Description
HIMA X-CPU 01 HIMax Processor Module
Product Overview
The HIMA X-CPU 01 is the central processor module for the HIMax programmable electronic system (PES). It performs the core processing functions of the safety controller, including execution of up to 32 user programs, central communication functions, safe communication through safeethernet, redundancy management, and storage of CPU and I/O events. HIMA’s technical manual describes the processor as a safety-related 1oo2 system containing two synchronous microprocessors, a testable hardware comparator, watchdog supervision, and continuous self-tests.
The HIMA X-CPU 01 operates from 24 VDC with a -15% to +20% tolerance and consumes approximately 1.4 A at 24 VDC. Its four Ethernet interfaces support 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T operation and are provided through the X-CB 001 01 connector board. The documented protocols include safeethernet, PADT, OPC, and SNTP. The processor provides 10 MB of total program/data memory for all user programs, 32 kB for retain variables, and a 5,000-event nonvolatile event buffer.
For a legacy HIMax installation, the X-CPU 01 should be treated as a system-level processor rather than a conventional PLC CPU that can simply be exchanged based on physical fit. HIMA specifies permitted processor slots, system-bus arrangements, the X-FAN forced-cooling system, and a matching connector board. Hardware revision and operating-system revision are also recorded on the module type label, making those details important during spare-part procurement.
Product Introduction
Central processing, safe communication, and processor redundancy all converge in the X-CPU 01. Its 1oo2 processor architecture continuously compares the results of two synchronous processors, while a watchdog and self-test functions monitor the processing path.
For a HIMax legacy replacement, the critical issue is not just finding an X-CPU 01. The replacement must match the installed HIMax architecture, approved slot arrangement, connector board, cooling arrangement, hardware revision, and operating-system requirements. HIMA specifically documents the X-CPU 01 for redundant configurations and recommends configurations that permit processor replacement without interrupting operation.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | X-CPU 01 |
| Manufacturer / Brand | HIMA |
| Product Family | HIMax |
| Product Type | Processor Module / Safety CPU |
| Processor Architecture | 1oo2 safety-related processor system |
| Microprocessors | 2 synchronous microprocessors |
| Processor | PowerPC |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC, -15% to +20% |
| Supply Ripple | ≤5% |
| Current Consumption | 1.4 A at 24 VDC |
| User Programs | 1–32 |
| Total Program/Data Memory | 10 MB less 4 kB for CRCs |
| Retain Variable Memory | 32 kB |
| Event Definitions | Up to 20,000 |
| Nonvolatile Event Buffer | 5,000 events |
| Date/Time Buffer | Minimum 5 days |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 × RJ-45 |
| Ethernet Speed | 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX / 1000BASE-T |
| Ethernet Duplex | Half / full duplex |
| Ethernet Protocols | safeethernet, PADT, OPC, SNTP |
| Protection Class | Class III, IEC/EN 61131-2 |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Ambient Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage / Transport Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤95%, noncondensing |
| Pollution Degree | II |
| Maximum Installation Altitude | <2,000 m |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 310 × 29.2 × 236 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.6 kg |
| Connector Board | X-CB 001 01 |
| Cooling | Forced cooling via X-FAN |
| Maximum Processor Modules | 4, subject to HIMax slot/system-bus rules |
These specifications are taken from HIMA’s X-CPU 01 manual, including the published product-data table and interface description.
Major Features / Practical Advantages
1oo2 safety-related processor architecture
The X-CPU 01 does not use an ordinary single-processor control architecture. HIMA documents a 1oo2 processor system containing two synchronous microprocessors. Their data is continuously compared through a testable hardware comparator, while a watchdog monitors both processors. Internal self-tests are also part of the safety architecture.
That architecture is important when evaluating a replacement. An ordinary PLC CPU with similar memory capacity or Ethernet connectivity cannot be considered functionally equivalent simply because it can execute comparable logic.
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Central HIMax system processing
The processor executes the user programs and performs central system functions. HIMA specifies support for up to 32 user programs, with a total program/data memory allocation of 10 MB less 4 kB reserved for CRCs. Retain variables have a separate 32 kB nonvolatile storage area.
The architecture therefore supports considerably more than a basic logic-processing role. Configuration data, retain variables, operating-system information, online changes, production data, fault history, and events are held in nonvolatile memory.
Four Gigabit-capable Ethernet interfaces
The X-CPU 01 provides four RJ-45 Ethernet connections through the X-CB 001 01 connector board. Each interface supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T operation, with automatic negotiation and autocrossover.
The documented communication functions include safeethernet, PADT, OPC, and SNTP. HIMA also documents specific UDP ports used for SILworX programming/operation, remote I/O configuration, safeethernet/OPC, and SNTP time synchronization.
Safeethernet communication
Safe communication with other HIMA controllers and remote I/O is part of the processor’s safety function. HIMA specifies safeethernet communication through the CPU Ethernet interfaces or through a communication module.
This makes the Ethernet interface more than a standard supervisory network connection. Network configuration, addressing, routing, and protocol allocation must be handled in accordance with the HIMax engineering environment.
Redundant processor operation
Up to four processor modules can be used, subject to the permitted HIMax rack and slot combinations. HIMA specifies processor slots 3–6 in rack 0 and slots 3–4 in rack 1, with additional restrictions on combinations across the two racks.
HIMA specifically recommends a redundant configuration that allows a processor module to be replaced without interrupting operation. That capability depends on the actual configured redundancy architecture; it should not be interpreted as unrestricted hot-swapping of a lone CPU.
Diagnostic and event storage
The X-CPU 01 maintains both event and diagnostic information. Its nonvolatile event buffer can store 5,000 events, while the processor’s diagnostic memory supports 1,500 short-term diagnostic messages and 2,500 long-term diagnostic messages accessible through the PADT.
