Beckhoff CX5130-0125 – Compact Embedded PC for mid-range EtherCAT motion and machine control

The Beckhoff CX5130-0125 sits in that sweet spot where you want more headroom than a basic PLC, but still need a fanless, cabinet-friendly controller. From my experience, CX5130 is the go-to when you’re running TwinCAT 3 with coordinated motion, deterministic I/O over EtherCAT, and a reasonable HMI on the same box. It’s built around an Intel Atom dual‑core platform (typically the E3827 at 1.75 GHz), so you get solid multi-tasking without the thermal fuss. The “-0125” ordering line generally indicates a 64‑bit Windows image prepared for TwinCAT 3 runtimes, which keeps software deployment straightforward in most cases.

Our Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

One thing I appreciate is how predictable the rollout is: confirm specs, lock in the software image, and we’ll stage the unit for you so it’s plug‑ready when it arrives.

Key Features

• Dual‑core Intel Atom performance – Typically the E3827 1.75 GHz CPU; enough compute for multi-axis motion and real-time tasks without a fan.
• TwinCAT 3‑ready – The -0125 configuration is commonly shipped with a 64‑bit Windows image, making TwinCAT 3 engineering and XAR runtime setup fast.
• Native EtherCAT master – Drive thousands of distributed I/O points with sub‑millisecond cycle times; easy to scale with EL/EP terminals.
• Industrial interfaces on board – Typically dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and a display output for diagnostics or local HMI.
• DIN‑rail, fanless design – Robust 24 V DC supply, minimal maintenance in dusty panels.
• Modular expansion – Add RS232/RS485, additional NICs, or fieldbus masters via Beckhoff expansion modules when needed.
• Solid‑state storage – CFast‑based system storage for better shock resistance in high‑vibration machines.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

You might notice that CX5130 shows up a lot in new mid‑tier machines where EtherCAT motion and data handling have to run together without a full rack PC. Typical use cases include:

• Packaging and converting lines with multi‑axis servo control
• Electronics assembly, AOI handling, and traceability data logging
• Test benches and end‑of‑line inspection with synchronized measurements
• Building services and energy skids where compact controls are preferred
• Retrofits replacing older PLC + IPC combos with a single TwinCAT controller

One OEM told us they swapped a CX9020 for the CX5130 on a servo‑heavy cell and shaved about 30% off their cycle time just by raising task priorities and enabling a faster EtherCAT cycle—no code rewrite beyond task tuning.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability: Fanless, solid‑state storage reduces mechanical points of failure in dusty or high‑vibration cabinets.
• Compatibility: Native EtherCAT plus broad Beckhoff I/O ecosystem (EL/EP terminals) keeps expansions easy and cost‑effective.
• Performance per watt: Dual‑core Atom is modest on power, yet strong enough for coordinated motion and HMI tasks.
• Lifecycle support: Beckhoff industrial PCs typically have stable availability windows and image support, which simplifies spares planning.
• Software leverage: TwinCAT 3 engineering, PLC/Motion/CNC/Measurement in one toolchain; straightforward licensing on the CX platform.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel requirements: Mount on DIN rail inside an IP‑rated cabinet. Allow top/bottom clearance for natural convection; avoid heat sources.
• Power & wiring: 24 V DC stabilized supply with proper grounding. Keep Ethernet and encoder cables away from high‑voltage lines; use shielded Cat5e/Cat6 for EtherCAT.
• I/O connection: Attach EtherCAT Terminals (E‑bus) directly or use remote EP boxes over EtherCAT. K‑bus is also possible where legacy terminals exist.
• Firmware & image care: Keep a clone of the CFast image. Schedule periodic Windows updates and TwinCAT hotfixes during planned downtime.
• Routine checks: Inspect panel temperature, review event logs, and monitor CFast wear levels. Battery‑backed RTC (if present) may require replacement over years.
• Safety: De‑energize before module changes; observe ESD precautions when handling storage media and expansion cards.

Quality & Certifications

• CE conformity and RoHS compliance for industrial environments
• UL recognition/listing for North America (model‑specific)
• Ingress protection: IP20 (cabinet installation)
• Manufacturer warranty policy applies; our sales warranty: 365 days

Helpful Supporting Components

• EtherCAT I/O: EL1xxx/EL2xxx (digital), EL3xxx/EL4xxx (analog), EL7xxx (drive interfaces) for fast, distributed control.
• Power/UPS: CU81xx industrial UPS modules for controlled shutdown and data protection.
• Networking: EK11xx/EK15xx couplers for segmenting EtherCAT, and managed switches where needed.
• Storage & spares: CFast cards imaged to your standard build to speed up maintenance swaps.