Brand: Beckhoff
Model: CX1020-0000
Type: Embedded PC / Basic CPU Module
Series: CX1020
Core Function: PLC, Motion Control and Industrial Automation Processing
Country of Origin: Germany
Condition: New / Used / Refurbished
Availability: Industrial Spare Parts / Service Stock
Warranty: 12 Months
Beckhoff CX1020-0000 Embedded PC / Basic CPU Module
The Beckhoff CX1020-0000 is a basic CPU module from the Beckhoff CX1020 Embedded PC family. It is designed as a compact industrial controller for PLC, motion control, machine automation, and visualization applications.
The CX1020 combines PC-based control technology with a modular I/O architecture in a compact DIN-rail-oriented control platform. Its 1 GHz Intel Celeron M ULV processor provides higher processing performance than the earlier CX1000 platform, while the fanless passive cooling design helps reduce mechanical wear and maintenance requirements.
The CX1020 can be expanded with Beckhoff CX-series power supply modules, system interfaces, fieldbus modules, Bus Terminals, and EtherCAT Terminals to create a complete industrial control system.
Important Model Identification
The suffix -0000 is important.
Beckhoff identifies CX1020-0000 specifically as the CPU module with no operating system and no TwinCAT runtime. Other CX1020 order variants were supplied with Windows Embedded CE, Windows XP Embedded, or different TwinCAT 2 runtimes.
Therefore, CX1020-0000 should not automatically be described as a complete ready-to-run PLC. The final system configuration depends on the selected operating system, TwinCAT software, system interface, and power supply module.
Main Functions
- Industrial PC-based control
The CX1020 provides the central processing platform for PC-based automation applications.
- PLC control
When configured with the appropriate TwinCAT runtime, the CX1020 can function as a programmable logic controller based on IEC 61131-3 automation technology.
- Motion control
The CX1020 platform supports TwinCAT NC PTP and NC I runtimes in applicable configurations, making the family suitable for positioning and interpolated motion applications.
- Ethernet communication
The basic CX1020 configuration provides two RJ45 Ethernet interfaces connected through an internal switch. This allows a simple line topology without requiring an additional Ethernet switch in suitable installations.
- Modular I/O expansion
Additional Beckhoff CX components can be connected through the PC/104-based system interface. The platform can be expanded with fieldbus interfaces, Bus Terminals, EtherCAT Terminals, and other CX-series components.
- Fanless industrial operation
The CX1020 uses passive cooling rather than a rotating cooling fan, reducing the number of mechanical components in the controller.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Beckhoff |
| Model | CX1020-0000 |
| Product Type | Basic CPU Module / Embedded PC |
| Processor | Intel Celeron M ULV |
| CPU Frequency | 1 GHz |
| CPU Cores | 1 |
| Main Memory | 256 MB DDR RAM |
| Memory Expansion | Up to 1 GB, depending on configuration |
| Flash Storage | CompactFlash |
| Basic CF Capacity | 64 MB in the original CX1020-0000 specification |
| Ethernet | 2 × RJ45, 10/100 Mbit/s |
| Ethernet Architecture | Internal switch |
| System Bus | 16-bit ISA / PC104 |
| Operating System | None supplied with -0000 |
| TwinCAT Runtime | None supplied with -0000 |
| Cooling | Passive |
| Power Supply | Via CX1100-series power supply module |
| Maximum Power Loss | Approx. 11 W |
| Dimensions | Approx. 96 × 112 × 99 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 550 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -25 to +85°C |
| Relative Humidity | 95%, non-condensing |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Approvals | CE, UL |
Beckhoff’s current service documentation lists the CX1020 platform with a 1 GHz Intel Celeron M ULV processor, 256 MB DDR RAM, two 10/100 Mbit/s RJ45 interfaces, approximately 550 g weight, 96 × 112 × 99 mm dimensions, and 0 to +50°C operating temperature.
The older technical documentation specifically associated with CX1020-0000 lists a 64 MB CompactFlash card, while later CX1020 documentation lists 128 MB as the standard CF capacity for the broader CX1020 family. For an exact spare-part listing, the physical CF card and revision should therefore be checked rather than assuming all CX1020 units have identical factory memory configurations.
