MX system: the breakthrough

From Beckhoff a modular system solution for automation that replaces conventional control cabinets: the benefits in terms of machine design and overall efficiency. 

Beckhoff's System MX is an intelligent, flexible and space-optimized system solution. It can completely replace the conventional control cabinet, thus opening up new possibilities in plant automation. If needed, it can be decentralized on the machine, saving on design, assembly, installation and maintenance costs. This enables highly efficient processes for machine and plant builders and operators, from the planning, configuration and installation of the MX System to the maintenance of machines that are equipped with it.

Goal: Standardize

The basic concept of the MX System is to standardize the electrical and mechanical interfaces for all electronic and electromechanical components.

The implementation of this idea results in two interfaces:

• the data interface integrates each functional unit into an EtherCAT network and supplies it simultaneously with 24 V DC and, if necessary, also with 48 V DC;
• a second interface has been defined as a standard for the low-voltage range.

In practice, these interfaces distribute the line voltage up to 530 V AC and a DC voltage up to 848 V for the drives. Standardization thus makes it possible to map all the functionality traditionally found in a control cabinet to a single backplane.

Similar to the interfaces, there are two different types of backplanes, which have as essential features the interfaces described in the form of connectors. Backplanes are equipped with robust aluminum housings. The combination of backplane and housing is called a baseplate. In addition, a full range of functional modules in the areas of IPC, bus coupler, I/O, motion, relay, and system power supply are available. These are simply inserted and screwed onto the baseplate. The combination of baseplate and functional modules results in an automation system with IP67 protection that is optimized in terms of space utilization and can be installed directly on the machine.

Advantages

A system architecture consisting of a baseplate combined with functional modules results in a modular solution, which can be used to solve a wide range of automation tasks. A particular advantage is that the functional modules of the MX System integrate individual functions, which facilitates project planning and significantly reduces the number of components.

Even at the design stage, the smaller footprint of the MX System offers additional benefits such as facilitating coordination between departments, as there is no need to design special installation spaces and brackets. Another important aspect is that the MX System is also IEC, UL and CSA compliant, making it a globally standardized solution.