Description
Key Facts at a Glance
- Realtime-capable Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS
- Wide range of apps for scalable software functionality
- Multi-core CPU performance and option interfaces for hardware scalability
- High level of cybersecurity (IEC 62443 compliant)
- Simplified, transparent device management via the ctrlX Device Portal
- Durable industrial hardware design
One Platform, Multiple Variants
All-in-one for future-proof automation. Choose the ctrlX CORE variant that fits your application:
ctrlX CORE X3
64-bit quad-core ARM
3x Gbit Ethernet
4 GB eMMC, 2 GB RAM
Perfect for Industry 4.0 applications.
ctrlX CORE plus X3
64-bit quad-core ARM
3x Gbit Ethernet
4 GB memory, 2 GB RAM
Flexible option interfaces and local I/O connection.
ctrlX CORE plus X5
Intel ATOM quad-core
5x Gbit Ethernet
16 GB memory, 8 GB RAM
Mid-range control for automation applications.
ctrlX CORE plus X7
Intel Core i7 with active cooling
5x Gbit Ethernet
32 GB memory, 16 GB RAM
High multi-core performance for demanding applications.
ctrlX CORE Drive-Integrated
Integrated directly in the drive
Reduces installation space
Supports compact machine designs
Ideal when control functionality needs to be built into the drive system.
One Control System — Countless Features
Industrial Hardware Design for Demanding Environments
As an embedded controller, ctrlX CORE offers a fan-free, robust electro-mechanical design for use in demanding environments. Its modern 64-bit architecture with fast 4-core CPUs can be flexibly assigned to control tasks for optimum efficiency. A wide range of interfaces — 1 Gbit Ethernet, USB and a µSD card slot, plus remanent memory for secure data storage — comes standard. Field communication runs via EtherCAT, and PC-free hardware replacement is possible with a license dongle.
ctrlX OS — Access to the Entire Ecosystem
ctrlX CORE runs the realtime-capable, Linux-based ctrlX OS, giving users maximum openness and access to the entire ctrlX OS ecosystem and all digital services. App technology delivers flexibility — apps for high-level languages, IEC-61131 programming, EtherCAT, visualization and more, all available in the ctrlX OS Store. The ctrlX Data Layer transparently manages all information as a central architectural element, letting every app communicate without additional programming work.
Secure by Design & Standards-Compliant
ctrlX CORE ensures the highest level of cybersecurity through secure-by-design principles and compliance with international standards. Data is protected by strong password rules, up-to-date software, encrypted VPN connections, and robust authentication and authorization. Development and certification follow IEC 62443, the latest security standard.
Connected & Flexible Scalability
Flexible CPU performance, memory and RAM adapt to individual requirements, and projects port easily within the platform. Modular variants expand with fieldbus or function interfaces. Local I/O modules connect tool-free on the right side of the controller. IoT protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA transfer machine data directly to the cloud, while OPC UA, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP enable networking with other control systems.
Remote Administration & Secure Remote Access
The ctrlX Device Portal makes remote administration easy. New software functions, device settings and updates are managed and deployed from a central location — including the assignment, licensing and updating of all available apps. Security updates and new features can be installed, backups restored, and update information accessed from anywhere. The only requirement is an internet connection.
Technical Data
| Specification | CORE X3 | CORE plus X3 | CORE plus X5 | CORE plus X7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 64-Bit Quad-Core ARM | 64-Bit Quad-Core ARM | Intel ATOM Quad-Core | Intel Core i7 |
| Fixed storage | 4 GB eMMC | 4 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Remanent memory | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 2 MByte | 2 MByte |
| Ethernet (EtherCAT master) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 2× GBit (RJ45) | 2× GBit (RJ45) |
| Ethernet (Engineering port) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 1× GBit (RJ45) |
| Ethernet (TSN endpoint) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 1× GBit (RJ45) | 2× GBit (RJ45) | 2× GBit (RJ45) |
| USB | 1× USB-C (2.0) | 1× USB-C (2.0) | 3× USB-C (3.1) | 3× USB-C (3.1) |
| SD card | 1× Micro-SD | 1× Micro-SD | 1× Micro-SD | 1× Micro-SD |
| Temperature (operation) | -25 °C to +55 °C (fanless ≤2000 m) | -25 °C to +55 °C (fanless ≤2000 m) | -25 °C to +55 °C (fanless ≤50 °C) | -25 °C to +55 °C (active cooled) |
| Degree of protection | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 |
| Standards | CE, UL, CSA | CE, UL, CSA | CE | CE, UL, CSA |
Option Interfaces (ctrlX CORE plus)
- MultiEthernet M/S (4× RJ45): Flexible protocol selection via apps — supports PROFINET Device & EtherNet/IP Adapter. Suitable on all ctrlX CORE plus hardware.
- SSD: 80 GB memory module. Suitable on all ctrlX CORE plus hardware.
- AI: Hailo-8 AI accelerator module. Suitable on ctrlX CORE plus X3.








