all of the power of a high-performance PC in a DIN-rail mounting module which measures just 100mm x 38mm x 91mm.

Compact and very competitively priced, the new CX1000 controller from Hayes Control Systems offers all of the power of a high-performance PC in a DIN-rail mounting module which measures just 100mm x 38mm x 91mm.

The module, which is specifically designed for industrial control applications, brings the power and versatility of PC control to applications where, until now, the cost and size of a conventional PC would have precluded its use.

Manufactured in Germany by Beckhoff, for whom Hayes Control Systems is the sole UK distributor, the innovative CX1000 is fully compatible with modern operating systems, such as Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE.NET.

When these are used in combination with Beckhoff's TwinCAT CE software package, the result is a system which offers the functionality of up to four PLCs, and additionally provides multi-axis NC facilities.

The CX1000 has been designed so that it can be used entirely without the need for hard disks or other devices which rely on moving parts.

This enables it to offer exceptional reliability in even the most demanding environments.

Key features of the CX1000 industrial PC are a Pentium MMX-compatible CPU, running at 266 MHz; 16 Mbyte of flash memory for the operating system and applications, which can be expanded to 64 Mbyte; 32 Mbyte of RAM, expandable to 128 Mbyte; and a Compact Flash Type II slot.

As standard, the CX1000 is provided with Ethernet, RS232, DVI and USB interfaces, allowing easy networking and the connection of a huge range of peripherals, including display screens and keyboards.

To facilitate the connection of field devices, such as pushbuttons, indicator lamps, contactors and solenoids, the power supply unit supplied for use with the CX1000 controller provides facilities for direct connection to Beckhoff's extensive range of bus terminals.

In addition, auxiliary modules are available, which allow the controller to operate as a master in a wide variety of fieldbus systems.

When used with TwinCAT, the CX1000 ultra-miniature industrial PC is programmed using the familiar IEC 61131-3 family of programming languages.

For convenience, programs may be developed and tested entirely on a desktop PC, and then transferred to the CX1000 via an internet link, or simply by plugging in a Compact Flash card with the program stored on it.

Hayes Control Systems is the leading UK expert in the design and supply of complete automation solutions based on open-architecture PC technology.

The company is the exclusive UK distributor for Beckhoff in Germany, whose products include fieldbus-independent input/output systems, industrial PCs, and soft programmable controllers which use standard PC hardware, and which can also provide sophisticated motion control functions.

In all of its product areas, Hayes Control Systems champions an open-systems approach, which avoids the technical limitations, high costs and restricted availability associated with proprietary equipment.

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