B&R X20CP1586 – High‑performance X20 PLC CPU for fast, modular machine control

The B&R X20CP1586 is a compact, high-end CPU in the X20 series, built for fast cyclic control, coordinated motion, and multi-axis machines where every millisecond counts. From my experience, it’s a solid choice when you want X20 I/O modularity without giving up processing headroom. You might notice that it fits into tight panels yet still leaves room to grow—add interfaces, expand I/O, and scale performance as your line evolves.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• Fast cyclic control – Designed for demanding PLC tasks and motion coordination where deterministic response typically matters.
• Compact X20 slice form factor – Saves cabinet space; snaps onto the X20 backplane so you can add I/O right next to the CPU.
• Industrial Ethernet on board – Standard 10/100 Ethernet for programming, HMI, and plant networking; easy integration with line-level devices.
• Service/diagnostics ports – USB and serial service access streamline commissioning and on-site troubleshooting.
• Scalable interfaces – POWERLINK and fieldbus options are supported on the X20 platform; the exact mix depends on the CPU revision or add-on interface modules.
• No onboard I/O – Choose precisely the X20 digital, analog, or safety modules you need; reduce unused points and cost.
• Automation Runtime compatibility – Runs B&R Automation Runtime; developed with Automation Studio for version-controlled, IEC 61131-3 compliant projects.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	B&R X20CP1586
HS Code	8537.10 (Programmable control equipment; voltage ≤1000 V)
Power Requirements	24 VDC nominal (typically 19.2–28.8 VDC), supplied via X20 power module
Dimensions & Weight	X20 slice format; approx. 99 × 37.5 × 92 mm, compact rail depth (typical for X20 CPUs)
Operating Temperature	0 to +55 °C (horizontal mounting, typical X20 rating)
Signal I/O Types	No onboard I/O; expandable with X20 digital, analog, motion, and safety modules
Communication Interfaces	1x Ethernet 10/100 (RJ45), 1x USB (service), 1x serial service (RS232); POWERLINK/fieldbus available depending on variant or add-on module
Installation Method	DIN rail on X20 terminal bases; side-by-side with X20 I/O slices
Controller OS	B&R Automation Runtime (programmed in Automation Studio)
Certifications (typical)	CE, cULus, RoHS; manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems

Application Fields

The X20CP1586 is commonly specified in:

• High-speed packaging and cartoning lines needing tight motion sync
• Robotics handling, delta pick-and-place, and collaborative cell control
• Printing, converting, and web processes where deterministic tension control matters
• Material handling, palletizing, and AS/RS with mixed networked drives
• Food & beverage skids and compact OEM machines with limited panel depth

A packaging OEM told us they moved to X20CP1586 to shave scan times and reported around 10–15% shorter cycle times on servo-heavy stations—results vary by project, but that seems to be a recurring theme.

Advantages & Value

• Modularity that pays back – Add only the I/O and interfaces you need; scale later without redesigning the cabinet.
• Compatibility across X20 – Reuse existing X20 modules and fieldbus know-how; reduce engineering time in many cases.
• Lifecycle and service – Long product lifetimes and stable firmware paths help standardize across machine families.
• Total cost control – Smaller cabinets, targeted I/O, and faster commissioning often translate into lower build cost.
• Support & know-how – Widely deployed platform with strong tooling in Automation Studio for diagnostics and versioning.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & mounting – DIN rail mounting with X20 terminal bases; allow airflow above/below and avoid heat sources.
• Power & wiring – 24 VDC supply via X20 power module; separate control and power wiring to reduce noise; maintain proper grounding.
• Networking – Use shielded twisted pair for Ethernet in noisy environments; keep cable bends within spec, and segregate from VFD outputs.
• Safety – De-energize before adding/removing X20 slices; verify firmware and project compatibility when swapping CPUs.
• Routine care – Periodic dust removal, connector re-seat checks, and scheduled firmware updates through Automation Studio.
• Spare strategy – Keep a pre-imaged CPU or storage card on hand; it typically reduces downtime to minutes.

Supporting Components You Might Pair It With

• X20PS2xxx power modules – 24 VDC feed for the CPU and I/O backplane (choose rating based on load).
• X20IF10E… Ethernet/POWERLINK interfaces – Add extra Ethernet ports or dedicated POWERLINK where required.
• X20IF1061‑1 CAN interface – For CAN/CANopen integration on legacy or third-party devices.
• X20 digital/analog I/O (e.g., X20DO/DI/AI/AO series) – Right-size your signal mix without wasting channels.
• X20 safety modules (X20SL/XS series) – Integrated safety with fail-safe I/O on the same rail.

One thing I appreciate is the X20 base concept: you can replace a CPU or I/O module without disturbing field wiring, which is a quiet saver during maintenance windows.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and cULus approvals (typical for X20 platform)
• RoHS compliant materials
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management
• Standard warranty: 365 days from our side