Description
HEIDENHAIN MC422 359630-01
Product Introduction
The HEIDENHAIN MC422 359630-01 is a host computer designed for HEIDENHAIN CNC control systems used on machine tools. It combines the computing hardware required for the CNC control environment with interfaces for machine-side signals and operator display functions. The documented configuration uses an AMD K6/2 processor operating at 266 MHz with 64 MB of working memory and an integrated hard disk. This architecture reflects an earlier generation of CNC control hardware, where the host computer handled the central computing workload rather than functioning as a modern standalone industrial PC.
The HEIDENHAIN MC422 359630-01 also provides three ±10 V analog inputs and three PT100 inputs, together with RS-232, RS-422, Ethernet, PS/2, and USB interfaces. An integrated PLC interface allows the host computer to participate in the machine control architecture, while display support is specified for a color TFT panel with XGA 1024 × 768 resolution. These interfaces are important when assessing a replacement because the MC422 is part of a larger CNC control assembly rather than an isolated computing device.
For maintenance and procurement, the complete HEIDENHAIN identification number 359630-01 should be treated as a primary matching criterion. The related MC422B and MC422C units have different hardware configurations, including different processors, memory capacities, and interfaces, so a visually similar MC-series computer should not automatically be treated as a drop-in replacement.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MC422 |
| HEIDENHAIN ID Number | 359630-01 |
| Manufacturer | HEIDENHAIN |
| Product Type | CNC host computer / CNC control computer |
| Processor | AMD K6/2, 266 MHz |
| Working Memory | 64 MB |
| Storage | Integrated hard disk |
| Analog Inputs | 3 × ±10 V |
| Temperature Inputs | 3 × PT100 |
| Serial Interfaces | RS-232, RS-422 |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| PS/2 Interface | Yes |
| USB | Yes |
| PLC Interface | Integrated PLC interface |
| Display Interface | Color TFT, XGA 1024 × 768 |
| Communication Function | Serial and Ethernet data interfaces |
| Mounting | CNC control cabinet / machine control installation |
| Weight | Approx. 7.69 kg |
| Operating Temperature | Not reliably established from the available documentation |
| Protection Rating | Not reliably established |
| Supply Voltage | Not reliably established; verify from the unit nameplate/system documentation |
The available documentation does not provide enough evidence to safely assign a specific supply voltage, IP rating, or operating-temperature range to this exact 359630-01 configuration, so those values should be confirmed before installation.
MC422 359630-01
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
1. Dedicated CNC Host Architecture
The MC422 is fundamentally a CNC host computer rather than a conventional PLC CPU. Its processor, memory, hard disk, display interface, PLC interface, and machine-facing I/O are integrated into the HEIDENHAIN control architecture. That distinction matters when troubleshooting: a failure of the can affect the CNC operating environment even when individual machine I/O modules remain electrically healthy.
2. Legacy Computing Hardware
The AMD K6/2 266 MHz processor and 64 MB memory identify this unit as legacy computing hardware. The integrated hard disk is particularly important during maintenance because storage failure can prevent normal CNC startup even if the processor and interface hardware remain functional. Before removing a functioning , preserve the available machine configuration and system data wherever the control documentation permits.
3. Mixed Interface Architecture
RS-232, RS-422, Ethernet, PS/2, and USB interfaces provide several generations of peripheral and service connectivity. Do not assume that the presence of Ethernet makes the equivalent to a current Ethernet-based CNC controller. The exact machine software, PLC configuration, display hardware, cabling, and connected peripherals remain part of the system compatibility equation.
4. Analog and Temperature Inputs
The documented configuration includes three ±10 V analog inputs and three PT100 inputs. These connections should be checked against the machine electrical drawings before replacement. A replacement computer with a different I/O configuration may require changes elsewhere in the control system.
5. Exact Identification Matters
HEIDENHAIN produced related variants. The MC422B, for example, uses an Intel Pentium III 800 MHz processor and 256 MB memory, while MC422C uses a substantially different dual-processor architecture and includes PROFIBUS. Those differences demonstrate why 359630-01 should be matched directly rather than purchasing an -series unit solely from the model name.
Application Scenarios
- HEIDENHAIN CNC machine tool control systems
- Legacy CNC control cabinet maintenance
- CNC host-computer replacement
- Machine-tool modernization assessment
- Maintenance stock for older HEIDENHAIN control systems
- Troubleshooting of CNC computer, display, PLC-interface, or communication faults
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
Do not confuse with MC422B or MC422C. These are related product generations but have materially different computing and interface configurations.
Do not order by model number alone. The HEIDENHAIN ID number 359630-01 is the critical procurement reference.
Check the hard-disk condition. A replacement unit may contain different stored data, software, or machine-specific configuration. Hardware compatibility does not automatically mean the machine will boot into the correct CNC environment.
Check all external interfaces before installation. Record the existing RS-232/RS-422 connections, Ethernet configuration, display connection, USB/PS/2 peripherals, analog wiring, and PT100 connections.
Do not assume modern PC specifications are directly relevant. The belongs to a dedicated legacy CNC architecture. A newer computer with greater CPU performance is not automatically compatible with the machine’s CNC software and hardware interfaces.
Preserve the machine configuration before replacement whenever possible. For an operational machine, backup procedures should be performed before disturbing the host computer or its storage device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEIDENHAIN 359630-01?
It is a HEIDENHAIN CNC host computer identified by ID number 359630-01. The documented configuration includes an AMD K6/2 266 MHz processor, 64 MB memory, integrated hard disk, analog and PT100 inputs, multiple communication interfaces, and an integrated PLC interface.
Is 359630-01 a PLC CPU?
Not in the conventional standalone PLC sense. It is a CNC host computer with an integrated PLC interface forming part of a HEIDENHAIN CNC control architecture.
What processor does the use?
The exact 359630-01 configuration is documented with an AMD K6/2 processor running at 266 MHz.
How much memory does 359630-01 have?
The documented configuration has 64 MB of working memory.
What communication interfaces are available?
The documented interfaces include RS-232, RS-422, and Ethernet, along with PS/2 and USB interfaces.
Does include analog inputs?
Yes. The documented configuration has three ±10 V analog inputs and three PT100 inputs.
Can MC422B or MC422C replace 359630-01?
They should not be treated as automatic substitutes. MC422B and MC422C use different hardware configurations. Compatibility should be confirmed against the specific CNC control, software, display, PLC configuration, and machine wiring before substitution.
Procurement Note
For a replacement or maintenance-stock purchase, specify HEIDENHAIN , ID-NR. 359630-01 exactly. Request clear photos of the nameplate and connectors, confirm the hardware revision if shown, and establish whether the supplied unit is a tested/overhauled assembly or an untested used unit. The stored CNC/PLC environment and hard-disk condition should be treated as part of the technical acceptance criteria, not just the physical computer assembly.
