The b maXX PLC combines features of industrial PCs and PLC controllers and thus covers the area between these existing solutions. The PLC is available in two versions: The b maXX PLC mc controls motion control applications and, in combination with the extensive Baumüller technology libraries, enables fast implementation of high-performance automation tasks.

With the Industry 4.0 variant b maXX PLC IoT, data can be collected directly at the machine, pre-processed and output to other end devices or the cloud. It enables extensive and complex data analyses to enable Industry 4.0 applications such as predictive maintenance. At the same time, new business models such as "pay per x" can be realized. Both variants are available in the same design and have an IEC 61131-3 environment for implementing demanding control tasks in "hard" real time.

Compact control unit with high power reserves

The system has compact dimensions of 110 x 90 x 35 mm. The b maXX PLC mc is based on an Intel x86 CPU system, can be used universally for almost any automation task and can be mounted flexibly. It requires little space in the control cabinet and is suitable for top-hat rail mounting. The b maXX PLC mc is also characterized by very good performance with highly synchronous real-time tasks. This allows complex applications with the highest performance requirements to be implemented.

The combination of PLC and PC allows the possibilities of the Windows operating system to be used in addition to the actual control tasks. The use of multi-core processors from the Intel Atom series and the division into a real-time operating system and a Windows operating system, which both work independently of each other, means that applications can be implemented that previously required at least two systems. A typical example of this is machine visualization. This saves space in the control cabinet, reduces complexity and costs in the after-sales area, such as spare parts management.

The b maXX PLC mc is user-friendly, for example thanks to the battery for the real-time clock, which can be replaced from the outside without tools. At the same time, a very fast non-volatile memory - NVRAM - enables secure data storage even in the event of a power failure.

IoT connectivity

The b maXX PLC IoT expands the Baumüller b maXX PLC mc controller with extensive IoT functionalities. It is an ideal solution for networking and controlling machines and machine modules through to individual automation components. With the b maXX PLC IoT, data can be collected directly at the machine, pre-processed and output to other end devices or the cloud. It enables extensive and complex data analyses to enable Industry 4.0 applications such as predictive maintenance. At the same time, new business models such as "pay per x" can also be realized.

The Node-Red software is also implemented on the b maXX PLC IoT. This allows individual parameterization for the analysis of data through to the creation of your own dashboards. The available MQTT module allows data to be sent to various clouds, regardless of the respective cloud provider. An OPC UA module is also included to ensure interoperability at machine level.

Data from devices from different manufacturers can be processed. Data from Baumüller products, such as those of a b maXX converter, can be output in parallel to the fieldbus via the internal protocol and thus via the service interface. Thanks to the extended functions, Baumüller devices, such as the b maXX PLC IoT, can be connected to other automation components via OPC UA.