cifX PCIe Real-Time Ethernet Communication Card (CIFX 50E-RE / PROFINET & EtherCAT)

The cifX 50E-RE is a PCI Express card from Hilscher based on the netX 50 communication controller. It connects a PC or industrial computer to real-time Ethernet networks, and the protocol is set by loading firmware, with PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and Sercos among the options. The card can act as a master or as a device depending on the firmware, and it presents a common driver interface to the host application through the cifX API, which lets software be moved between protocols. Typical applications include PC-based control, test benches, HMI and visualisation systems, and gateways that connect a PC to a PROFINET or EtherCAT network. Firmware licences for master functions are ordered separately.