The ctrlX CORE range consists of different models that vary in terms of performance and capacity, allowing precise adaptation to the specific needs of each application. The ctrlX CORE models include the variants CORE X3, COREplus X3, COREplus X5, and COREplus X7, as well as the ctrlX CORE Drive.
Among the main differences is the range of processors, from a 64-bit ARM Quad-Core up to an Intel Core i7 processor.
Notably, the CORE Drive model incorporates all the functionalities of the CORE X3 in a single or dual drive for servo motors.
EQUINOTEC offers complete engineering, automation, and industrial control solutions, operating across various sectors of the industry. Our expertise includes the execution of customized projects, specialized technical support, and the commercialisation of industrial components for the construction and maintenance of machines and equipment.
CtrlX is an industrial automation platform by Bosch Rexroth, that aims to revolutionize the industrial automation landscape by setting new standards for the technological integration of control systems. Focusing on hardware with a flexible and scalable architecture, the ctrlX CORE controllers break down barriers between modern embedded systems and traditional process and drive control technologies. This compact, high-performance solution provides a solid foundation for modern industrial control systems.
Features of the ctrlX CORE Models
The ctrlX CORE range consists of different models that vary in terms of performance and capacity, allowing precise adaptation to the specific needs of each application. The ctrlX CORE models include the variants CORE X3, COREplus X3, COREplus X5, COREplus X7, and the ctrlX CORE Drive.
Among the main differences is the range of processors, which span from a 64-bit ARM Quad-Core to an Intel Core i7 processor.
A highlight is the CORE Drive model, which includes all the functionalities of the CORE X3 in a single or dual drive for servo motors.
The flexibility of the ctrlX CORE is further enhanced by its ability to integrate with expansion modules, whether through input/output cards or add-ons such as Ethernet port modules, additional memory drives, AI accelerators, and others that add various specific functionalities to the system.
In the COREplus models, cards can be directly applied to the PLC, allowing for direct system expansion. For the CORE X3, the CORE Drive, or when the panel layout requires it, there are various bus couplers that enable the connection of I/O cards, ensuring the same modularity and adaptability to the specific needs of the application.
Apps and Software
The ctrlX ecosystem was designed from the ground up to be integrated into modern architectures, where machine control, OT from MES and SCADA solutions, and IT from data platforms, IoT, and Cloud converge. With a wide range of software applications, this ecosystem offers various tools and functionalities to meet all kinds of needs.
The applications are provided in a granular manner, offering flexibility and scalability to the system, allowing users to invest only in the software they truly require.
In addition to the PLC and Motion components, in which Bosch Rexroth has always been a reference for performance, the ctrlX CORE also includes communication with machines and devices through standard industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA, MQTT, and others.
User interface development for HMIs, beyond the classic solutions integrated into the PLC, can be created using powerful tools like WebIQ, iniNET SCADA SERVER, or simpler approaches such as the Dashboard component of Node-RED.
However, it is in digital transformation tools and advanced software that ctrlX truly stands out. Field data collection can be efficiently performed through Device Bridge, an application that enables data routing between various types of PLCs, field devices, databases (such as SQL or MongoDB), and communication tools (like Kafka or RabbitMQ). Another alternative is Node-RED, previously mentioned for dashboard creation, which proves to be especially flexible for collecting, transforming, and sending data.
These solutions, combined with data storage and visualization tools such as InfluxDB or the “Key Value Database” app, enable the ctrlX CORE controllers to be transformed into powerful Edge Devices. In addition to these solutions, there is also the “Container Engine” application, which allows the use of all types of Docker containers—whether existing solutions or custom-made ones—executing functions traditionally associated with IPCs.
Digital Twins Applied in ctrlX
Digital twins are virtual replicas of machines, processes, or other physical systems that accurately reflect their characteristics, states, and behaviors with relevant temporal fidelity. By integrating data from sensors and other sources, digital twins enable monitoring, correlation, analysis, and extrapolation of the performance of their physical counterparts, facilitating informed decision-making and operational optimization.
In industry, digital twins are particularly useful in characterizing manufacturing processes or the functional aspects of equipment.
In processes, they provide a faithful representation not only of common indicators but also a more granular view of everything that influences efficiency and quality. Additionally, they allow the implementation of extrapolation or simulation strategies to predict the impact of new configurations, events, or recipes on operations.
In addition to data directly related to the process, equipment also generates information about the condition of its components, such as temperature, vibration, energy consumption, pressures, fluid flow rates, and even sound noise. When this data is properly combined and complemented with information related to the electromechanical design, it is possible to create a comprehensive digital representation that enables predictive or prescriptive maintenance approaches.
Moreover, it is capable of providing feedback to manufacturers and design teams through analysis and simulation tools, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of the product. For the successful implementation of these strategies to bring truly impactful results to companies, it is essential to assemble a broad set of skills, both within the teams and in the hardware and software solutions.
The ctrlX CORE is particularly suited for these types of solutions, where it is necessary to bridge OT and IT. While maintaining the characteristics of a classic PLC, programmable with the languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard, the ctrlX CORE offers additional capabilities that also allow it to function as an IPC. These features ensure its integration as a digital component, making it compatible with digitization and advanced data analytics solutions.
This device operates as a flexible EDGE device solution, capable of aggregating data from multiple pieces of equipment by combining PLC and EDGE functionalities in a single device. Additionally, the ctrlX CORE range includes data storage solutions and AI accelerators, ensuring it meets all types of needs in the implementation of Digital Twins.
Within the complexity of its capabilities, the ctrlX CORE collects data from equipment and industrial processes through various interfaces dedicated to sensors or external data sources. This information is then interpreted, transformed, stored, and processed within the device itself with the help of data analysis applications.
It is also possible to adopt artificial intelligence-based approaches, while all relevant information can be made available to users through different types of interfaces such as classic HMIs, SCADA systems, or other similar solutions.
These solutions can also be integrated with various cloud services, ensuring not only the scalability of the system but also essential features such as secure remote access and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Conclusion
The ctrlX CORE platform by Bosch Rexroth represents a true revolution in industrial automation, combining an open architecture with unique flexibility. This control solution, which seamlessly integrates into the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem, enables the creation of systems tailored to the specific requirements of each application. At the same time, this platform meets current and future industry demands, promoting integration between traditional control and the new possibilities offered by digitalization and IoT.
Additionally, the capability to implement digital twins transforms how data is collected and analyzed, facilitating predictive maintenance and operational optimization. Thus, the ctrlX CORE not only sets new automation standards but also prepares industries for the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.
