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.
Why secure industrial communication depends on deployment as well
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Industrial Security Harmonisation Group has released a joint industry perspective highlighting a critical truth in industrial cybersecurity: secure communication is not determined by protocols alone, but by how they are deployed and managed in real-world environments.
Read more...A single platform for all automation functions Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The introduction of TwinCAT in 1996 marked a decisive evolutionary step for PC-based control. Today, the TwinCAT platform combines all automation functions in a strictly deterministic real-time environment, from PLC and motion control through CNC and measurement technology and beyond, to vision, robotics and pioneering AI tools.
Read more...Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage systems Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Spanish Group, Power Electronics has demonstrated its comprehensive expertise in sustainable energy supply in over 3000 solar and energy storage projects with a total installed capacity of 120 GW. To control its modular systems, the company relies on open, high-performance Beckhoff control technology.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-4: Feedforward Control: Part 3 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the previous articles in this series, the basic theory behind feedforward control was discussed, and it was also shown how to apply feedforward in practice. In this article, it will be shown how well feedforward can work in practice by giving a couple of examples.
Read more...Control Station and Dimension Software partner to connect control performance monitoring with enterprise operations intelligence
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control Station has entered into a strategic technology partnership with Dimension Software, a leading provider of industrial operations management platforms. The collaboration connects Control Station’s PlantESP control loop performance monitoring platform with Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect operations intelligence environment, enabling manufacturers to operationalise control performance insights across their organisations.
Read more...Precise, synchronised control for automated steel mesh handling system
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Automation specialist Hambi Maschinenbau has developed a world-first system that automates the cutting, handling and stacking of heavy reinforcing steel mesh – a task that previously required up to six human operators.
Read more...Modular control platform for the hydrogen industry Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
With a seamless modular control solution from Beckhoff featuring over 500 data points and numerous ELX series terminals with intrinsically safe interfaces, Greenlight Innovation is breaking new ground in hydrogen testing.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-3: Feedforward Control: Part 2 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control tuning is not nearly as critical as feedback tuning, and fairly simple models are usually fine for the purpose in hand.
Read more...Upgrading radiological surveillance systems in nuclear facilities Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nuclear plant operators face an uncomfortable reality. Many of the control and monitoring systems still in use today were never designed to support the full operational lifespan of the facilities they serve.
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.