Embedded PC

The CX8093 Embedded PC from Beckhoff is equipped with a PROFINET RT device interface designed as a 2-port switch for daisy-chain cabling. A special feature is the added functionality of a virtual device which can be used to double the process data size or to connect a second controller. When the optional virtual device (slave interface) is activated, the Embedded PC behaves like two PROFINET devices. Accordingly, twice the maximum input/output data volume can be processed - with PROFINET approx. 1000 bytes, i.e. the PC can process twice the number of PROFINET process data. The network name of the 'two' devices can be set via the address switch or the TwinCAT System Manager. The IP settings are allocated by the PROFINET controller. A further benefit of the virtual device is the ability to communicate with a second PROFINET controller, which is a simple way to increase system availability. On the one hand, the PC (as a local controller) can verify the two incoming master signals by means of a plausibility check to monitor the function of the cabling, for example. On the other hand, failure of one of the masters can be detected and the second master can respond accordingly.