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Beckhoff

Beckhoff Automation develops PC-based control technology built around Industrial PCs, real-time Ethernet communication, and modular I/O terminals. Beckhoff PLC systems are used to implement controller architectures where logic execution, fieldbus communication, and I/O processing are handled within a PC-based runtime environment. PLC Direct supplies Beckhoff PLC hardware used for replacement and lifecycle support within Beckhoff automation systems.

Why Choose Beckhoff: Reliable and Innovative Automation Solutions

Beckhoff is defined by its PC-based control concept, where PLC functionality runs on Industrial PCs rather than dedicated controller hardware. Beckhoff PLCs are designed around modular I/O terminals and high-speed fieldbus communication, enabling control architectures to be assembled at the I/O and IPC level instead of through fixed PLC families.

This approach allows Beckhoff PLC systems to be built around:

Industrial PC–based controllers executing automation logic
Terminal-based I/O systems assembled per signal requirement
High-speed EtherCAT communication architectures
Controller configurations defined by software runtime and hardware selection

This design model reflects Beckhoff’s emphasis on software-defined control executed on standardized PC hardware.

Beckhoff Products and Solutions

Beckhoff structures its automation portfolio around Industrial PCs, embedded controllers, and modular I/O terminals used to construct distributed PC-based control systems. The Beckhoff collection at PLC Direct focuses on hardware used in installed Beckhoff automation environments, supporting maintenance and lifecycle continuity.

Beckhoff Product Families

Beckhoff product families commonly supported include:

Industrial PCs (IPC) used as automation and motion control platforms
Embedded controllers (CX2000, CX5000, CX7000, CX9000 series) used for compact PC-based control
Beckhoff PLC modules including EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) used for high-speed I/O signal processing
Bus Terminals (KLxxxx series) used for fieldbus-neutral I/O signal processing
EtherCAT Box modules (EPxxxx series) used for IP67-rated distributed I/O
EtherCAT Couplers (EKxxxx series) used for real-time communication
TwinSAFE-enabled I/O terminals used for safety-rated applications
AX5000 and AX8000 servo drives for motion control

Beckhoff Products Available on PLC Direct

Products available through PLC Direct’s Beckhoff collection include:

PLC Beckhoff Industrial PC controllers
Embedded Beckhoff PLC controllers (CX series)
EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series)
Bus Terminals (KLxxxx series)
EtherCAT Box modules (EPxxxx series)
EtherCAT Couplers (EKxxxx series)
TwinSAFE I/O modules and safety components
Support accessories and system components

These products are typically sourced for repair, replacement, or lifecycle support of Beckhoff PLC systems.

Lifecycle Support for Beckhoff Systems

PLC Direct supports Beckhoff PLCs by supplying inventory-backed Beckhoff hardware used across multiple stages of the system lifecycle. Our focus is on supporting operational continuity within Beckhoff automation environments.

Support coverage includes:

Beckhoff PLC controllers used in active systems
Beckhoff PLC modules including EtherCAT Terminals and Bus Terminals used in configured architectures
Select Beckhoff EtherCAT components and couplers, subject to availability

Additional support may include:

Inventory-backed availability
Assistance with product identification and order verification
Sourcing support for compatible Beckhoff PLC hardware
1-year PLC Direct warranty

PLC Direct supplies Beckhoff industrial automation hardware for replacement and maintenance purposes and does not provide system design, programming, or integration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beckhoff uses a PC-based control approach where automation logic runs on Industrial PCs or embedded controllers instead of dedicated PLC CPUs. Control architectures are built using modular I/O terminals and real-time EtherCAT communication rather than fixed controller families.

Beckhoff systems typically use Industrial PCs or embedded CX controllers as the primary control platform. These devices execute control logic and communicate with distributed I/O terminals over EtherCAT to form the complete automation system.

Software defines control logic, system behavior, and communication within Beckhoff’s PC-based architecture. PLC Direct supports customers by supplying Beckhoff hardware used in these systems but does not provide software licensing, configuration, or programming services.

PLC Direct supplies Beckhoff PLC hardware used in existing systems, including CX series embedded controllers, Beckhoff PLC modules such as EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx series) and Bus Terminals (KLxxxx series), EtherCAT Box modules (EPxxxx series), EtherCAT Couplers (EKxxxx series), and related components. These products are typically sourced for replacement, expansion, or lifecycle support within installed Beckhoff environments.

Beckhoff systems are expanded by adding compatible controllers, I/O terminals, or EtherCAT components. This modular hardware model allows system changes without replacing the core control platform.