Introduction to the Modicon X80 Racks
Original instructions
About us
Introduction
The Modicon X80 racks serve as a common base for automation platforms by adding a dedicated processor (M580 or M340).
It may also part of a Quantum or M580 Ethernet I/O architectures as an Ethernet remote I/O drop.
Functionalities
The Modicon X80 racks have the following functions: Mechanical function
The racks enable all PLC station modules to be fastened (power supply module, processor, discrete/analog input/output modules, application-specific modules). These racks may be fastened on various mountings:
  • In cabinets.
  • In the machine housings.
  • On panels.
Electrical function
The racks provide:
  • The required power supply for each module on a single rack.
  • Buses for communication.
  • Service signals and data for the entire PLC station.
Types of Racks and Terminology
One key role of a rack is to provide a communication bus for the modules installed on the rack.
The X bus backplane is present on all Modicon X80 racks and all module slots have connections to the X bus backplane.
A subset of the Modicon X80 racks contains an additional Ethernet backplane. The number of module slots with connection to the Ethernet backplane is limited to 8. So, for the racks with more than eight module slots, some module slots have only connection to the X bus backplane.
Ethernet backplane is used for:
For any of these cases, use a Modicon X80 rack with dual Ethernet and X bus backplane. In other cases, a rack with only an X bus backplane is allowed. If you use an X Bus rack for any of the cases above, the Ethernet capabilities of the modules do not work, and the modules do not perform as expected.
A second key role of a rack is to provide power to the modules in the rack. A subset of the Modicon X80 racks contains an additional power supply slot to provide power redundancy.
Based on these distinct characteristics, three types of racks are available:
X80 Rack
X bus backplane
Ethernet backplane
Power redundancy
BMXXBP••••
(X bus racks)
Yes
No
No
BMEXBP••00
(Dual Ethernet and X bus racks)
Yes
Yes
No
BMEXBP••02
(Redundant power supply racks)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Modicon X80 Racks References
NOTE: The racks are available in standard or industrially hardened versions. A hardened version has the letter H appended to the reference.
This table shows the number of available slots for the power supply modules (CPS) and modules (CPU and Modicon X80 modules) for each rack reference:
Reference
CPS slots
Module slots
Total
Ethernet and X bus
X bus (only)
X bus racks
BMXXBP0400(H)
1
4
–
4
BMXXBP0600(H)
1
6
–
6
BMXXBP0800(H)
1
8
–
8
BMXXBP1200(H)
1
12
–
12
Dual Ethernet and X bus racks
BMEXBP0400(H)
1
4
4
0
BMEXBP0800(H)
1
8
8
0
BMEXBP1200(H)
1
12
8
4(1)
Redundant power supply racks
BMEXBP0602(H)
2
6
6
0
BMEXBP1002(H)
2
10
8
2(2) 
1
X bus connector only for the module slot number 02, 08, 10, and 11. 
2
X bus connector only for the module slot number 02, and 08.
Compatibilities
The compatibility rule for Modicon X80 racks is platform and/or module dependent: M340 platforms Preferentially the BMXXBP•••• racks because Ethernet backplane is not used, but all references are possible. M580 platforms BMEXBP•••• racks (dual Ethernet and X bus racks and redundant power supply racks).
NOTE: If the Ethernet backplane is not necessary, use the BMXXBP•••• with PV:02 or later. The earlier versions do not work with M580 CPUs.
Modicon X80 I/O Drop (Quantum or M580 architectures) All Modicon X80 rack references depending on the adapter module (CRA module).