Page 51 - EngineerIT July 2022

NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Pluggable system solution for housings. The combination of
backplane and housing is called a
control cabinet-free automation baseplate. In addition, there is a
full range of function modules from
the areas of IPCs, bus couplers, I/O,
motion, relays and system power
he MX-System from Beckhoff is a flexible, space-optimised and intelligent system supply. These are simply plugged
solution that can completely replace conventional control cabinets, thereby opening and screwed onto the baseplate.
Tup entirely new possibilities in plant automation. As a modular control cabinet The combination of a baseplate
replacement that can also be decentralised on the machine if required, the MX-System and function modules results in an
saves engineering, assembly, installation as well as maintenance effort. This enables highly IP67-protected automation system
efficient processes for the manufacturers and operators of machines and systems – from that is optimized in terms of space
the planning, setup and installation of the MX-System through to the maintenance of MX- utilization and can be mounted
System-equipped machines. directly on the machine.

The basic concept of the MX-System is to standardise the electrical and mechanical Advantages for engineering
interfaces for all electronic and electromechanical components. Implementing this idea The system architecture of a baseplate
results in two interfaces: combined with function modules results
• The data interface integrates each functional unit into an EtherCAT network and in a modular solution that can be used
supplies it simultaneously with 24 V DC and, if necessary, also with 48 V DC. to solve a wide range of automation
• A second interface has been defined as standard for the low-voltage range. These tasks. A particular advantage is that
interfaces distribute the mains voltage of up to 530 V AC and a DC voltage of up to 848 the MX-System function modules
V for the drive system. This standardisation allows all functionality traditionally found integrate individual functions, such
in a control cabinet to be mapped as a backplane system. Analogous to the interfaces, as line protection for outgoing lines.
there are two different backplane types, which have the described interfaces in the This facilitates project planning and
form of connectors as essential features. The backplanes feature robust aluminum significantly reduces the number of
components. These advantages are
evident in the fact that the number of
pages in circuit diagrams and parts lists
is reduced by up to 80%. Even in the
engineering phase, the low installation
space requirement of the MX-System
creates further advantages because this
facilitates simpler coordination between
departments, as there is usually no need
to design special installation spaces and
brackets for the MX-System. Another
important aspect is that the MX-System
meets the requirements of relevant
control cabinet standards and, in contrast
to conventional control cabinets, it is also
IEC, UL and CSA-compliant, making it a
globally standardised solution.

For more information visit
https://www.beckhoff.com/en-za/

Contact Mark Yelland
for all your advertising requirements -
Cell: 074 854-1597
Email: marky@nowmedia.co.za

EngineerIT | July 2022 | 49