Power Supply Requirement
The CX1020-0000 CPU module does not operate as a standalone controller with an integrated mains power supply.
It receives its system power through the CX-series system bus and requires a compatible CX1100-series power supply module. The CX1100 module also provides the interface toward the I/O system, depending on the selected configuration.
This is an important point when quoting the CX1020-0000 as a spare part: if a customer is replacing an entire controller assembly, they may also need to verify the existing CX1100 power supply and any attached system-interface modules.
Industrial Automation Applications
The Beckhoff CX1020 platform can be used in:
- Machine automation
- PLC-based control systems
- Motion control
- Packaging machinery
- Material handling equipment
- Production-line automation
- CNC and positioning applications
- Industrial Ethernet control
- EtherCAT-based automation
- Legacy Beckhoff control-system maintenance
The platform was designed to combine industrial PC functionality and modular I/O in a compact control cabinet architecture.
CX1020-0000 and TwinCAT
The CX1020-0000 itself does not include TwinCAT.
Beckhoff offered multiple CX1020 order variants with different software configurations. For example, the CX1020-0011 was supplied with Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and TwinCAT 2 PLC Runtime, while other suffixes corresponded to NC PTP or NC I Runtime configurations.
For this reason, when replacing an installed CX1020 CPU, the customer should verify the original order number and software image rather than selecting a CX1020 based only on the external hardware appearance.
Replacement & Procurement Considerations
The CX1020 is now listed by Beckhoff in the service phase, with CX2033 and CX2043 identified as recommended alternatives. However, for customers maintaining existing machinery, an original CX1020-0000 can still be valuable because a direct replacement can avoid the software, mechanical, and system-integration changes associated with a platform upgrade.
Before supplying a replacement, verify:
- Exact order number: CX1020-0000
- Existing operating system
- TwinCAT version and runtime
- CompactFlash configuration
- CX1100 power supply model
- Attached fieldbus or EtherCAT modules
- Required system interfaces
- Existing machine-control application
- CPU and memory configuration
- Physical condition of the replacement unit
Verification & Quality Control
For a Beckhoff CX1020-0000 spare unit, inspection should include:
- Beckhoff nameplate and order number
- CPU housing condition
- PC104 system-interface connectors
- RJ45 Ethernet ports
- CompactFlash slot and eject mechanism
- Diagnostic LEDs
- Cooling assembly
- Signs of corrosion or overheating
- Internal battery condition where accessible
- Power-up and Ethernet communication testing where applicable
For used or surplus stock, it is particularly useful to photograph the complete front label and CompactFlash area before shipment so the customer can confirm the exact hardware configuration.
Physical Dimensions & Shipping Reference
Approximate product dimensions are 96 × 112 × 99 mm, with a product weight of approximately 550 g. These figures are suitable as a preliminary freight reference; final shipping weight will depend on packaging and accessories.
Related Beckhoff Models
Beckhoff CX1020-0000 – Basic CPU Module, no OS / no TwinCAT
Beckhoff CX1020-0010 – Windows Embedded CE configuration
Beckhoff CX1020-0011 – Windows Embedded CE + TwinCAT PLC Runtime
Beckhoff CX1020-0012 – Windows Embedded CE + TwinCAT NC PTP Runtime
Beckhoff CX1020-0013 – Windows Embedded CE + TwinCAT NC I Runtime
Beckhoff CX1100-000x – CX1020 power supply family
Beckhoff CX2033 – Recommended newer alternative
Beckhoff CX2043 – Recommended newer alternative
Related Tags
Beckhoff CX1020-0000
Beckhoff CX1020
CX1020 Embedded PC
CX1020 CPU Module
Beckhoff Embedded PC
Beckhoff PLC Controller
TwinCAT PLC
Beckhoff Motion Control
Beckhoff EtherCAT
Beckhoff PC104
CX1100 Power Supply
Industrial Embedded PC
Beckhoff Automation Spare Parts
PLC Spare Parts
