The new Beckhoff panel generation with industrial multi-touch display offers a wide range of display sizes and connection options. CP-Link 4 extends the product portfolio with simple, standards-based connection technology.
A big advantage of this transmission technology is the use of commercial CAT 7 cables that are easy to install and are also available as drag chain versions. The standard plug connectors are field-configurable or, alternatively, pre-assembled cables are available as accessories. The plug-and-play connection makes commissioning easy and convenient. CP-Link 4 requires no special software or drivers.
The CP-Link 4 technology is directly integrated in the passive panels of the multi-touch series. On the PC side, the connection can be made either via the PCIe module slot in the industrial PC or via the CU8802 or CU8803 transmitter boxes. The following connection options are available:
The one cable display link – in the single-cable solution, the DVI signal, USB 2.0 signal and 24 V power supply are all transferred via a single cable. The CU8803 transmitter box provides the power supply for the control panel via the CAT 7 cable, which can be up to 100 m long. The CU8803 box can be connected to any PC via a DVI and USB cable and requires a 24 V supply.
The two cable display link – with this connection option, DVI and USB 2.0 are transferred via a CAT 7 cable. The CU8802 transmitter box is connected to the PC via DVI and USB, or the C9900-E276 PCIe module is integrated in a Beckhoff IPC. The power supply is separate and is switchable, e.g. for emergency stop solutions with parallel wiring.
Beckhoff – a pioneer for industrial display connection technology
As a pioneer for industrial display connection technology, Beckhoff launched the first version of CP-Link as early as 1998. It enabled operating panels to be located away from the PC for the first time. Via two standard coaxial cables this version can be used to bridge a distance of up to 100 m between the PC and operator interface.
In 2006, Beckhoff presented the second generation of its display connection technology as a further innovation: surpassing the 5 m DVI/USB standard distance, the DVI/USB Extended technology, based on standard cables, enables distances of up to 50 m between Industrial PC and operating panel. The DVI/USB Extended 2.0 technology is offered with the new multi-touch panel series.
The CP-Link 3 concept is a pure software solution, using standard cable technologies for versatile connection of Panel PCs with an industrial PC. It enables connection of up to 255 Ethernet panels.
The collective expertise from 15 years of experience in the realisation of flexible visualisation and operating concepts is now bundled in the CP-Link 4 generation based on single-cable technology.
PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
Read more...Intuitive CNC HMIs with simulation functionality Beckhoff Automation
SCADA/HMI
The TwinCAT 3 automation software from Beckhoff offers two new function libraries for CNC-specific user interfaces. These were used to create an advanced, intuitive HMI application specifically for CNC purposes and to simulate part machining using real-time data.
Read more...PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
Read more...Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.