B&R X20CP1483 PLC Processor Module

B&R Automation X20CP1483 PLC Processor Module

The B&R Automation X20CP1483 is a central processing unit within the modular B&R X20 control architecture. Driven by an x86 100 MHz-compatible computing core alongside a dedicated coprocessor for background I/O cycle execution, the X20CP1483 delivers deterministic task execution down to 1 ms. It integrates fieldbus connectivity on board—featuring Ethernet (10/100 Mbit/s), real-time Ethernet POWERLINK (V1/V2 configurable as managing or controlled node), dual USB ports, and a software-configurable RS232 serial link on the primary supply terminal.

The modular construction integrates a built-in power supply slice with X2X Link backplane generation, supplying up to 7.0 W of dedicated bus power directly to connected base modules and slice cards. Certified under rigorous marine classification society standards—including DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Bureau Veritas (BV)—the X20CP1483 provides operational resilience against electrical fast transients, high-amplitude vibration (4 g), and corrosive thermal variations typical of marine switchboards, deck equipment, engine rooms, and automated industrial machinery.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: B&R Industrial Automation GmbH
• Model: X20CP1483
• Manufacturing Part Number (MPN): X20CP1483
• B&R Hardware ID Code: 0xA239
• Included Terminal Block: X20TB12 (12-pin spring-clamp terminal block, 24V coding)
• Included Bus Terminator / Plate: X20AC0SR1 (Right-hand locking/bus termination cover plate)

Technical Details

Features

1. High-Efficiency Dual-Core Computing Architecture: Combines an x86 100 MHz instruction core with an autonomous background I/O processor and floating-point unit (FPU) for microsecond instruction execution and cycle times down to 1 ms.
2. Native Industrial & Real-Time Ethernet: Standard RJ45 Ethernet (10/100BASE-TX) combined with a dedicated hardware POWERLINK interface (V1/V2, 100BASE-TX) for deterministic motion control and sub-millisecond network synchronization.
3. Integrated System Power Supply & Bus Driver: Onboard power conditioning feeds both internal CPU logic and provides 7.0 W of isolated 24 VDC / 5 VDC bus drive via the proprietary X2X Link backplane.
4. Rugged Fanless Mechanical Construction: Heat-dissipating solid-state housing rated IP20 with 4 g vibration endurance, 5% to 95% relative humidity tolerance, and -25°C to +60°C operating thermal window.
5. Modular Interface Expansion: Includes 1 multipurpose communication slot compatible with B&R X20 interface cards (CAN bus, RS485/422, Profibus-DP, LIN, and dedicated master boards).

Compatibility

• I/O Slice Compatibility: Compatible with all standard B&R X20 Series digital modules (e.g., X20DI9371, X20DO9322), analog modules (X20AI4622, X20AO4622), counter slices, RTD/thermocouple temperature modules, and power supply feed slices (X20PS9400).
• Interface Slot Compatibility: Accepts single-width X20 communication add-ons, including:
  • X20IF1041-1 (CAN bus Master/Slave interface)
  • X20IF1043 / X20IF1043-1 (RS485 / RS422 serial line)
  • X20IF1051 (Profibus DP Slave interface module)
  • X20IF1061 (Dedicated device interface controller)
• Storage Cards: Requires B&R industrial-grade CompactFlash cards formatted with Automation Runtime (e.g., 0CFCRD.0128E.01, 0CFCRD.0512E.01, 0CFCRD.2048E.01).
• Motion Integration: Direct, deterministic synchronization with B&R ACOPOS and ACOPOSmicro servo drives via the onboard real-time POWERLINK interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the B&R X20CP1483 be used to replace an X20CP1484 or X20CP1485 module?

The X20CP1483 shares the exact physical footprint, 12-pin connector layout, and pin assignments with the higher-frequency CPUs (X20CP1484, X20CP1485, and X20CP1486). However, the X20CP1483 operates an x86 core clocked at 100 MHz with 32 MB SDRAM. It is suitable as an exact drop-in replacement if your Automation Studio project runtime and task class cycles do not exceed the memory and compute capacity of the 100 MHz / 32 MB architecture.

What is the difference between X20CP1483 and X20CP1483-1?

The standard X20CP1483 is equipped with 32 MB SDRAM system memory, whereas the upgraded X20CP1483-1 provides 64 MB SDRAM. All other specifications—including processor speed (100 MHz), port allocations, supply ratings, and dimensions—are identical.

Why are multiple red LEDs blinking when I first power on the module?

A brief series of flashing red status LEDs immediately following 24 VDC power-up is standard internal hardware initialization and memory self-testing. If the LED pattern clears and the r/e LED transitions to solid green, the system has successfully booted into operational mode. A persisting blinking code indicates missing CompactFlash media, unconfigured firmware, or a bus line fault.

Does the X20CP1483 require an external CompactFlash card to run?

Yes. The operating system (Automation Runtime), project application code, and initial configuration are loaded from an approved B&R industrial CompactFlash card inserted into the onboard front slot. The module cannot boot to standard RUN mode without a valid, configured CF memory card.

How do I configure the RS232 serial interface on the X20CP1483?

The RS232 port is accessed via pins 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 of the 12-pin terminal block X20TB12 (Interface IF1). Communication parameters—including baud rate (up to 115.2 kbit/s), parity, and flow control—are mapped directly within B&R Automation Studio hardware configuration and handled through native serial libraries.