Description
Product Introduction
The Beckhoff CX1500-M310 is a PROFIBUS master fieldbus module designed for the CX10x0 Embedded PC family. It plugs into the PC/104 stack and gives the controller a full PROFIBUS DP, DP-V1, and DP-V2 (MC) master interface. Process data from remote slaves can be collected deterministically, even across large machines or distributed equipment.
Up to 125 slaves are supported, each with a maximum of 244 bytes of input, output, parameter, configuration, or diagnostic data. Different DP cycle times can be assigned per slave, and error management is freely configurable. Parallel operation of multiple master modules (or mixed master/slave combinations) is possible inside the same CX system. Communication with the CPU occurs via a 2 kbyte DPRAM over the ISA plug-and-play interface.
The module is field-replaceable and keeps the same 38 mm width as other CX1500 interfaces. Note that the driver is compatible only with TwinCAT 2.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fieldbus | PROFIBUS DP, DP-V1, DP-V2 (MC) |
| Data Transfer Rates | 9.6 kbaud … 12 Mbaud |
| Bus Interface | 1 × 9-pin D-sub socket |
| Max. Bus Devices | 125 slaves |
| Data per Slave | Up to 244 bytes input / output / parameter / configuration / diagnostic |
| Interface to CPU | ISA plug-and-play, 2 kbytes DPRAM |
| Max. Power Loss | 1.8 W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 38 × 100 × 91 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 190 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0…55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -25…+85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 95 %, no condensation |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Driver Compatibility | TwinCAT 2 only |
| Approvals | CE, UL |
| Product Status | Service phase |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
It’s 02:40 and the main CX1020 controller has lost its PROFIBUS master card. Half the line’s remote I/O is offline. You need a known-good CX1500-M310 that drops into the existing PC/104 stack, talks to the slaves at the original baud rate, and restores deterministic data exchange without rewriting the TwinCAT 2 configuration.
- Distributed Machine Control – Large packaging, assembly, or material-handling lines – Collects process data from distant Bus Couplers, Bus Terminal Controllers, and drives over a single PROFIBUS network.
- Multi-Master CX Systems – Complex installations requiring more than one fieldbus – Supports parallel operation of multiple identical or mixed masters (e.g., two PROFIBUS masters or PROFIBUS + CANopen).
- Deterministic Networking of CX Controllers – Linking several CX systems via fieldbus instead of Ethernet – Provides strictly deterministic data transfer when Ethernet jitter is unacceptable.
- Legacy TwinCAT 2 Retrofits – Maintaining existing CX10x0 installations – Direct replacement for failed master modules while preserving the original configuration and wiring.
Field Case Study
A European packaging OEM lost the PROFIBUS master on a multi-station filler controlled by a CX1020. OEM lead time was quoted at several weeks. A tested CX1500-M310 was installed the same afternoon. After seating the PC/104 connector and verifying the 9-pin D-sub wiring, the original TwinCAT 2 project loaded without change. All 40+ slaves came online at the previous 1.5 Mbaud rate and production resumed within three hours.
CX1500-M310
CX1500-M310
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; every module is verified on a live CX system.
- Inbound Inspection – OEM part-number and revision check, housing integrity, D-sub connector, and PC/104 contacts.
- Live Rig Testing – Powered in a CX10x0 stack; PROFIBUS master initialization, baud-rate negotiation, and basic slave communication confirmed.
- Electrical Parameter Checks – Power consumption, bus signal integrity, and DPRAM access verified.
- Function Verification – Status LEDs and configuration response exercised under TwinCAT 2.
- Final QC & Packaging – Functional burn-in, serial documentation, and ESD-safe packaging for industrial shipment.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ TwinCAT 2 only. The CX1500-M310 driver is not supported under TwinCAT 3. Attempting to use it with a TwinCAT 3 project will fail. Confirm the existing software version before ordering.
❗ PC/104 seating and addressing. Poor contact or incorrect ISA address assignment causes the module to remain invisible to the CPU. Clean the connectors and verify the address range used by the original unit.
⚠️ Baud rate and termination. Mismatched baud rate or missing bus termination will prevent slaves from coming online. Document the original network settings and check the termination resistors at both ends of the PROFIBUS cable.
❗ Service-phase product. New production is limited. Match the hardware revision to the existing module; mixing revisions can produce unexpected behavior in older TwinCAT 2 systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Can the CX1500-M310 run under TwinCAT 3?
A: No. Official driver support is limited to TwinCAT 2. For TwinCAT 3 systems a different PROFIBUS interface (e.g., EL6731 or newer CX modules) is required.
Q: How many slaves can be connected?
A: Maximum 125 slaves. Each slave can exchange up to 244 bytes of input, output, parameter, configuration, or diagnostic data.
Q: Can multiple CX1500-M310 modules be used in one CX system?
A: Yes. Parallel operation of several identical or different master modules is supported. Mixed master/slave combinations are also possible.
Q: What warranty is provided?
A: 12 months from ship date on tested new-surplus units.
Q: Why is this sometimes cheaper than current Beckhoff list price?
A: The CX1500-M310 is in the service phase. Genuine units recovered from surplus inventory cost less while remaining original Beckhoff hardware.
Q: What connector is used for the PROFIBUS network?
A: A single 9-pin D-sub socket. Standard PROFIBUS cabling and termination rules apply.
Q: Is the module field-replaceable?
A: Yes. Power the system down, remove the failed module from the PC/104 stack, insert the replacement, and restore power. The original TwinCAT 2 configuration can normally be reused without change.
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