The Beckhoff CX8010 Embedded PC is a cost-effective and compact control solution that combines the power of a 400 MHz ARM9™ processor with seamless EtherCAT slave connectivity. Designed for modular and distributed automation tasks, the CX8010 offers an ideal balance of performance, efficiency, and flexibility for small to medium-sized control applications.

At the heart of the CX8010 is its ARM9™ processor, which delivers sufficient processing power for standard PLC applications, small-scale motion control, and process automation. The unit is equipped with 64 MB DDR2 RAM (non-expandable), ensuring stable performance for real-time automation tasks, and a microSD flash memory slot with a 512 MB card included. Storage can be optionally expanded to accommodate larger applications and data logging requirements.

To safeguard system reliability, the CX8010 features an integrated 1-second UPS. This ensures that up to 1 MB of critical process data is safely written to the microSD card in the event of a power failure, preventing data loss and supporting smooth system recovery.

The device is programmed according to the IEC 61131-3 standard, making it compatible with a wide range of programming environments and supporting structured, function block, or object-oriented approaches. This flexibility allows engineers to tailor control logic to suit diverse applications while benefiting from standardised programming practices.

Connectivity is another strong point of the CX8010. It provides an Ethernet port (10/100 Mbit/s) for communication with higher-level networks, a USB device port for configuration or peripheral connectivity (accessible behind the front flap), and a dedicated EtherCAT bus interface with IN and OUT ports (2 × RJ45). As an EtherCAT slave, the CX8010 integrates directly into EtherCAT-based systems, allowing it to serve as a local controller or I/O station within a distributed architecture.

The unit supports Beckhoff’s modular I/O terminals, enabling easy expansion with digital, analog, or specialty I/O as required. This modularity ensures scalability, making the CX8010 suitable for a wide range of applications, from small machine controllers to decentralised process stations in large automation networks.

Its compact design and efficient power usage make the CX8010 ideal for installation in space-constrained environments such as machine panels, building automation systems, or distributed field stations. Despite its small footprint, it delivers reliable performance and robust integration into Beckhoff’s TwinCAT environment.

In summary, the Beckhoff CX8010 Embedded PC provides a compact, reliable, and versatile control solution with full EtherCAT slave capability. With its ARM9™ processor, integrated UPS, IEC 61131-3 programming compatibility, and modular expandability, it is well-suited for distributed automation systems where space, efficiency, and data integrity are key considerations.