ctrlX CORE

Scalable industrial control system for every automation task

ctrlX CORE Portfolio, shows four different types

ctrlX CORE steers companies into the future. Flexibility and scalability make the industrial control system the perfect solution for adapting to ever-changing market conditions. The Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS and the modular app technology make the industrial control system an all-rounder which can be used to handle almost all current and future tasks in automation. ctrlX CORE proves its worth every day in a wide range of industry segments and topologies, whether as a PLC control system in automation or in complex motion control applications.

 

 




The key facts at a glance:

  • Realtime-capable Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS
  • Wide range of apps for scalability of the software functionality
  • Multi-core CPU performance and option interfaces for hardware scalability
  • High level of cybersecurity
  • Simplified and transparent device management thanks to remote administration via the ctrlX Device Portal
  • Durable industrial hardware design

More information about the industrial control system ctrlX CORE

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Unlimited possibilities for your industrial control system

All-in-one for future-proof automation. The main features of the ctrlX CORE portfolio:

ctrlX CORE X3:

  • 64-bit quad-core ARM
  • 3x Gbit Ethernet, 4 GB eMMC, 2 GB RAM
  • Perfect for industry 4.0 applications

ctrlX COREplus X3:

  • 64-bit quad-core ARM
  • 3x Gbit Ethernet, 4 GB memory, 2 GB RAM
  • Flexible thanks to option interfaces and local IO connection

ctrlX COREplus X5:

  • Intel ATOM quad-core
  • 5x Gbit Ethernet, 16 GB memory, 8 GB RAM
  • Mid-range control system for automation applications

ctrlX COREplus X7:

  • Intel Core i7 – active cooling
  • 5x Gbit Ethernet, 32 GB memory, 16 GB RAM
  • High multi-core performance for demanding applications

ctrlX CORE as a drive integrated control system:

  • ctrlX CORE is integrated in the drive
  • Save on installation space
Technical data
Option interfaces

One control system – countless features

Industrial hardware design for demanding environments

As an embedded controller, ctrlX CORE offers an industrial hardware design based on fan-free and robust electro-mechanics, which allows it to be used in demanding environments. As a modern industrial control system, the integrated operating system ctrlX OS is secure and continuously expandable. Long-term availability and ongoing development and troubleshooting are ensured through software maintenance and support from a global Linux community.

The industrial control system uses modern 64-bit architecture with fast 4-core CPUs that can be flexibly assigned to control tasks for optimum efficiency. ctrlX CORE has a wide range of interfaces such as 1Gbit Ethernet, USB and a µSD card slot as well as remanent memory for secure data storage as standard. The Edge Controller's field communication is handled via EtherCAT as an automation bus and thus enables easy integration of EtherCAT peripherals. If servicing is required, quick and PC-free hardware replacement can be carried out with the help of a license dongle.

ctrlX OS provides access to the entire ecosystem

ctrlX CORE runs the realtime-capable Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. This gives users maximum openness and access to the entire ctrlX OS Ecosystem with all digital services. The range of software is flexible thanks to app technology, with apps for high-level languages, IEC-61131 programming, EtherCAT, visualization and much more. All apps are available in the ctrlX OS Store and can be installed on the control system at any time. Users also benefit from a constantly growing range of solutions for hardware and especially for apps thanks to the partner network ctrlX World. It is also possible to create your own custom apps. The ctrlX Data Layer manages all available information transparently without requiring any programming work. As a central architectural element, it allows all apps to communicate with each other.

Secure by design and compliance with standards

Data protection is a key aspect of integrating industrial hardware into systems. ctrlX CORE ensures the highest level of cybersecurity thanks to secure by design and through compliance with international standards. Data is protected by strong password rules, up-to-date software and encrypted Internet connections via VPN, as well as authentication and authorization. In addition, development and certification are carried out in accordance with IEC 62443, i.e. in accordance with the latest security standards.

Connected and flexible scalability

ctrlX CORE offers flexible CPU performance, memory and RAM, which can be adapted to suit individual requirements through the different available variants. Projects can easily be ported within the platform. The option is available to expand modular variants with fieldbus or function interfaces. The multi-Ethernet interface of the ctrlX COREplus offers hardware expansion on the controller as well as flexible fieldbus protocol selection via an app and two connections with a width of just under 20 mm (e.g. two PROFINET devices). Local I/O modules can be connected and configured on the right side of the control system without any tools. These expansions allow for horizontal and vertical machine integration and offer new connectivity and networking options. Software scalability with apps expends the functionality of ctrlX CORE at any time. IoT protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA are available for transferring machine data directly to the cloud. Networking with other control systems is possible via OPC UA, PROFINET and Ethernet/IP.

Remote administration and secure remote access

The ctrlX Device Portal makes remote administration easy. New software functions, device settings and updates can be managed and deployed from a central location. This centralized management allows the assignment, licensing and updating of all available apps for ctrlX CORE.

The solution ensures secure communication and enables secure remote access to the control systems without requiring physical access. The only requirement is an Internet connection. Security updates and new features can be installed, backups can be restored and information about available updates and expansions can be accessed from anywhere.

