Beckhoff CP-Link 4: The One Cable Display Link

The optimum combination for remote operator interface units located up to 100 m away: Beckhoff multi-touch panel + CP-Link 4

Beckhoff presented a technological highlight at Hannover Messe 2013: CP-Link 4 is the new connection technology for operating panels located up to 100 m away from the Industrial PC. The single-cable solution can be used to transfer video signals, USB 2.0 and the power supply in a standard CAT 7 cable, thus reducing cable and installation costs. A further benefit is the use of purely passive displays. The CP-Link 4 technology is supported by the new Beckhoff multi-touch panel series CP29xx-0010 (built-in version) and CP39xx-0010 (mounting arm version).

The new Beckhoff panel generation with industrial multi-touch display offers a wide range of display sizes and connection options. CP-Link 4 extends the product portfolio with simple, standards-based connection technology.

A big advantage of this transmission technology is the use of commercial CAT 7 cables. They are easy to install and are also available as drag chain versions. The standard plug connectors are field-configurable. Alternatively, pre-assembled cables are available as accessories. The plug-and-play connection makes commissioning very simple and convenient. CP-Link 4 requires no special software or drivers.

CP-Link 4: The CP29xx-0010 multi-touch built-in panels and the CP39xx-0010 multi-touch panels for mounting arm installation can be operated up to 100 m away from the PC via a standard CAT 7 cable.
Photo by Beckhoff Automation GmbH

The CP-Link 4 technology is directly integrated in the passive panels of the multi-touch series. On the PC side, the connection can be made either via the PCIe module slot in the Industrial PC or via the CU8802 or CU8803 transmitter boxes. The following connection options are available:

The One Cable Display Link: In the single-cable solution, the DVI signal, USB 2.0 signal and 24 V power supply are transferred via a single cable. The CU8803 transmitter box provides the power supply for the Control Panel via the CAT 7 cable, which can be up to 100 m long. The CU8803 box can be connected to any PC via a DVI and USB cable and requires a 24 V supply.

The Two Cable Display Link: With this connection option DVI and USB 2.0 are transferred via a CAT 7 cable. The CU8802 transmitter box is connected to the PC via DVI and USB, or the C9900-E276 PCIe module is integrated in a Beckhoff IPC. The power supply is separate and is switchable, e.g. for emergency stop solutions with parallel wiring.

Beckhoff – the pioneer for industrial display connection technology
As a pioneer for industrial display connection technology, Beckhoff launched the first version of CP-Link as early as 1998. It enabled operating panels to be located away from the PC for the first time. Via two standard coaxial cables this version can be used to bridge a distance of up to 100 m between the PC and operator interface.

In 2006, Beckhoff presented the second generation of its display connection technology as a further innovation: surpassing the 5 m DVI/USB standard distance, the DVI/USB Extended technology, based on standard cables, enables distances of up to 50 m between Industrial PC and operating panel. The DVI/USB Extended 2.0 technology is offered with the new multi-touch panel series.

The CP-Link 3 concept is a pure software solution, using standard cable technologies for versatile connection of Panel PCs with an Industrial PC. It enables connection of up to 255 Ethernet Panels.

The collective expertise from 15 years of experience in the realisation of flexible visualisation and operating concepts is now bundled in the CP-Link 4 generation based on single-cable technology.

For further info visit www.beckhoff.com

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