384-Axis EtherCAT Motion Controller for Large-Scale Automation

The TX-201 is a 384-Axis EtherCAT Motion Controller built for large-scale automation programs that must coordinate dozens or hundreds of drives. Running a Codesys-based software environment on an Intel J4125 processor at 2.0 GHz with 4 GB DDR4 memory and a 64 GB SSD, it gives engineering teams a standardized way to structure multi-axis programs using PLCopen motion function block conventions.

Platform and Processing

The x86-class processor and solid-state storage provide the headroom needed for motion interpolation, data logging, and HMI communication in parallel. The Codesys runtime means logic and motion share one programming environment, which shortens the learning curve for controls engineers.

Axis Capacity

Controller performance is scalable. Depending on the configured model, the TX-201 supports 128, 256, or 384 axes on a 4 ms cycle. For tighter synchronization on smaller systems, the same platform runs 8 axes in 250 µs and 32 axes in 500 µs. This span lets one controller family cover everything from fast single-station machines to large multi-cell lines.

I/O and Fieldbus

On-board I/O consists of 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs. Serial communication includes RS485 and RS232, and two USB 2.0 ports are available for setup and data transfer. The network interface can be configured either as EtherCAT, to control drives and expand I/O, or as standard Ethernet to talk to host computers, HMIs, and higher-level systems. Modbus-TCP and OPC UA are supported at the application layer.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel J4125, 2.0 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB DDR4, 64 GB SSD
• Axes: 128 / 256 / 384 at 4 ms (8 axes at 250 µs, 32 axes at 500 µs)
• I/O: 4 DI, 4 DO
• Interfaces: RS485, RS232, USB 2.0 x2, EtherCAT / Ethernet
• Protocols: Modbus-TCP, OPC UA, EtherCAT

Application Landscape

The TX-201 is positioned for factory automation, robotics, packaging machinery, CNC machine tools, semiconductor equipment, inspection equipment, and material handling, where high axis counts and EtherCAT connectivity are required together. Large rotary tables, multi-station assembly lines, and synchronized conveyor systems benefit from the 384-axis budget and the deterministic 4 ms cycle.

Configuration Notes

Select the axis configuration that matches the machine size, and confirm that the EtherCAT topology can be serviced within the cycle budget. Because OPC UA and Modbus-TCP are supported, the controller integrates cleanly into existing line management software. Lyenwsin can help you specify the right memory and axis configuration for your project.