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B&R X20BM11
Product Series: B&R X20 BM Series (Communication)
Product Overview:
The X20BM11 is a CANopen communication module for the B&R X20 I/O system. It enables the X20 I/O station to communicate on a CANopen network (CiA 301 / CiA 402 compliant) at speeds up to 1 Mbit/s. This module is ideal for decentralized I/O architectures using CANopen as the fieldbus.
Detailed content
Key Technical Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Communication Protocol | CANopen (CiA 301, CiA 402) |
| CAN Version | CAN 2.0B (29-bit identifier) |
| Transmission Speed | 10 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s (configurable) |
| Max. I/O Data (Input) | 240 bytes |
| Max. I/O Data (Output) | 240 bytes |
| Max. Number of Modules | Up to 63 X20 modules per station |
| Bus Connector | Sub-D 9-pin (female) for CAN_H / CAN_L |
| Supply Voltage | 24 V DC (±20%) |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 1.2 W |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +70°C |
| Protection Class | IP20 (front), IP65 (with housing) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 90 mm x 120 mm x 74.5 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 180 g |
| Connection | Screw terminal for bus, X20 backplane connector |
| Diagnostics | Bus status, module status, error counters, diagnostic LEDs |
| Node ID Setting | Rotary switch (1–127) or software-configurable |
Functional Features:
- CANopen slave — fully compliant with CiA 301 (application layer) and CiA 402 (device profile)
- PDO (Process Data Object) mapping — up to 240 bytes input and 240 bytes output
- SDO (Service Data Object) for parameter configuration
- NMT (Network Management) — supports Pre-Operational, Operational, Stopped states
- Emergency (EMCY) message support — CiA 301 emergency object
- Heartbeat / Node Guarding for node monitoring
- LSS (Layer Setting Services) for dynamic baud rate change
- EDS (Electronic Data Sheet) file available for configuration tools
Working Principle:
The X20BM11 contains a CAN controller with CANopen protocol stack implemented in hardware/firmware. It connects to the X20 backplane bus on one side and to the CAN network (CAN_H / CAN_L) via a Sub-D 9-pin connector on the other. The module operates as a CANopen slave device (DS-301). The master (CANopen manager) sends SYNC, TPDO, and RPDO telegrams. The X20BM11 exchanges I/O data with the X20 modules via the backplane and maps it to CANopen PDOs. The EDS file defines all object dictionary entries for the master configuration tool (e.g., CODESYS, CANKing, or B&R Automation Studio).
Material Composition:
- Housing: Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (PA66-GF30), halogen-free
- Terminals: Tin-plated copper alloy
- PCB: FR-4, conformally coated
- Bus Connector: Metal-shielded Sub-D 9-pin
Structural Characteristics:
- DIN rail mounting (TS 35, EN 60715)
- X20 backplane connector on top
- CAN Sub-D 9-pin connector on front (CAN_H, CAN_L, GND)
- 3 status LEDs: Power, Bus, Error
- Rotary switch for node ID setting (1–127)
- Module width: 15 mm (X20 standard)
Advantages & Highlights:
- CANopen CiA 402 compliant — plug-and-play with any CiA 402 master
- Up to 1 Mbit/s — fast enough for most I/O applications
- EDS file available — easy integration into CODESYS, CANKing, etc.
- Supports up to 63 X20 modules per station
- EMCY and Heartbeat — robust network diagnostics
- LSS support — baud rate change without power cycle
Applicable Industries:
- Mobile machinery (J1939/CANopen hybrid)
- Agricultural equipment
- Material handling and AGVs
- Building automation (CANopen lifts, HVAC)
- Marine and offshore
- Decentralized I/O in distributed systems
Installation Requirements:
- Mount on DIN rail TS 35 (EN 60715) as the first module in the X20 station
- Connect CAN_H and CAN_L to the network using shielded twisted-pair cable (120 Ω)
- Install 120 Ω termination resistors at both ends of the CAN bus
- Set the node ID using the rotary switch (ensure uniqueness on the network)
- Import the EDS file into the CANopen master configuration tool
- Configure PDO mapping in the master tool to match your I/O requirements
Usage Precautions:
- Always install 120 Ω termination at both physical ends of the CAN bus
- Maximum bus length at 1 Mbit/s is approximately 40 m — reduce for longer distances
- Maximum 127 nodes on one CAN segment (including the master)
- Set unique node IDs — duplicate IDs cause bus errors
- Do not connect CAN_H and CAN_L to power supply
- Ambient: -25°C to +70°C
