"Twenty years and still going strong"

The X20 System from B&R has been available on the market for twenty years. What would normally mean the end of the lifecycle for many products does not apply here because the system has been further developed over the years. Product Manager Andreas Hager explains why the X20 will remain crucial to the success of machine builders in the future.

Andreas Hager: Then as now, the aim was clearly a compact and modular design. When developing the X20 concept, the main consideration was to make handling a machine as easy as possible for the machine manufacturer, both during commissioning and in operation. With the three-part design of the X20 System, which consists of the bus and electronic module as well as the terminal block, the I/O modules are easy to handle, very economical and easy to install.

Hager: Machine builders could explore completely new approaches to machine design and implement more compact control cabinets. By simply removing the terminal block, an old module can be easily replaced with a new one. The system automatically takes care of ensuring that the new module functions exactly like the previous one. While other concepts first require the cabling to be disconnected or a firmware update to be carried out manually, our X20 System does this independently. A machine can simply remain in operation while it is being serviced, for example, which saves an enormous amount of time and money.

Hager: The X20 has been in continuous development for twenty years and offers even better performance than before, such as more computing power, more RAM or additional interfaces. The new PLC has the same design, so customers can easily upgrade, making switching to a new PLC generation simple and convenient. It's important to mention that the X20 is not just an I/O system, but a complete portfolio. Various programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or control products can be combined with the I/O system or remote stations can be implemented in the control cabinet, for example. The X20 System offers a wide range of possibilities.

Hager: I'm sure that the basic functions will continue to be in every PLC, but IoT and cloud computing are now placing new demands on controllers. Machines should no longer just be controlled, they should also collect data on a large scale, evaluate it and make it available in a higher-level system, for example. One thing is sure: The X20 is twenty years old and still going strong.

Hager: Our safety technology, with components that are fully integrated into the portfolio and can be modularly combined with each other at any point, was certainly the first major milestone. Current innovations are aimed, for example, at compact drive technology, but are also moving towards high-density products, providing even more channels in a compact design. The X20 controller is multifunctional, meaning that channels can be configured as they are meant to be mapped, for example as an input, output or the type of signal being processed.

Hager: We are very close to the market and are quick to pick up on new requirements and ensure that they are covered. This includes digitization or providing multiple functions in a single module. It's important to mention that the X20 portfolio has long-term availability and compatibility, which are particularly important advantages for our customers.

Hager: If a product was visionary twenty years ago, has been continuously developed, worked just as well back then as it does today and continues to inspire new customers, then in my eyes it's an all-round successful product. With the X20, this shows us that we're on the cutting edge of technology and are developing the right products that receive a high level of approval and acceptance on the market. For me, one thing is certain: The X20 is the perfect example of a successful product.