For maintenance teams, this is useful when investigating intermittent controller faults because the diagnostic history can provide information that would not be available from front-panel LEDs alone.
Defined failure response
When the internal test system detects a fault, HIMA specifies that the processor enters ERROR STOP and restarts. If the fault remains, the processor avoids repeatedly restarting after the prescribed sequence and requires user intervention through the PADT after the problem is corrected.
This behavior is part of the safety design rather than a nuisance-reset mechanism. Troubleshooting should therefore begin with the diagnostic information rather than repeated power cycling.
Forced cooling requirement
The X-CPU 01 must be operated with the X-FAN forced-cooling system. HIMA explicitly identifies forced cooling as a mounting requirement. When the HIMax system is operating, the fan-rack cover should not remain open for more than a few minutes because doing so affects the forced-cooling arrangement.
This is an easy detail to miss when installing a spare processor outside the original rack assembly.
Related Products
- X-CPU 31 — HIMax processor module intended for smaller and medium-sized safety applications. It is not simply a drop-in substitute for an X-CPU 01 configuration; system capacity and architecture must be checked.
- X-SB 01 — HIMax system-bus module. It provides the system-bus infrastructure required by the HIMax processor architecture rather than performing CPU processing.
- X-COM 01 — HIMax communication module with additional communication interfaces and protocol capability. It complements the CPU where communication requirements exceed the CPU’s native functions.
- X-CB 001 01 — Connector board required for the X-CPU 01. It provides the four Ethernet connections and forms the functional interface between the processor module and external connections.
- X-FAN — HIMax forced-cooling system required for operation of the X-CPU 01.
- X-DI 32 01 — HIMax digital input module for 24 VDC field signals; used for input acquisition rather than central processing.
- X-DI 64 01 — HIMax 64-channel 24 VDC digital input module for higher-density discrete input applications.
- X-AI 32 01 — HIMax 32-channel 4–20 mA analog input module with line monitoring.
- X-DO 16 01 — HIMax digital output family component used for discrete output functions; it does not replace the X-CPU 01.
FAQ
Can I hot-swap the HIMA X-CPU 01?
It depends on the configured HIMax redundancy architecture. HIMA recommends a redundant processor configuration that allows a processor to be replaced without interrupting operation. The manual also states that only a correctly configured redundant system should be treated this way. A single essential processor must not simply be removed from a live system.
What connector board does the X-CPU 01 require?
The documented connector board is X-CB 001 01. It provides the four Ethernet interfaces used by the processor. HIMA states that the connector board is not included with the processor module and that the module and connector board together form the functional unit.
Does the X-CPU 01 support firmware or operating system version 3.1?
Do not infer this from the model number. The module’s type label records both the hardware revision (HW-Rev.) and operating-system revision (OS-Rev.), and HIMA states that the operating system can be updated through the HIMax engineering environment. For a replacement, compare the existing HW-Rev./OS-Rev. and project requirements rather than assuming compatibility from “X-CPU 01” alone.
How many X-CPU 01 modules can a HIMax system use?
A maximum of four processor modules may be used, subject to the specified rack and slot restrictions. HIMA documents approved arrangements across rack 0 and rack 1 and imposes additional restrictions on simultaneous slot assignments.
What happens to the program if the CPU fails?
The processor stores the operating system, configuration information, online changes, retain variables, production data, fault history, and events in protected nonvolatile memory. During boot, the system transfers program code from nonvolatile memory into program/data memory. A replacement therefore still requires verification of the project configuration and system state; do not assume that installing a bare spare automatically recreates the complete application.
Is the X-CPU 01 a conventional PLC CPU?
No. It is the central processor for the HIMax safety-related PES. Its architecture includes a 1oo2 processor system, watchdog, hardware comparator, safety-related communication, diagnostic functions, and defined safe-state behavior. HIMA documents certification for safety-related applications up to SIL 3, but that certification applies within the specified safety architecture and conditions; it should not be interpreted as a standalone SIL rating for an arbitrary application.
Can I install the X-CPU 01 in any HIMax slot?
No. HIMA specifies processor positions in rack 0 and rack 1 and explicitly warns that only permitted slots may be used. The system also requires suitable system-bus and cooling arrangements.
What is the operating temperature?
The specified ambient operating range is 0°C to +60°C, with transport and storage from -40°C to +85°C and maximum relative humidity of 95% noncondensing. Temperature monitoring inside the module has warning thresholds beginning at 40°C and a higher threshold above 60°C.
Procurement Note
For a HIMA X-CPU 01 replacement, the model number is only the first check. The actual procurement comparison should include the HW-Rev., OS-Rev., installed X-CB 001 01 connector board, HIMax baseplate, X-FAN cooling arrangement, processor redundancy configuration, system-bus arrangement, and SILworX project requirements. HIMA’s own type-label documentation specifically identifies hardware and operating-system revision as separate fields, so these should be captured from the installed CPU before ordering a spare.
The redundancy status is particularly important. HIMA’s diagnostic indicators distinguish between an essential processor and one operating redundantly with another processor. The manual also states that defective modules must be replaced with a faultless module of the same type or an approved replacement model.
For new-surplus or refurbished X-CPU 01 inventory, request photographs of the actual type label rather than relying on a stock photograph. Record the Part-No., HW-Rev., OS-Rev., production information, and connector-board compatibility. Also confirm that the unit has not been supplied without the required X-CB 001 01 board when the project requires one; HIMA explicitly excludes the connector board and Ethernet cables from the module’s scope of delivery.
One final engineering point: do not substitute an X-CPU 31 merely because it is another HIMax processor. HIMA positions the X-CPU 31 for a different application scale, and processor slot/configuration, memory capacity, project compatibility, and safety-system design all need to be checked before treating it as an approved replacement.
