Bus Terminal Controllers of the BX series

The Bus Terminal Controllers of the BX series (BX controllers) offer a high degree of flexibility. In terms of the equipment and performance range, the BX series is positioned between the BC series Bus Terminal controller and the CX1000 Embedded PC. The concept of a stand-alone controller in combination with a link to a higher-level fieldbus system is based on the BC series. The housing design originates from the CX1000. The main features distinguishing the BC and BX series are the larger memory and the expanded interfaces of the BX series.

The BX controllers consist of a programmable IEC 61131-3 controller, a connection to the higher-level fieldbus system and the K-bus interface for connecting the Beckhoff Bus Terminals. In addition, the BX controllers have two serial interfaces: one for programming, the other for free utilization. The device itself includes an illuminated LC display (2 rows with 16 characters each) with joystick switch and a real-time clock. Further peripheral devices, e.g. displays, can be connected via the integrated Beckhoff Smart System Bus (SSB).

The Bus Terminals are connected on the right side of the BX controller, as usual. The comprehensive range of different I/Os enables any input signal to be read and any output signal that may be required to be generated. The BX controllers can be used for a wide range of automation tasks, from garage door control to autonomous temperature control at injection molding machines. The BX controllers are also eminently suitable for a modular machine concept. Within a network, the BX controllers can exchange data with other machine components via the fieldbus interfaces. The real-time clock also enables decentralized applications, for which the day of the week or the time play an important role.

The areas of application of this series are similar to that of the BC series, but due to the larger memory the BX can execute significantly more complex and larger programs and can manage more data locally (e.g. history and trend data recording), which are then successively fetched over the fieldbus.

Bus Terminal and end terminal required To operate a BX controller, at least one Bus Terminal with process image and the end terminal must be connected to its K-bus.