Performance Motion Control

Flexibility, modularity and scalability - these are the advantages of using ctrlX AUTOMATION in performance motion control applications. For complex solutions, such as in the field of packaging machines, these features are indispensable.

Further application examples:

IOT & PLC, General Motion Control, Manufacturing, Smart Energy

Performance Motion Control

Flexibilität, Modularität und Skalierbarkeit – das sind die Vorteile beim Einsatz von ctrlX AUTOMATION in Performance-Motion-Control-Applikationen. Bei komplexen Lösungen wie z. B. im Bereich der Verpackungsmaschinen sind diese Eigenschaften unabdingbar.

Weitere Anwendungsbeispiele:

IOT & PLC, General Motion Control, Manufacturing, Smart Energy

Technical data

ctrlX CORE
Processor ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
CPU 64 Bit Quad-Core
ARM CPU		 64 Bit Quad-Core
ARM CPU		 ATOM Intel Core i7
Memory storage ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Fixed storage 4 GB eMMC 4 GB eMMC 16 GB eMMC 32 GB eMMC
RAM 2 GB 2 GB 8 GB 16 GB
Remanent memory 128 KByte 128 KByte 2 MByte 2 MByte
Hardware interfaces ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Ethernet
(EtherCAT master)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 2 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 2 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)
Ethernet
(Engineering port)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)
Ethernet
(Engineering port,
TSN endpoint)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 1 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 2 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 2 x GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)
USB 1 x USB-C (2.0) 1 x USB-C (2.0) 3 x USB-C (3.1) 3 x USB-C (3.1)
SD card 1 x Micro-SD 1 x Micro-SD 1 x Micro-SD 1 x Micro-SD
IO and functional
onboard extensions		 ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
IO integration not activated onboard onboard onboard
Multi Ethernet not activated optional optional optional
Operation ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Operating system Linux Ubuntu Core Linux Ubuntu Core Linux Ubuntu Core Linux Ubuntu Core
Communication ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Fieldbus
communication		 EtherCAT master
(RJ45)		 EtherCAT master
(RJ45)
Multi-Ethernet		 EtherCAT master
(RJ45)
Multi-Ethernet		 EtherCAT master
(RJ45)
Multi-Ethernet
Engineering/HMI via GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 via GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 via GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 via GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)
Engineering,
TSN endpoint		 GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)		 GBit Ethernet
(RJ45)
Electrical data ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Supply voltage 24 VDC
(19.2 - 30.0 VDC)		 24 VDC
(19.2 - 30.0 VDC)		 24 VDC
(19.2 - 30.0 VDC)		 24 VDC
(19.2 - 30.0 VDC)
Norms and Standards ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Standards CE, UL, CSA CE, UL, CSA CE CE, UL, CSA
Certification Industrial area class A Industrial area class A Industrial area class A Industrial area class A
Environmental
conditions		 ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Permissible
temperature
(operation)		 -25 °C to +55 °C
(fanless up to 2000 m)		 -25 °C to +55 °C
(fanless up to 2000 m)		 -25 °C to +55 °C
(fanless up to 50 °C)		 -25 °C to +55 °C
(active cooled)
Permissible
temperature
(storage)		 -40 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +70 °C
Permissible
humidity
(operation)		 5 % to 85 %
(EN 61131-2)		 5 % to 85 %
(EN 61131-2)		 5 % to 85 %
(EN 61131-2)		 5 % to 85 %
(EN 61131-2)
Degree of
protection		 IP20 IP20 IP20 IP20
Protection category III III III III
Mechanical tests ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
Vibration resistance 1 g 1 g 1 g 1 g
Shock resistance 15 g 15 g 15 g 15 g
Dimensions ctrlX CORE X3 ctrlX COREplus X3 ctrlX COREplus X5 ctrlX COREplus X7
A 45 mm 93.3 mm 160.6 mm 160.6 mm
B 105 mm 105 mm 105 mm 126 mm
C1 87 mm 87 mm 87 mm 87 mm
C2 10.5 mm 10.5 mm 10.5 mm 10.5 mm
ctrlX CORE X3
ctrlX COREplus X3
ctrlX COREplus X5
ctrlX COREplus X7

 

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Technical data ctrlX CORE

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Option interfaces

ctrlX COREplus
Option interfaces Description
MultiEthernet M/S 4xRJ45 MultiEthernet interface, flexible protocol selection via apps
Supported protocols: PROFINET Device, EtherNet/IP Adapter
Suitable on all ctrlX COREplus hardware
SSD 80GB memory module
Suitable on all ctrlX COREplus hardware
AI Hailo-8 AI accelerator module
Suitable on ctrlX COREplus X3
Opened copy of the ctrlX AUTOMATION magazine 2023/2024

ctrlX AUTOMATION Magazine 2023/2024 –
Now available!

„Openness is everything“ ­– this is the motto of the ctrlX AUTOMATION magazine 2023/2024. This year, it´s all about openness and co-creation, which enables a completely new world of automation. Furthermore, there will be innovations of the product portfolio, exciting case studies and expert opinions on digitalization and connectivity.

More information!

If you have any questions or require further information regarding ctrlX AUTOMATION, please contact us.
We look forward to your inquiry!

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